In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the 20 largest music festivals in the United States, exploring their history, lineup, attendance, and what makes them unique.
The 20 largest Music festivals in The United States
#1. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
Summerfest
- Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Dates: June–July (over three weeks)
- Attendance: 760,000
- Genre: Multi-genre
- Headliners: The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and Dua Lipa
- Fun fact: Summerfest is the largest music festival in the United States, with over 1,000 performances across 12 stages.
#2. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Dates: First weekend in October
- Attendance: 750,000+
#3. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festiva
- Location: Indio, California
- Dates: April (over two weekends)
- Attendance: 125,000+ per weekend
- Genre: Multi-genre
- Headliners: Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and The Weeknd
- Fun fact: Coachella is known for its fashion, food, and art installations, making it a trendy and Instagram-worthy event.
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#4. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
Essence Festival
- Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Dates: June-July
- Attendance: 60,000+ per day
- Genre: R&B, hip-hop, and jazz
- Headliners: Janet Jackson, Bruno Mars, and The Roots
- Fun fact: Essence Festival celebrates African American culture, music, and entertainment
#5. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
- Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Dates: April–May (over two weekends)
- Attendance: 70,000+ per day
- Genre: Jazz, blues, and heritage music
- Headliners: The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Katy Perry
- Fun fact: Jazz Fest celebrates the rich musical heritage of New Orleans, with a focus on local cuisine, crafts, and culture.
#6. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
Austin City Limits Music Festival, Austin, Texas
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Dates: October
- Attendance: 75,000+ per day
- Genre: Multi-genre
- Headliners: Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and Kendrick Lamar
- Fun fact: ACL is a two-weekend festival, with identical lineups each weekend.
In between the music, there are spaces for selfies, plenty of merch, and even a mini-fest for kids, as well as the best in local cuisine, from vegan options to good old Texas barbecue.
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#7. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
Lollapalooza
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Dates: July
- Attendance: 100,000+ per day
- Genre: Multi-genre
- Headliners: Metallica, Dua Lipa, and J. Cole
- Fun fact: Lollapalooza started as a touring festival in 1991 and has since expanded to multiple cities worldwide.
Lollapalooza not only features the best in music but is fun for the whole family. There’s a smaller Kidzapalooza area catering to children with concerts, art, and music workshops tailored to their tastes.
#8. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Dates: May
- Attendance: 460,000+
- Genre: Electronic dance music (EDM)
- Headliners: Calvin Harris, The Chainsmokers, and Marshmello
- Fun fact: EDC is one of the largest electronic music festivals in the world, featuring elaborate stage designs and pyrotechnics.
The festival also features art that rivals that of what you’d expect at Burning Man, such as massive three-dimensional pieces and glow-in-the-dark environments teeming with bright colors. Carnival rides and roaming performers round out this surreal experience.
#9. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
- Location: Manchester, Tennessee
- Dates: June
- Attendance: 80,000+
- Genre: Multi-genre
- Headliners: U2, The Weekend, and Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Fun fact: Bonnaroo is known for its jam band and folk performances, as well as its interactive art installations.
The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is an annual four-day event. It is held in June at Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee.
It showcases a variety of live music across multiple stages, featuring genres such as indie rock, classic rock, world music, hip hop, jazz, Americana, bluegrass, country, folk, gospel, reggae, pop, and electronic music.
The festival, which started in 2002, is held at Great Stage Park, a sprawling 700-acre farm in Manchester. With over 150 music and comedy acts performing across ten stages, it offers an extensive lineup.
Unlike many large music festivals, it strongly promotes recycling and sustainability, allowing attendees to enjoy great music while also contributing to environmental efforts.
Ticket options include general admission and upgraded passes, both of which provide access to the campgrounds, 150 food and drink vendors, free water stations, and various other amenities. Camping choices range from basic car camping to glamping and RV camping.
For those without camping gear, pre-set tents are available for booking. It’s recommended to reserve your accommodations early, as they tend to sell out quickly.
#10. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
Governors Ball Music Festival
- Location: New York City, New York
- Dates: June
- Attendance: 45,000+ per day
- Genre: Multi-genre
- Headliners: The Strokes, Florence + The Machine, and Nas
- Fun fact: Governors Ball features a mix of established and emerging artists, with a focus on NYC’s.
The 2024 Governors Ball Music Festival is scheduled to take place from Friday, June 7 to Sunday, June 9, at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. The event will be headlined by The Killers, Post Malone, and SZA.
Attendees can enjoy a diverse range of music genres, such as rock, electronic, hip-hop, indie, pop, and folk. In addition to the musical performances, the festival will offer food from some of New York City’s top restaurants.
#11. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
South by Southwest (SXSW)
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Dates: March
- Attendance: 70,000+ (music festival only)
- Genre: Multi-genre
- Headliners: Various emerging and established artists
- Fun fact: SXSW is a conference and festival hybrid, featuring film, interactive media, and music components.
SXSW is a globally renowned festival and conference that highlights the intersection of technology, film, music, education, and culture.
Held each March in Austin, Texas, the event includes diverse activities such as the SXSW Music Festival, SXSW Film Festival, and SXSW Comedy. The 2025 edition is scheduled for March 7–15.
#12. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
Rolling Loud
- Location: Inglewood, California
- Dates: March
- Attendance: 70,000+ (music festival only)
- Genre: Multi-genre
- Headliners: Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, Future, Kodak Black, Trippie Redd, Don Toliver, Kevin Gates, City Girls, BabyTron, Tory Lanez, OhGeesy, Coi Leray.
The Rolling Loud Music Festival, an international hip-hop event, has been held across continents, including Asia, North America, South America, Europe, and Australia.
Established in 2015 by childhood friends Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif from Hollywood, Florida, it is recognized as one of the largest and most significant hip-hop festivals globally, often described as the definitive hip-hop festival.
#13. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
The Big Ears Festival
- Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
- Dates: March
- Headliners: Arooj Aftab, Marc Bidot, Sam Gendel, William Parker, Exploding Star Orchestra, Coffin/Perlson/Krauss, Liturgy, New Future City Radio, Phill Niblock, Shane Parish, The Bad Plus, Grouper, Andrew Bird.
The Big Ears Festival is a yearly music festival that takes place in Knoxville, Tennessee. Known for its eclectic and avant-garde lineup, the festival features a diverse range of genres, including rock, jazz, classical, electronic, and experimental music.
It attracts both well-known and emerging artists, offering a unique blend of performances, installations, and discussions. Since its inception, Big Ears has gained a reputation for its innovative programming and immersive experience, drawing music enthusiasts from around the world.
#14. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
Ultra Music Festival
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Dates: March
- Headliners: David Guetta, Afrojack, Armin van Buuren, Alesso, Charlotte de Witte, Dubfire, Vintage Culture, CamelPhat, Carl Cox, Gareth Emery, Gigantic NGHTMRE, Grimes, Marshmello, Michael Bibi, Subtronics, Tale of Us, and M.I.A.
Held at Bayfront Park in the vibrant downtown Miami, Florida, the Ultra Music Festival is one of the largest electronic music festivals in the world, featuring some of the best DJs globally.
Since its inception in 1999, the festival has presented a diverse lineup of both renowned and emerging DJs, offering top talent a platform to demonstrate their skills.
Tickets for the three-day event range from general admission to VIP, and they sell out rapidly. To secure your preferred ticket type, purchase them as early as possible.
The festival’s prime downtown Miami location provides numerous hotel options, but prices tend to spike around the event. To find reasonably priced accommodations, it’s advisable to book well in advance.
#15. Biggest Music Festivals in The World
Pitchfork Music Festival
- Location: Union Park, Chicago
- Dates: To Be Announced
- Attendance: 50,000+
- Headliners: Phoebe Bridgers, Thundercat, Big Thief, Kim Gordon
Another festival held in Chicago, Pitchfork is renowned for its skill in selecting the best contemporary indie artists. Although it doesn’t attract the massive crowds of some other festivals, it appeals to fans who have a deeper appreciation for music beyond the mainstream.
The Pitchfork Music Festival, held in Chicago, is celebrated for its expert curation of top contemporary indie artists. While it doesn’t draw the enormous crowds seen at some other festivals, it attracts fans who have a deep appreciation for music that goes beyond the mainstream.
#16. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Dates: August
- Headliners: TBD
The Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival, a three-day event held in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, celebrates many of life’s best things, including music, art, beer, wine, cannabis, and the city’s unique spirit.
Since its inception in 2008 with performances by Radiohead, the festival has featured acts like Green Day, Weezer, ILLENIUM, and Pussy Riot. While the 2023 lineup hasn’t been announced yet, it’s expected to be spectacular.
The festival offers more than 30 craft breweries and over 100 different wines, along with pop-up restaurants run by some of San Francisco’s favorite eateries. Additionally, there is Grass Lands, a 21-and-over exhibit where attendees can learn about the various uses of cannabis and its integration into daily life.
#17. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
Firefly Festival
- Location: Dover, Delaware
- Dates: To Be Announced
- Attendance: 50,000+
- Headliners: Tame Impala, Billie Eilish, The Killers, and others TBD.
The Firefly Music Festival is a music festival held annually in Dover, Delaware, at the Dover Motor Speedway. The festival was first held in 2012 and has been held every year since then, except for 2020, when it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and 2023, when it was on hiatus.
Firefly Music Festival has hosted many famous performers, such as Jack White, The Killers, The Black Keys, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
The Firefly Festival, held on the East Coast, is one of the largest multi-genre music festivals. It features seven stages, campsites, and a wide variety of food and drink vendors. The festival provides attendees with an eclectic mix of indie, rock, electronic, hip-hop, and pop music from a lineup of well-known performers.
#18. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
Life Is Beautiful Music & Arts Festival
- Location: Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada
- Dates: September
- Duration: Three days
- Genre: Music, art and culinary
- Attendance: 180,000+
- Headliners: The Killers, Kendrick Lamar, Odesza, Khalid, The 1975, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kim Petras and more
- History: The festival was founded in 2013 by Rehan Choudhry and was acquired by Penske Media Corporation in 2022
The Life Is Beautiful Music & Arts Festival, held in downtown Las Vegas, is a vibrant celebration of music, art, and culture. Spanning multiple days, the festival features an impressive lineup of musical acts across various genres, immersive art installations, culinary experiences, and inspirational speakers.
Since its inception, Life Is Beautiful has become a highlight event, drawing attendees from around the world to experience its unique blend of creativity and entertainment.
#19. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
Stagecoach Festival
- Location: Empire Polo Club in Indio, California
- Dates: April
- Attendance: 75, 000+
- Headliners: Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, and Morgan Wallen
The Stagecoach Festival is a yearly country music festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. The festival will be held from April 26 to 28, 2024. The festival was first held in 2007 and has since become the largest and highest-grossing country music festival in the world.
Get ready to saddle up and swing your partner at Stagecoach Festival, the country cousin of Coachella, held at the same iconic Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.
This foot-stompin’ weekend extravaganza invites you to don your cowboy boots and hat for a rootin’-tootin’ good time. Beyond the music, explore Nikki Lane’s vintage boutique, savor Guy Fieri’s culinary delights, and take a spin on the Ferris wheel for a bird’s-eye view of the entire festival grounds.
#20. Largest Music Festivals in The United States
Jazz & Heritage Festival (New Orleans, LA)
Since its inception in 1970, Jazz Fest has become an enduring and iconic music festival in the US, drawing a massive crowd of around 500,000 attendees. Unlike other festivals that often rely on reformed alt-rock bands, Jazz Fest consistently boasts legendary headliners worthy of Hall of Fame status.
The 2023 lineup exemplified this, featuring an eclectic mix of renowned artists such as Gary Clark Jr., Leon Bridges, Jon Batiste, Jill Scott, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Kane Brown, H.E.R., Steve Miller Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, showcasing a diverse range of genres beyond just jazz.
How to attend the Largest Music Festivals in The United States
- Research: Look up the top music festivals in the US, such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo. Check their dates, lineups, and genres to find the best fit for you.
- Tickets: Buy tickets promptly, as popular festivals sell out quickly. Consider purchasing a VIP package for perks like priority entry and exclusive viewing areas.
- Accommodation: Book your lodging or camping spot in advance, as options near the festival grounds fill up fast.
- Transportation: Plan your travel and parking in advance, or consider shuttle services or carpooling.
- Festival Prep: Pack essentials like sunscreen, water, a portable charger, and comfortable clothing.
- Festival Etiquette: Respect the venue, fellow attendees, and the environment. Follow the festival rules and guidelines.
- Enjoy the Experience: Immerse yourself in the music, food, and art. Explore new artists, try local cuisine, and make unforgettable memories!
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