Enjoy the best music festivals in the United States.
The Music festivals in the United States are legendary. Here, you can enjoy different sounds. No matter your music taste, you will find something unique and special for you. Imagine traveling to the city of stars and enjoying a fantastic night with electric crowds and unforgettable performances. From rock and punk to EDM and Latin music, there are perfect music festivals in the United States that you can enjoy.
One of the greatest feelings in the world is to travel to another country and enjoy a music festival. You can meet travelers and music lovers from all over the world to sing your favorite songs. Or even better, you can discover new artists, bands, songs, and friends that will be forever in your heart.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 12 best music festivals in the United States, plus a bonus section featuring the top three country music festivals. Get ready for travel tips, artist highlights, ticket information, and more!
Brookside at the Rose Bowl is located in Pasadena, CA. If you like these dark waves vibes and want to feel like a sexy vampire, check out Darker Waves Fest.
The festival will take place on May 17, 2025.
Cruel World Fest is famous for featuring iconic bands from the new wave, post-punk, and alternative rock genres. The 2025 lineup includes headliners such as New Order, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Devo, The Go-Go’s, and ‘Til Tuesday. Other notable acts are Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Garbage, Madness, Death Cult, and The Buzzcocks.
Pasadena is accessible via several major highways, including the I-210 and I-110. For those flying in, the closest airport is Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), approximately 16 miles from the venue. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 28 miles away.
Public transportation options include the Metro Gold Line, which has a station in Pasadena. Ride-sharing services and designated parking areas are also available.
The tickets are available for purchase through the official festival website (https://cruelworldfest.com/) and authorized ticketing partners. Various packages, including general admission and VIP options, are offered. Buying tickets early is advisable, as the festival has a history of selling out quickly.
Hotels in Pasadena and the surrounding areas offer accommodations for festival-goers. The festival’s official partners may provide special packages, including tickets and lodging.
Lollapalooza is a must for every alternative, pop, and EDM fan. This one is one of the greatest music festivals in the world, and you will surely adore it. It takes place in Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois. If you like Lolla’s vibes, check out Outside Lands Music Festival.
The festival happens annually during the first weekend of August, four days from Thursday to Sunday.
Lollapalooza is one of the most iconic and best music festivals in the United States. It is known for its diverse lineup, which covers rock, hip-hop, electronic, and pop. What started as a touring festival in 1991 has become a must-attend event in Chicago, drawing nearly 400,000 music lovers annually. Beyond music, Lollapalooza offers art installations, food vendors, and interactive experiences, making it a cultural phenomenon.
Tickets for Lollapalooza typically go on sale in March or April via the official Lollapalooza website (www.lollapalooza.com). You can choose from:
💡 Tip: Tickets sell out fast, so buy them as soon as they are released! If you miss the initial sale, check out resale platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek.
Ultra Music Festival takes place in Miami, Florida, with Bayfront Park as its perfect stage. This location provides a nice waterfront backdrop, with Miami’s skyline lighting the night as electronic beats pulse through the crowd.
Ultra Music Festival is held annually in March, typically marking the start of the festival season in the U.S. The event spans three electrifying days, usually over a weekend, drawing electronic dance music (EDM) lovers from across the globe.
Ultra Music Festival is one of the most legendary electronic dance music festivals worldwide. Founded in 1999, it has grown from a small gathering on Miami Beach to a massive multi-stage spectacle that attracts over 165,000 attendees each year. The festival is famous for its mind-blowing stage production, pyrotechnics, and high-energy performances, making it a bucket-list event for EDM fans.
The official Ultra Music Festival website (ultramusicfestival.com)
Authorized ticket vendors, such as Ticketmaster, StubHub, and Festicket.
Luxury Stays: InterContinental Miami (walking distance), W Miami (stylish and modern), Mandarin Oriental (exclusive island getaway).
Mid-Range Hotels: Hyatt Regency Miami (close to the venue), Kimpton EPIC Hotel (great views, good pricing).
Budget-Friendly Options: Selina Miami River (trendy hostel with private rooms), Holiday Inn Port of Miami (affordable and convenient).
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival occurs at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. This scenic desert location in the Inland Empire region of Southern California is about 130 miles east of Los Angeles and near the resort city of Palm Springs.
Coachella is an annual event held over two consecutive weekends in April. The lineup remains the same for both weekends, giving fans flexibility in choosing when to attend.
Coachella is one of the world’s biggest and most influential music festivals. It is known for its diverse lineup, incredible art installations, and trendsetting fashion scene. Established in 1999, it has evolved into a cultural phenomenon that attracts over 250,000 attendees.
The festival covers a range of genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic, and indie music. Beyond music, Coachella features large-scale art installations, immersive experiences, and world-class food vendors.
Tickets for Coachella are available exclusively through the official website (www.coachella.com). They sell out quickly, so it’s essential to plan ahead. Here’s how you can secure yours:
Shuttle Packages: Coachella offers hotel & shuttle packages that include festival passes and transportation to and from the venue.
Camping at Coachella: The festival offers on-site camping options, including car camping, tent camping, and luxury camping (Lake Eldorado).
Hotels & Resorts: Nearby cities like Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Indio have numerous hotel options. However, they book up quickly, so reserve early.
Airbnb & Vacation Rentals: For a more private and comfortable stay, you can rent houses or condos in the area.
EDC is held in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a massive venue transforming into an electrifying wonderland of lights, music, and art.
EDC usually takes place in May, spanning three nights from Friday to Sunday. The 2024 edition, for example, was held from May 17-19.
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) is one of the world’s largest and most iconic electronic dance music (EDM) festivals. It features jaw-dropping stage designs, immersive art installations, thrilling carnival rides, and high-energy performances from top DJs and producers. The festival brings together hundreds of thousands of attendees dressed in vibrant, neon-themed outfits, creating a one-of-a-kind sensory experience.
Tickets for EDC Las Vegas are available on:
Las Vegas Festival Grounds, Las Vegas, Nevada. Also, check out the Welcome to Rockville festival if you like these rock vibes.
Typically held in October (exact dates vary each year).
When We Were Young is a nostalgic music festival celebrating the golden era of pop-punk, emo, and alternative rock. Featuring legendary bands from the early 2000s alongside newer artists keeping the scene alive, this festival is a dream for fans of My Chemical Romance, Blink-182, Paramore, and more. With a high-energy atmosphere, multiple stages, and a crowd of die-hard fans, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime throwback experience.
Las Vegas Festival Grounds, Las Vegas, Nevada. It has changed its location and the date of the festival. Hopefully, they will return soon. 🙁
Annually in spring (typically in April or May)
Sick New World is a must-attend festival for fans of rock, metal, and alternative music. Launched in 2023, it quickly became one of the most anticipated events for heavy music lovers. It features a mix of nu-metal legends, hardcore acts, and fresh up-and-coming artists.
Set in the heart of Las Vegas, the festival brings an electrifying atmosphere, mosh pits, and a nostalgic yet modern lineup that pays homage to the 2000s alternative scene.
Circuit of the Americas, located in Austin, Texas, is renowned for hosting major events, including concerts and motorsports. Check out a new related music festival in the United States with the same theme: Sueños Music Festival.
April 5, 2025.
The Besame Mucho Festival celebrates Latin music, bringing together a diverse lineup of artists across various genres. The 2025 festival promises an unforgettable experience with performances from some of the most iconic names in Latin music.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the closest major airport to the venue. To reach the Circuit of the Americas, you can rent a car from the airport, use ride-sharing services, or take public transportation. It’s advisable to check the festival’s official website closer to the event date for detailed transportation options and recommendations.
While the specific lineup for the 2025 festival has not been fully disclosed, previous editions have featured renowned artists such as Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, and Los Tigres del Norte. Expect a mix of legendary performers and emerging talents, ensuring a dynamic and entertaining experience.
Tickets for the Besame Mucho Festival can be purchased through the official festival website, besamemuchoaustin.com. You should buy tickets early, as the festival sells out quickly.
Austin offers various lodging options to suit different budgets and preferences. The festival’s official website provides hotel packages that bundle accommodations with festival tickets.
Chicago, Illinois
Riot Fest takes place every September, typically over a three-day weekend in Douglas Park (though it was moved to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview in 2023). The festival usually runs from Friday to Sunday.
Riot Fest is one of the most beloved alternative music festivals in the United States, with a heavy focus on punk, rock, emo, and metal. Established in 2005, it has become a massive event featuring multiple stages, carnival rides, and sideshow attractions. Riot Fest is known for its legendary full-album performances, long-awaited band reunions, and an atmosphere that feels like a giant family gathering for misfits and music lovers.
The festival is held at Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101.
While the 2025 date hasn’t been officially announced, previous events have been scheduled for early November.
Established by Deftones, Dia de los Deftones celebrates diverse music genres, bringing together a mix of rock, metal, and alternative artists. The festival offers fans a unique experience with performances from established and emerging acts.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the closest major airport to Petco Park. You can take a taxi, rideshare, or public transportation from the airport to downtown San Diego. The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) offers trolley and bus services that stop near Petco Park. Additionally, parking is available around the venue, but using public transportation or rideshares is recommended due to limited parking during events.
Over the years, Dia de los Deftones has featured various notable artists. For instance, the 2024 lineup included IDLES, Sunny Day Real Estate, Health, and Duster. In previous years, acts like 100 Gecs, Knocked Loose, and Doechii have graced the stage.
Tickets for Dia de los Deftones are typically available through Ticketmaster. It is advisable to purchase tickets early, as the festival often sells out quickly. Keep an eye on Deftones’ official website and social media channels for announcements regarding ticket sales.
Downtown San Diego offers a range of accommodations within walking distance of Petco Park. Options include the Omni San Diego Hotel, the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, and the Hard Rock Hotel.
Burning Man is an annual event in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, approximately 100 miles northeast of Reno. In 2025, the event will be held from August 24 to September 1.
In 2025, the event is scheduled from August 24 to September 1.
Burning Man is a week-long gathering emphasizing community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. Participants, known as “Burners,” create Black Rock City, a temporary metropolis dedicated to art and creativity. The event culminates with the burning of a large wooden effigy known as “The Man.”
The nearest major airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO). From Reno, you can drive approximately 120 miles to the event site. Many participants opt to rent vehicles or RVs for the journey. The Burner Express Bus also directly offers transportation from Reno and San Francisco to Black Rock City.
Unlike traditional festivals, Burning Man does not feature scheduled performances or headlining artists. Instead, participants create and share art installations, theme camps, and spontaneous performances. The event thrives on the creativity and contributions of its attendees, making each experience unique.
Ticket prices for Burning Man 2025 start at $550 and can go up to $3,000, depending on the tier and availability. The main ticket sale, known as the “Today Sale,” is scheduled for February 12, 2025. Registering and being prepared is essential, as tickets often sell out quickly.
Accommodations within Black Rock City primarily consist of personal tents, RVs, or structures built by participants. There are no traditional hotels or lodging facilities on-site. Some choose to stay in nearby towns before or after the event, but during Burning Man, all participants are expected to be self-reliant and bring shelter and supplies.
Historic Crew Stadium, located at One Black and Gold Blvd, Columbus, OH 43211, serves as the festival’s venue. This iconic stadium has a rich history of hosting major music events and offers ample space for multiple stages and amenities.
The 2025 Sonic Temple Festival will be held from May 8-11.
Sonic Temple is renowned for its diverse lineup, featuring a blend of legendary acts and emerging artists across the rock and metal genres. The 2025 festival promises over 100 bands performing over four days, making it a must-attend event for music enthusiasts.
Columbus is accessible via John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), approximately 7 miles from the stadium. You can have rideshare services, taxis, or public transportation to reach the venue. For those driving, parking passes are available for purchase through the festival’s official channels.
The 2025 lineup boasts an impressive array of headliners:
Tickets can be purchased through the official festival website or authorized sellers. Layaway plans are available, starting at $10 down, allowing fans to secure passes and pay over time.
The festival has partnered with Jampack to offer packages that include weekend passes and discounted hotel reservations. These packages provide access to nearby hotels, shuttle services, and other exclusive perks.
📍 Location: Indio, California
📅 When: April. Check out more about this event here.
📍 Location: Nashville, Tennessee
📅 When: June. Check out more about this festival here.
📍 Locations: Arizona, Wisconsin, Florida
📅 When: Various dates. Check out more about this music festival here.
From EDM and punk to country and nu-metal, the number of music festivals in the United States is more significant than ever. This country’s history with music festivals goes beyond any barrier or wall. We appreciated the peace and love vibes at Woodstock 69, and we continue to feel them with incredible events like Lollapalooza and Coachella.
Indeed, music unites people’s hearts regardless of nationalities and musical tastes. What are you waiting for? Get your dance moves, water bottle, and physical condition ready to experience one of these wonderful and electrifying music festivals in the United States. Check out these other music festivals that you will love:
Which festival are you excited for? Which one have you already experienced? Tell us in the comment section below! 🎶🎟️
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