Top 10 Summer Music Festivals in the USA

Last Updated on June 26, 2023 by Nikki Jain

They say that music can soothe the soul and many agree with this whole-heartedly. To say the least, there are very few people who don't have a favorite band.

Live music offers the chance to gather together with some of your closest friends and bond as well as meet new people you automatically have a shared interest with- music!

There are places across the nation that host unique festivals for you to come out and listen to your favorite artists and get introduced to some new ones.

Read through the below attractions to find the festival playing the music you love best and plan your next get away.

Best Summer Music Festivals in the USA

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1: Sasquatch Music Festival, Quincy, Washington

Sasquatch Music Festival, Quincy, Washington
Flickr/David Lee

On Memorial Day weekend, head to The Gorge, which is an internationally awarded amphitheater. Be enthralled and enchanted by a unique line up of artists at the 2014 Sasquatch Music Festival like Tokimontsa, Washed Out, Brody Dalle, Damien Jurado, Panda Bear and De La Soul among many others. This 3-day event will have you jumping up and down with the music, dancing to the beat and bonding with your music-loving friends like you've never done before.

Address: 754 Silica Road, Quincy, WA 98848

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2: Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Manchester, Tennessee

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Manchester, Tennessee
Flickr/Ray Terrill

Bonnaroo offers you a unique blend of arts and entertainment in one unforgettable festival. This year, the Sonic Stage will feature a fantastic lineup of artists such as Kanye West, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Capital Cities, Superjam with Skrillex , The Flaming Lips and so much more.

Spend some time at the Sonic Village and get the chance to see your favorite artists in an intimate setting. Also make sure to check out the Silent Disco and bust a move with the hottest dance beats today.

Address: Great Stage Park, Manchester, Tennessee

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Also Read: 10 Best Cultural Festivals in America

3: Electric Forest Festival, Rothbury, Michigan

Electric Forest Festival, Rothbury, Michigan
Flickr/Global Stomping

Get close to nature at the same time have a truly exquisite musical experience right here at the Electric Forest Festival. Bring all your camping gear and be prepared to have the music festival experience of a lifetime.

This year's impressive lineup of musicians includes The Woven Tangles, Cosby Sweater, Gemini Club and Dixon's Violin. From fireworks, to luxurious light and sound shows, to dancers in exotic costumes, you will be taken to a totally different dimension.

Address: 3566 Clay Rd, Montague, MI 49437

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4: Hangout Music Festival, Gulf Shores, Alabama

Hangout Music Festival, Gulf Shores, Alabama

Sun, sand, sound and lots of fabulous musicians. These are just some of the things that you are going to experience at the Hangout Music Festival. Featuring over 70 bands including Jack Johnson, The Flaming Lips, The Killers and Outkast, this is one truly awesome party that you would not want to miss. Soak up the sun, dance like no one's watching, raise your arms up in the air and simply have the grandest time of your life.

Address: 101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

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5: The Governors Ball Music Festival, Randall's Island, NYC

The Governors Ball Music Festival, Randall's Island, NYC
Facebook/GovBallNYC

This year, Randall's Island will once again host one of the country's most awaited musical festivals, The Governors Ball. You are absolutely going to love grooving to the beat, singing your heart out, and just spending quality time with your best buddies.

Take a trip down to New York and party with the festival's exciting line up of artists such as Vampire Weekend, the Strokes, Broken Bells, Empire of the Sun, and Jenny Lewis. Enjoy other activities at the festival too such as photo booths, free water refilling stations, art installations and lawn games.

Address: 1 Randalls Island Park, New York, NY 10035

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6: Newport Folk Festival, Newport, Rhode Island

Newport Folk Festival, Newport, Rhode Island
Flickr/digboston

Newport has always been known for cultivating and promoting Folk Music. Since the festival's humble beginnings in the 1960's, it continues to serve music enthusiasts and fans like you who crave innovation but appreciate tradition.

Experience the music of the country's top folk artists like Nickel Creek, Jeff Tweedy, Band of Horses and Deer Tick. The Newport festival features 4 stages of music, fun arts and crafts, delicious food stalls and a number of creative displays.

Address: Fort Adams State Park, 90 Fort Adams Dr, Newport, RI

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7: Lollapalooza, Chicago, Illinois

Lollapalooza, Chicago, Illinois
Facebook/Lollapalooza

There is currently no other music festival in the country that is as grand as the Lollapalooza. The creators of this event proudly say that it is more than just a musical festival, but a cultural experience. Bring all your friends, especially the audiophiles to historic Grant Park and enjoy the music of the most remarkable musicians today. This year's artist line up includes Calvin Harris, Eminem, Outkast, Kings of Leon and Arctic Monkey among others.

Address: Grant Park, 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

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Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Chicago

8: Firefly Music Festival, Dover, Delaware

Firefly Music Festival, Dover, Delaware

Can you imagine four days of non-stop music from your favorite artists? Can you imagine jamming and dancing with thousands of other people who share your passion for music? Why not head down to Delaware for the Firefly Music Festival?

Here you are going to have a premier music experience that will leave you out of breath, exhilarated, and craving for more. You can opt to camp on the grounds, check out fun displays and filling food stalls, and go shopping for some souvenir merchandise as well.

Address: 1131 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901

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Also Read: Top 10 Tourist Attractions In Dover, Delaware

9: Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit, Michigan

Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit, Michigan

This three-day musical affair typically held during Memorial Day weekend celebrates and honors Detroit's electronic music legacy. It features five technologically enhanced outdoor stages and features over 100 of the country's finest artists.

Movement Electronic Music Festival guarantees you one of the most unforgettable musical experiences you will ever have in your lifetime. From awesome light shows to enchanting electronic music, you simply cannot ask for anything more.

Join dozens of official after parties and check out the innovative interactive technology center that features the hottest gear in the industry today.

Address: 1 Hart Plz, Detroit, Michigan

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10: Burning Man, Black Rock, Nevada

Burning Man, Black Rock, Nevada

This annual event takes place in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. Year after year, participants come together to experience the spirit of community, art, self-expression and self-reliance.

Guided by the Ten Principles, first timers always leave the festival feeling renewed. This year's art theme is Caravansary featuring the art of the travelers of the Silk Route. Check out some intriguing art installations, theme camps and villages, and have a truly unique experience.

You are going to leave the grounds feeling like a totally new person and wanting to relive the experience all over again.

Address: Black Rock Desert, Nevada

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Also Read: Preparing for Burning Man: 15 Steps to Plan the Perfect Burn

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