Read on to learn which upcoming music festivals will be wowing attendees across the US.
The start of the live music calendar year is always highly anticipated for lovers of music festivals and everything that comes with them. After the chaos of the last few years, 2023 will bring back the biggest names in music to take the stage across America.
With so many different festivals, you will have your pick of events to attend, catering to those who enjoy hip-hop, rock, EDM and everything in between. So grab your favourite vape juice, pack only your essentials and make the most of the warmer weather.
Image courtesy of Colin Lloyd
Governors Ball, New York City, New York
What started as a few tents placed among abandoned buildings and military barracks has transformed into a staple festival during the summer in NYC. All the stages at the Governors Ball are placed in the centre of a Citi field, with a 360-degree layout to prevent sound bleeding and reduce attendees’ walking time.
It combines the wonderful world of hip-hop chart toppers, pop heroes, EDM overlords and upcoming buzz bands. This year, the line-up includes Lizzo, Lil Nas X, and Finneas, to name a few.
When: 9-11 June 2023
Bonnaroo, Manchester, Tennessee
Bonnaroo has been around for years and has developed a reputation as a quirky and unusual modern music festival, thanks to its backwards Tennessee location, on-site camping and surprising mix of hippie-fied music acts and all-star artists.
This year, you will be treated to the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, Liquid Stranger and Pixes and many more.
When: 15-18 June 2023
Summerfest, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
When Summerfest revealed they had secured nearly 100 headline acts, they were only just starting. This monster festival, taking place over three consecutive weekends, will feature an unbelievable 800+ artists across their 12 stages.
Visitors will be wowed by artists such as Elle King, Sheryl Crow, Imagine Dragons, Zach Bryan and many, many more.
When: 22-24 June, 29 June-1 July, 6-8 July 2023
Burning Man, Black Rock Desert, Nevada
It may not be the original vision of the organisers when starting back in 1986, but Burning Man has become the ultimate festival. Taking place in the heart of the Nevada desert, the primary goal is to bring back carefree freedom to a world that is becoming increasingly more regulated.
There is no set music line-up, instead featuring a range of music, art and cultural programs put on by attendees.
When: August 2023
Lollapalooza, Chicago, Illinois
Founded by the frontman of Jane’s Addiction, Perry Farrell, in 1991 as a touring festival, Lollapalooza has been a Chicago staple since 2005. This massive event fills Grant Park, hosting over 100,000 visitors who walk between music stages and beer tents daily. Enjoy the sounds of hip-hop stars, indie bands and everything in between.
When: 3-6 August 2023
Image courtesy of Colin Lloyd
Wonderbus, Columbus, Ohio
Originally started in 2019 as a way to promote and raise funds for mental health organisations and initiatives at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centre, a share of revenues is still donated to these important causes to this day.
The festival skipped in 2020 but returns this year with a yet-to-be-announced line-up. This family-friendly festival spans 54 acres of outdoor space, providing plenty of child-friendly activities, delicious culinary options and a bustling artisan village.
When: 25-27 August 2023
Electric Zoo, New York City, New York
Electric Zoo is the premier electronic music festival in New York City, playing out over Labor Day weekend. If you love bass, techno and everything that comes with it, you will not want to miss this three-day holiday party.
Martin Garrix, Carl Cox, Gorgon City, and more will keep crowds entertained, giving you an unforgettable weekend experience you will want to repeat for years to come.
When: 1-3 September 2023
Riot Fest, Chicago, Illinois
Forget flower crowns and neon tank tops -Riot Fest is where you don your old school denim jacket, covered in mismatched patches and pins of your favourite rock band. Although it started as a celebration of punk-rock bands, it has since evolved to include alternative rock, hip-hop, electronic artists and more.
You can take a ride on a Ferris wheel, eat delicious funnel cake, and enjoy additional side shows, giving off a familiar feel of a state fair.
When: 15-17 September 2023
Life is Beautiful Music & Arts Festival, Las Vegas, Texas
It may be one of the newest mega festivals on the calendar, making its debut in 2013, but the Life is Beautiful Music & Arts Festival has proven to be a popular event for visitors to the city that never sleeps.
Although the line-up has yet to be announced, it is a perfect combination of commercial and critical darlings through the pop, rock, hip hop and electric genres, guaranteeing a jam-packed stage to wow guests this year.
When: 22-24 September 2023
Image courtesy of Brandon Bynum
Austin City Limits Music Festival, Austin, Texas
ACL is another festival that happens over two consecutive weekends. And once you attend, you will quickly understand why. Organisers need all the time they can take to fill Zilker Park with some of the biggest names in American music.
While the official line-up has yet to be announced, previous years indicate that you will be treated to a star-studded event worth every penny.
When: 6-8 October, 13-15 October 2023