Get ready to dance under the stars, feel the beat in your bones, and create
memories that will last a lifetime! The United States is home to some of the most
incredible outdoor music festivals in the world, and we’re about to take you on a tour
of the towns that host them.
From small, quirky gatherings to massive, star-studded events, these towns know
how to throw a party.
Manchester, Tennessee
Home to the legendary Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, this small town transforms
into a music lover’s paradise every June. With multiple stages, diverse lineups, and a
sea of colorful tents, Bonnaroo is like a mini-city of music.
Don’t forget to check out the Ferris wheel for a birds-eye view of the festivities!
Indio, California
Ever heard of a little festival called Coachella? This desert town hosts one of the
most famous music events in the world, drawing A-list performers and fashion-
forward attendees.
But Indio isn’t a one-hit wonder – it’s also home to the country music extravaganza Stagecoach Festival. How’s that for range?
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Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City brings the heat with Lollapalooza, a four-day musical marathon in
Grant Park. With the stunning Chicago skyline as a backdrop, you’ll groove to
everything from rock to hip-hop to electronic dance music.
Austin, Texas
Keep it weird at Austin City Limits Music Festival, where you can two-step to country,
headbang to rock, and everything in between. This two-weekend event in Zilker Park
is as diverse as the city itself.
Hungry? Don’t miss the food vendor area showcasing Austin’s famous culinary scene.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Laissez les bons temps rouler at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival! This Big
Easy tradition celebrates the city’s rich musical heritage with jazz, blues, gospel, and more.
Between sets, feast on local delicacies like crawfish monica and muffulettas.
Can you think of a better way to experience NOLA culture?
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Newport, Rhode Island
Sail into the Newport Folk Festival, where folk, blues, and country music meet the
Atlantic Ocean. Held at Fort Adams State Park, this historic festival has been
grooving since 1959.
After the shows, explore Newport’s charming downtown and Gilded Age mansions.
George, Washington
No, not that Washington! The Gorge Amphitheatre in this small town hosts multiple
festivals, including Sasquatch! Music Festival and Watershed Festival. With the
Columbia River Gorge as a backdrop, it’s often called ‘The most beautiful place to
see live music in the world.’
The views are as great as the music!
Rothbury, Michigan
The Electric Forest Festival turns this tiny town into a magical wonderland of music
and art. Known for its impressive light shows and installations in Sherwood Forest,
this EDM-heavy fest is a feast for all senses.
Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a secret party in the woods!
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Dover, Delaware
Firefly Music Festival lights up the Woodlands of Dover International Speedway
every summer. With seven stages and a mix of big names and up-and-comers,
there’s something for every music fan.
Need a break from the crowds? Check out the Nook, a quiet area with hammocks and charging stations.
Black Rock City, Nevada
Okay, it’s not a real town, but Burning Man creates a temporary city in the Black
Rock Desert every year. While not strictly a music festival, the event features
numerous sound camps and art cars pumping out tunes.
Louisville, Kentucky
Bourbon and tunes? Yes, please! Forecastle Festival brings an eclectic lineup to
Waterfront Park every July. Between sets, learn about ocean conservation at the Forecastle Foundation’s booth or sip some of Kentucky’s finest at the Bourbon
Lodge.
It’s a perfect blend of music and local culture!
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Telluride, Colorado
Nestled in a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride hosts several festivals,
including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. With its stunning alpine setting, this town
is worth visiting for the views alone.
Add world-class bluegrass and folk music, and you’ve got yourself a little slice of mountain heaven!
Bethel, New York
Step back in time at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, built on the site of the
original 1969 Woodstock festival. While the legendary Woodstock isn’t an annual
event, this venue hosts numerous outdoor concerts and the Mountain Jam music
festival.
San Francisco, California
Golden Gate Park transforms into a music mecca during the Outside Lands Music
and Arts Festival. This eco-friendly fest showcases not just music, but also the best
of Bay Area food, wine, and art.
Don’t miss Winelands, where you can sip California vintages between sets!
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Ozark, Arkansas
Mulberry Mountain near Ozark is home to Wakarusa Music Festival, a four-day
camping fest that’s as much about the experience as it is about the music. With art
installations, workshops, and even a waterfall on site, it’s like a summer camp for
music-loving adults.
Who says growing up means the fun has to stop?
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Summerfest bills itself as ‘The World’s Largest Music Festival,’ and with good
reason. This 11-day extravaganza features over 1000 performances across multiple
stages.
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, it’s the perfect place to enjoy music
with a cool lake breeze. Don’t forget to try some of Milwaukee’s famous beer and
cheese curds!
Manchester, Vermont
Nestled in the Green Mountains, Manchester hosts the Green Mountain Bluegrass &
Roots Festival. This intimate gathering celebrates acoustic music in a picturesque
setting.
Between sets, explore the town’s charming New England architecture and hit
up some outlet stores.
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Chillicothe, Illinois
Summer Camp Music Festival turns Three Sisters Park into a musical playground
every Memorial Day weekend. With a mix of jam bands, electronic music, and more,
this fest has a laid-back, anything-goes vibe.
Join a drum circle, take a workshop, or just chill in your hammock – the choice is yours!
Wilkesboro, North Carolina
MerleFest, held on the campus of Wilkes Community College, is a celebration of
‘traditional plus’ music. Named in memory of Doc Watson’s son Merle, this festival
showcases bluegrass, country, blues, and more.
It’s like a crash course in American roots music – you’ll be tapping your feet the whole time!
Quincy, California
High Sierra Music Festival brings the party to the northern Sierra Nevada mountains.
With a mix of established acts and rising stars, plus activities like yoga and costume
parades, this fest has a little something for everyone.
And with the beautiful Plumas National Forest nearby, you can add some hiking to your festival experience!
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Let the Music Move You
From the deserts of California to the mountains of Vermont, these towns know how
to celebrate music in style. Whether you’re into massive productions like Coachella
or intimate gatherings like MerleFest, there’s an outdoor music festival waiting for
you.
So start planning your musical adventure – the only question is, which town will
you visit first?
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