There are those who love music festivals and those who hate them. If you’re in the first category, then we’re willing to bet that you’re looking for a new festival to check out. Sure, you’ve got the one you go to every year. Maybe you’re the kind of person that can’t miss Coachella or Bonnaroo. Maybe you’re an EDM head who’s addicted to the Electric Daisy Carnival. In either case, you need a little bit more in your music festival schedule for the rest of 2015 and 2016…
Well, we’ve got exactly what you need right here! We’ve listed what we think are the best 21 music festivals in the entire world – although truth be told, almost all of them take place in the United States… Location aside, you can bet that we’ve covered the gamut in terms of genre. There are music festivals on this list that will stoke the fire of your EDM loving head, if that’s your thing. Just the same, we’ve got a few festivals that will appeal to your rock purists out there. And, if you’re a hipster… Well, let’s just say we’ve got you covered.
So, put in your ear plugs, check your favorite music reviews, and take a look at the 21 best music festivals in the world!
1. Coachella (Indio, CA)
Let’s dispense with the obvious. Coachella is awesome… Provided you can get past all the rich, basic Southern Californian sorts.
2. Ultra (Miami, FL)
If you’re ready for a never-ending lineup of EDM musicians to drop the bass on you, then this is the festival for you!
3. Sasquatch (George, WA)
There are some who say that Coachella is over; Sasquatch is the festival that might replace it.
4. Governors Ball (New York, NY)
Speaking of Coachella, this is New Yorkers’ answer to the Southern California Festival. Last year, we think it won the lineup war.
5. Newport Folk Festival (Newport, RI)
This is the festival where Dylan went electric. It takes place in an old Colonial fort. What more do you need?
6. Beale Street (Memphis, TN)
Those who say the rock festival is dead haven’t been to this festival. Of course, given its location, it always trends slightly Southern Rock.
7. Fuji Rock Festival (Fuji, Japan)
If that big named act skipped your favorite stateside festival, you can bet they didn’t skip the rollicking crowd at this perennial music festival superstar.
8. KCON (Los Angeles, CA)
If you’re a fan of K-Pop in the United States, them this annual music festival is a must-attend for you!
9. South By Southwest (Austin, TX)
At this festival, known more commonly as SXSW, you can experience the future of music, as well as the future of technology.
10. Austin City Limits (Austin, TX)
Austin has really got it going on, doesn’t it? This festival, which takes place during the fall, always draws big names and up-and-coming acts.
11. CMJ Music Festival (New York, NY)
Do you want to say that you heard that band before anyone else? Then check out the shows that happen as a part of this annual festival.
12. VooDoo Music Festival (New Orleans, LA)
It’s a music festival that takes place in the party capitol of the United States. Do we need to spell it out for you?
13. Electric Daisy Carnival (Worldwide)
If you plan on attending this EDM festival, which takes place all over the world, be sure to drink plenty of water… You know why.
14. Lollapalooza (Chicago, IL)
This alternative music festival has been going strong since the 90s, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
15. Hangout Festival (Gulf Shores, AL)
A rocking music festival set along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico? Yep. You can sign us up!
16. Bonnaroo (Manchester, TN)
As long as you’re prepared for mud and humidity, this amazing festival has it all, from headlining acts to amazing comedian and even first-run movies.
17. TomorrowWorld (Chattahoochee Hills, GA)
If you want to get in on an EDM festival before it’s “cool”, then we give you TomorrowWorld!
18. CounterPoint Festival (Kingston Downs, GA)
This up and coming festival is getting a lot of press, and its beginning to draw an eclectic mix of big name acts across a variety of genres.
19. Firefly (Dover, DE)
Delaware may not have a lot going for it, but try telling anyone who’s attended this amazing festival that they didn’t have a good time.
20. Pitchfork Music Festival (Chicago, IL, and Paris)
Oh, so you like to listen to the hip, indie music, do you? Then your attendance is required at this music festival that’s put on by the popular music review website.
21. The Fest (Gainseville, FL)
Who said punk is dead? This annual punk festival – punkily called “The Fest” – hosts an ever-evolving lineup of hot and underground punk groups.
