2024′s music festival season has officially begun and it’s time to start planning for an unforgettable summer of music, art and one-of-a-kind experiences. With dozens of big festivals to look forward to in the upcoming months, it can be hard narrow-down all the choices, but we’ve compiled the top 20 best summer music festivals you don’t want to miss. No matter which music genres you gravitate toward or where you reside in the country, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer.
Below, you can find everything you need to know about this year’s must-see music festivals, including dates, headliners and where to get the best deals on tickets from platforms like Vivid Seats, StubHub and SeatGeek. It’s important to note, ticket prices and availability are noted at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Related: Summer concerts in Upstate NY: A huge list of shows for 2024 (tickets, info)
Roots Picnic
Beginning in 2012, the annual Roots Picnic music festival was created by Philadelphia hip-hop group The Roots and celebrates the city’s musical, artistic and cultural background by spotlighting local and big names in hip-hop, rap and R&B.
When: Saturday, June 1 - Sunday, June 2, 2024
Where: The Mann at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, PA
Headliners: Jill Scott, Nas, Lil Wayne & The Roots, André 3000, Gunna
Tickets: One-day and two-day general admission tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub or SeatGeek.
Summer Jam
Summer Jam is an annual, one-day music festival hosted by New York-based radio station Hot 97FM and features New York and national acts in hip-hop and R&B.
When: Sunday, June 2, 2024
Where: The UBS Arena in Belmont Park, New York
Headliners: Sexyy Red, Doja Cat & Friends, French Montana, Davido and more
Tickets: Ticketmaster has limited standard admission seating available, but greater availability and deals are offered by Vivid Seats, StubHub or SeatGeek.
CMA Fest
CMA Fest is an annual, four-day country music festival in Nashville, TN, hosted by the Country Music Association (CMA). The festival features a lineup of country music’s biggest artists across ten stages, including the Nissan Stadium and the Ascend Amphitheater.
When: Thursday, June 6 - Sunday, June 9, 2024
Where: Nissan Stadium & Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, TN
Headliners: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Luke Bryan, Jelly Roll, HARDY and more
Tickets: One-night and four-night tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub or SeatGeek. Ticketmaster also has limited standard admission seating available.
Governors Ball
Governors Ball, also known as Gov Ball, is an annual, three-day, multi-genre music festival in New York City. This year, 60+ of the world’s best artists in rock, pop, indie, hip-hop and more will be featured across three stages, in addition to games, activities and New York’s hottest restaurants and food trucks.
When: Friday, June 7 - Sunday, June 9, 2024
Where: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, NYC
Headliners: Post Malone, Rauw Alejandro, The Killers, 21 Savage, SZA, Peso Pluma
Tickets: Three-day, two-day and one-day tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub or SeatGeek.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
Bonnaroo is an annual, four-day, multi-genre music and arts festival in Manchester, TN. The festival takes place on a 700-acre farm across multiple stages and features performances from the biggest names in rock, hip-hop, pop and more, in addition to comedy, theater, film and activities.
When: Thursday, June 13 - Sunday, June 16, 2024
Where: Great Stage Park in Manchester, TN
Headliners: Pretty Lights, Fisher, Post Malone, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fred Again..
Tickets: One-day, two-day and four-day tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub or SeatGeek.
Summerfest
First held in 1968, Summerfest is an annual, nine-day music festival featuring more than 600 artists across 12 stages on the shores of Lake Michigan. In addition to live performances from a star-studded lineup, the festival offers local cuisine and “one-of-a-kind experiences.”
When: Thursday, June 20 - Saturday, June 22, 2024 | Thursday, June 27 - Saturday, June 29, 2024 | Thursday, July 4 - Saturday, July 6, 2024
Where: Henry Maier Festival Park in Milwaukee, WI
Headliners: Kane Brown, Mötley Crüe, SZA, Illenium, Tyler Childers, Keith Urban, AJR, Maroon 5, Lil Uzi Vert
Tickets: One-day and individual headliner tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats and StubHub. Three-day, nine-day and VIP tickets are also available through the Summerfest website.
Electric Forest
The 12th annual Electric Forest music festival will be held in Rothbury, MI and feature dozens of electronic music and jam band artists across seven stages, as well as curated art, cuisine and experiences. Camping is encouraged.
When: Thursday, Jun 20 – Sunday, Jun 23, 2024
Where: The Double JJ Resort in Rothbury, MI
Headliners: Everything Always, Pretty Lights, Subtronics, Excision, Nelly Furtado, Ludacris and more
Tickets: One-day and four-day general admission tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub or SeatGeek. Additional add-ons and packages are available through the Electric Forest website.
Barefoot Country Music Fest
Barefoot Country Music Fest is an annual, four-day country music festival on the sandy beaches of Wildwood, NJ, between the famous Morey’s Piers. The festival features more than 40 country music stars, both headliners and up-and-comers, across five stages.
When: Thursday, June 20 - Sunday, June 23, 2024
Where: Wildwood, NJ Beach
Headliners: Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Kane Brown, Old Dominion, Bailey Zimmerman, Jake Owen
Tickets: One-day, three-day and four-day tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub and SeatGeek.
Levitate
Marshfield’s local surf and skate Levitate is putting on its 11th annual Levitate Music & Arts Festival, featuring roots, reggae, folk rock and funk music performances from big stars to local artists.
When: Friday, July 5 - Sunday, July 7, 2024
Where: The Marshfield Fairgrounds in Marshfield, MA
Headliners: Sublime, Mt. Joy, Dirty Heads, Lake Street Drive, Tash Sultana
Tickets: One-day and three-day tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub or SeatGeek.
Rock The South
First held in 2012, Rock The South is a country music festival and community celebration founded in the aftermath of the 2011 Super Outbreak that struck Alabama as a way to raise money to rebuild the community. The festival has continued ever since and has become one of the biggest country music festivals in the country.
When: Thursday, July 18 - Saturday, July 20, 2024
Where: York Farms in Cullman, AL
Headliners: Eric Church, Hardy, Jelly Roll, Parker McCollum, Oliver Anthony
Tickets: One-day and three-day tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub or SeatGeek.
Pitchfork Music Festival
The Pitchfork Music Festival is an annual, three-day, multi-genre music festival featuring performances from a star-studded lineup across three stages. In addition to music, the Pitchfork Festival also includes cuisine and art from local, regional, and national vendors.
When: Friday, July 19 - Sunday, July 21, 2024
Where: Union Park in Chicago, IL
Headliners: Black Pumas, Jai Paul, 100 gecs, Jaime xx, Carly Rae Jepsen, Jessie Ware, Alanis Morissette, Brittany Howard, MUNA
Tickets: One-day and three-day tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seat, StubHub or SeatGeek.
Newport Folk Festival
One of the earlier modern music festivals, the Newport Folk Festival was first held in 1959 as a counterpart to the Newport Jazz Festival. The annual three-day American folk-oriented music festival takes place in Newport, RI.
When: Friday, July 26 - Sunday, July 28, 2024
Where: The Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI
Headliners: Orville Peck, Sierra Ferrell, Hozier, MUNA and more
Tickets: One-day, two-day and three-day tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub or SeatGeek.
Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza is an annual, four-day music and arts festival featuring the biggest names in alternative rock, heavy metal, punk rock, hip-hop, and electronic dance music. The festival is one the largest and longest-running the country.
When: Thursday, August 1 - Sunday, August 4, 2024
Where: Grant Park in Chicago, IL
Headliners: Tyler, The Creator, Hozier, SZA, Stray Kids, The Killers, Future x Metro Boomin, Blink-182, Melanie Martinez, Skrillex
Tickets: Four-day and one-day tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub and SeatGeek.
Hinterland Music Festival
Hinterland Music Festival is an annual, three-day music festival held at the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in St. Charles, IA. One of the largest festivals in Iowa, the festival features live music, beautiful scenery, camping, art and crafts.
When: Friday, August 2 - Sunday, August 4, 2024
Where: Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in Saint Charles, IA
Headliners: Hozier, Vampire Weekend, Noah Kahan
Tickets: One-day and three-day tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub or SeatGeek.
Outside Lands
Outside Lands is an annual, three-day multi-genre music and arts festival held in Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. The festival features live music, art, cuisine, wine and cannabis and is the largest independently owned music festival in the country.
When: Friday, August 9 - Sunday, August 11, 2024
Where: Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, CA
Headliners: Tyler, The Creator, The Killers, Sturgill Simpson, The Postal Service, Grace Jones, Kaytranada, Jungle, Chris Lake, Gryffin
Tickets: One-day and three-day tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub or SeatGeek.
Louder Than Life
Louder Than Life is an annual, four-day heavy metal music festival held in Lousville, KY. This year is the festival’s 10th anniversary and will feature more than 140 artists, from well-known headliners to underrated up-and-comers.
When: Thursday, September 26 - Sunday, September 29, 2024
Where: Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY
Headliners: Slipknot, Slayer, Mötley Crüe, Korn
Tickets: One-day and four-day tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub and SeatGeek.
All Things Go Music Festival
First held in 2014, the All Things Go Music Festival is one of Maryland’s largest music festivals. This year, the festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary and will feature 36 of the biggest names in rock, pop, indie, hip-hop and more.
When: Saturday, September 28 - Sunday, September 29, 2024
Where: Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD
Headliners: Laufey, Bleachers, Janelle Monáe, Hozier, Reneé Rapp, Conan Gray
Tickets: One-day and two-say tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub and SeatGeek for this sold out festival.
Soundside Music Festival
Soundside Music Festival is Connecticut’s biggest music festival, spanning two days and taking place along the beautiful banks of the Long Island Sound at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT. The festival features 20 artists on one stage and some of the best local cuisine Connecticut has to offer.
When: Saturday, September 28 - Sunday, September 29, 2024
Where: Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT
Headliners: Noah Kahan, Foo Fighters, Goo Goo Dolls, Fleet Foxes, Boyz II Men, Queens of the Stone Age, Norah Jones, Teddy Swims
Tickets: One-day and two-day tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub and SeatGeek.
Austin City Limits
Inspired by the music series of the same name, Austin City Limits Music Festival is an annual multi-genre music festival that takes place in Austin, TX, on two consecutive three-day weekends and features more than 100 live performances across nine stages.
When: Friday, October 4 - Sunday, October 6, 2024 | Friday, October 11 - Sunday, October 13, 2024
Where: Zilker Park in Austin, TX
Headliners: Chris Stapleton, Blink-182, Dua Lipa, Pretty Lights, Tyler, The Creator, Sturgill Simpson and more
Tickets: One-day and three-day tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub and SeatGeek.
Aftershock Festival
First held in 2012, Aftershock Festival is an annual hard rock and heavy metal music festival in Sacramento, CA. The festival will feature a jampacked lineup of familiar and new names across five stages.
When: Thursday, October 10 - Sunday, October 13, 2024
Where: Discovery Park in Sacramento, CA
Headliners: Slayer, Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, Slipknot, Disturbed, Judas Priest and more
Tickets: One-day and four-day tickets can be purchased through Vivid Seats, StubHub and SeatGeek.
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