Top Music Festivals in North America to Experience This Summer

While Coachella is often considered the pinnacle of the music festival scene, there’s no need to fret if tickets have slipped through your fingers this year. North America boasts an abundance of festivals catering to a diverse range of music tastes.

Here are our favorite events to keep you dancing throughout the summer.

Forecastle, Louisville, KY

This homegrown festival started as a small community event in 2002 and has evolved into a mainstay on the festival circuit. Held in Louisville’s Waterfront Park, this festival remains true to its roots by featuring numerous local talents alongside internationally acclaimed acts. The festival’s food and drink options showcase the best the city has to offer. Consequently, if you’re looking for a laid-back festival infused with personality, Forecastle is an excellent choice.

Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, LA

New Orleans is the beating heart of the musical South, and the 50-year-old Jazz Fest is central to its musical legacy. This festival melds local and mainstream artists into an event full of Louisiana soul, making it the city’s second-biggest event (after Mardi Gras). The festival is dedicated to showcasing the region’s rich heritage by converting the Grandstand into a museum, hosting exhibitions related to the state’s Native American, Cajun, and African American cultures. Jazz Fest also features a crafts fair and a cultural exchange pavilion.

Riot Fest, Chicago, IL

Feel the urge to mosh, jump, and rock out? Chicago’s Riot Fest is the place to be. As a response to the numerous festivals highlighting pop and mainstream alt-rock, this festival focuses on tunes that are heavy on the bass and brimming with swagger. With artists like Patti Smith, Nine Inch Nails, Rancid, Blink 182, and Wu-Tang Clan gracing the line-up, Riot Fest fulfills the craving for intense headbanging.

Squamish Constellation Festival, Squamish, BC

The Constellation Festival has recently joined the Canadian music festival scene, replacing the much larger Squamish Valley Music Festival, whose last event was in 2018. This festival aims to create a more intimate, sustainable experience. British Columbia’s first zero-waste festival focuses on a curated line-up of Canadian artists, all set against the stunning mountain backdrop the Squamish Valley is known for.

Bottle Rock, Napa Valley, California

Coachella isn’t California’s only big-name music fest. BottleRock in Napa Valley has quickly gained popularity since its debut in 2013. It combines music, wine, and gastronomy, creating a dynamic festival experience. Dubbed by Bruno Mars as the “Fancy Coachella,” BottleRock is celebrated for its excellent organization and crowd management, featuring acts ranging from popular bands to classic favorites—all with a West Coast flair.

Bonnaroo, Manchester, TN

Bonnaroo is a beloved mainstay in the music festival scene, held in a sprawling field just south of Nashville, Tennessee. The music roster has evolved over time, showcasing some of the best talent across pop, hip-hop, rap, rock, and more. Despite its fame, Bonnaroo has managed to keep its friendly atmosphere, focusing on radiating positivity through eclectic art installations, sustainability workshops, and wellness activities.

Vive Latino, Mexico City, MX

Journey to the enchanting Mexico City to experience Vive Latino, one of the largest music festivals in Latin America. This event highlights a rock-focused contingent of mainly Spanish-language talent, ranging from local punk rock bands to electronic and house stars, along with big names such as Guns and Roses. It offers a refreshing break from the ubiquitous presence of reggaetón.

Hangout Festival, Gulf Shores, FL

If you’re torn between spending your vacation days at a music festival or a beach getaway, look no further than the Hangout Festival. Located on the beach along the pristine waters of Gulf Shores, attendees can enjoy sun, surf, and sand while watching their favorite pop and rock bands. Other activities include skating at the festival’s roller disco, relaxing on Hammock Beach, or even getting married at the Hangout Wedding Chapel.

Dirtybird Campout, Modesto, CA

Experiencing the combination of an EDM festival with summer camp is a peculiar yet delightful offering of the Dirtybird Campout. This festival incorporates nostalgic camp aesthetics along with fun games designed to keep attendees entertained—try your hand at tug of war, dodgeball, kayaking, archery, and more.

Other Noteworthy Festivals:

• Afropunk, Brooklyn, NY – A cultural and performing arts festival featuring music, visual art, and fashion from black artists.
• Summerfest, Milwaukee, WI – One of the biggest and longest-running music festivals in the USA.
• The Ride Festival, Telluride, CO – For folk rock enthusiasts, head to Telluride for this stunning mountain festival.