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12 minutes readContents
- Lollapalooza
- Austin City Limits
- Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
- Governors Ball
- Summerfest
- Coachella
- Stagecoach Festival
- Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival
- SXSW (South by Southwest)
- New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
- BottleRock Napa Valley
- Sand In My Boots
- Book accommodation for your next US music festival with ZenHotels
Lollapalooza
- Where: Chicago, Illinois
- When: 31st July – 3rd August 2025
- Price: $450+ for a weekend pass
- Attendance: 115,000 per day
- Website: Lollapalooza Official Website
This music festival was launched in 1991 as a touring event by Perry Farrell, frontman of Jane’s Addiction, before finding a permanent home in Grant Park, Chicago in 2005. It hosts 400,00 music fans annually with over 170 artists taking to stages around the lakefront Grant Park.
Photo: Ted Alexander Somerville / shutterstock.com
Headliners for Lollapalooza 2025 include Luke Combs, Olivia Rodrigo, Twice, Sabrina Carpenter, A$AP Rocky, and Tyler, the Creator. 4-day and 2-day tickets are already sold out but limited 1-day tickets remain. Accommodation options for Lollapalooza include the Best Western Grant Park Hotel and the Residence Inn Chicago Downtown.
Austin City Limits
- Where: Austin, Texas
- When: 3-5 and 10-12 October 2025
- Price: $330+ for a weekend pass
- Attendance: 450,000
- Website: Austin City Limits Official Website
Austin has quickly skyrocketed to the list of must-visit destinations for 2025, in part because of its music scene. The “Austin City Limits” has offered a stage for musical artists like Dua Lipa, Chappell Roan, Blink-182, and Paul McCartney. The 2025 line-up has just been announced and includes Doja Cat, Luke Combs, Sabrina Carpenter, and Hozier as headliners.
Photo: Ismael Quintanilla III / shutterstock.com
Attendees can immerse themselves in the best of Austin with food trucks, beer gardens, and activation spaces. Held across two weekends, Austin City Limits is held at Zilker Park with plenty of nearby hotel options, including JW Marriott Austin, Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin, and the Hyatt Regency Austin.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
- Where: Manchester, Tennessee
- When: 12-15 June 2025
- Price: $695+ for a weekend pas
- Attendance: Average 80,000
- Website: Bonnaroo Music Festival Official Website
Just a one-hour drive from Nashville, you’ll find the city of Manchester, Tennessee. While it’s not as famous as the home of country music, it plays host to the Bonnaroo festival. This festival has a more relaxed feel than others on the list, held on a 700-acre farm as a joint event that blends music and the arts, while also spotlighting many of Tennessee’s independent breweries. The on-site campground offers everything from morning yoga classes to traditional saloons for grabbing a post-concert drink.
Photo: L Paul Mann / shutterstock.com
The 2025 music line-up includes artists like Avril Lavigne, Luke Combs, Hozier, Vampire Weekend, and Olivia Rodrigo, showing that Tennessee has more to offer than just country music. There’s plenty of budget-friendly accommodation nearby, including the Hampton Inn & Suites and Comfort Suites Manchester.
Governors Ball
- Where: New York City, New York
- When: 6-8 June 2025
- Price: $340+ for a weekend pass
- Attendance: Up to 150,000 across 3 days
- Website: Governors Ball Music Festival Official Website
While New York is famous for its brunch spots, world-renowned museums, and endless skyscrapers, it also plays host to Governors Ball. Held annually on the second weekend in June, the festival has been hosted at different venues throughout the city but is back again at Meadows Corona Park in Queens for a third time. It’s easy to reach for New Yorkers and tourists alike due to its proximity to LaGuardia airport, with performances by American and international artists.
Photo: Nick Starichenko / shutterstock.com
The 2025 headliners include Hozier, Glass Animals, Benson Boone, and Tyler, the Creator. Attendees can easily curate a New York trip around the festival, whether it’s indulging at one of the city’s day spas or exploring its architecture. With tickets starting
at just $340 for a weekend pass, Governors Ball is significantly cheaper than most concerts in the city – and even some Broadway shows!
Nearby accommodation options include the Marco LaGuardia Hotel & Suites, Astoria Inn LaGuardia Hotel, and The Modernist Hotel.
Summerfest
- Where: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- When: 19-21 June, 26-28 June, and 5-5 July
- Price: $62+ for a three-day pass
- Attendance: Up to 700,000 across the festival
- Website: Summerfest Official Website
Summerfest arguably has one of the largest artist line-ups of any festival in the world. With over 600 artists performing across three weekends, Summerfest is the most popular event in the Midwest. Hosted in Henry Maier Festival Park, this year’s line-up features artists from every genre, including James Taylor, The Killers, Gigi Perez, Def Leppard, Lainey Wilson, and Megan Thee Stallion.
Photo: bbolender / pixabay.com
It’s worth noting that, unlike other festivals, the main stage shows are not accessible with a general admission ticket. There’s also no on-site accommodation available, so you’ll want to book a hotel or apartment in Milwaukee close to the venue for your chosen dates. Nearby hotels include the Homewood Suites by Hilton Milwaukee Downtown, The Westin Milwaukee, and Kinn Guesthouse Downtown.
Coachella
- Where: Indio, California
- When: 11-13 and 18-20 April
- Price: 3-day passes start at $500+
- Attendance: 600,000 people
- Website: Coachella Official Website
Coachella is one of the most recognizable music festivals in the US. Held annually at the Empire Polo Club outside Los Angeles, the festival takes its name from its location in the Coachella Valley. It’s considered among the largest festivals in the world, with over 600,000 people attending across six days. What makes Coachella unique is that artists repeat their sets both weekends, allowing festival goers to choose the weekend that best suits them.
Photo: Tim Remer / shutterstock.com
The event brings some of the biggest artists from multiple genres in the music world, including rock and pop. Many artists choose Coachella for their “comeback” gigs or as their first performance for a new album. Lady Gaga used the 2025 Coachella festival as part of her promotion for the “Mayhem” album. Other artists included Post Malone, Charli XCX, and Travis Scott.
While most Coachella attendees choose to camp for an immersive atmosphere, you can also choose to stay in a nearby hotel. Budget-friendly options near Indio include the Holiday Inn Express at Coachella Valley and the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites.
Stagecoach Festival
- Where: Indio, California
- When: 25-27 April 2025
- Price: $430+ for a weekend pass
- Attendance: 80,000 per day
- Website: Stagecoach Festival Official Website
Stagecoach is hailed as the country music equivalent of Coachella, bringing the best of Nashville to California. It’s held in the same venue as Coachella, usually the following weekend. While the annual line-up primarily focuses on the biggest names in country music, the 2025 festival also featured artists like Lana Del Rey, the Backstreet Boys, and Nelly. Electronic artists and guest DJ sets offer a change of pace from the mainstream country music primarily on offer.
Photo: Gorodenkoff / shutterstock.com
Just like the Austin City Limits, your tastebuds can expect to indulge in barbecue food at the Stagecoach Smokehouse, which also hosts cooking demonstrations throughout the festival.
While camping is available on-site, attendees can also choose to explore other accommodation options around the Empire Polo Club for a little extra comfort. Budget-friendly options include the Hampton Inn & Suites Indio and the Best Western Date Tree Hotel, with plenty of rental properties also available.
Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival
- Where: San Francisco, California
- When: 8-10 August 2025
- Price: $235 for single-day general admission
- Attendance: 65,000 per day
- Website: Outside Lands Official Website
Launched in 2008, Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival is one of the biggest events in San Francisco. Alongside music acts, you can expect to see headline comedians performing with independent artists showcasing their work. It’s the largest independently owned music festival in the United States, with an average attendance of 225,000 people across the three days.
Held at Golden Gate Park, this year’s music line-up includes Doja Cat, Vampire Weekend, Gracie Abrams, and Hozier. There is still general admission, GA+, and VIP tickets available for 1-day and 3-day access.
Photo: Josh Withers / shutterstock.com
It’s worth noting that as a music and arts festival, Outside Lands advertises itself as being suitable for all ages. The extensive food options include vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free food trucks and vendors.
Golden Gate Park is nestled in the heart of San Francisco and stretches over 1,000 acres, making it easy to reach from almost anywhere in the city. Sunset and Richmond on San Francisco’s West Side will put you closest to the festival venue. Our top hotel recommendations for fans include Hotel Emblem San Francisco and citizenM San Francisco Union Square.
SXSW (South by Southwest)
- Where: Austin, Texas
- When: 7-15 March 2025
- Price: $995+ for a weekend music pass
- Attendance: 160,000+
- Website: SXSW Official Website
Another multi-media festival is South by Southwest, known as “SXSW”. Hosted annually in Austin, the festival focuses on music, media, and film, taking over most of the city’s Downtown area. Considered the largest festival in the world due to its multi-media nature, SXSW has been going strong since 1987, with attendance growing almost year-on-year.
Photo: stock_photo_world / shutterstock.com
SXSW consists of several smaller festivals, including SXSW Music, featuring over 2,000 music acts performing across the city over the 10 days. It’s an ideal option for music fans in search of a slower-paced festival that offers film panels, movie screenings, and comedy nights alongside concerts. The focus of SXSW Music is to showcase up-and-coming talent and new talent, putting them in front of new audiences and some of the industry’s most influential producers.
You can stay anywhere in Austin’s downtown district if you’re attending SXSW, with a range of hotel and accommodation options to suit every budget and group size. Our hotel recommendations include the South Congress Hotel and the Archer Hotel Austin at the Domain.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
- Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
- When: 23th April – 3rd May 2025
- Price: $240+ for a weekend pass
- Attendance: 460,000 across the event
- Website: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Official Website
No list of the best musical festivals in the United States is complete without mentioning New Orleans. The Jazz and Heritage Festival – known simply as the “Jazz Fest” – celebrates the city’s culture with a focus on blues, rock, and jazz. There are 14 stages positioned throughout the city with performers to suit everyone’s music tastes. The 2025 line-up featured a diverse mix of artists, including Lenny Kravitz, HAIM, Pearl Jam, Luke Combs, and Kacey Musgraves.
Photo: Adam McCullough / shutterstock.com
The 2026 festival will be held from 23rd April to 3rd May, with ticket information expected to be available later this year. As the event is held for multiple weekends, we recommend waiting until the musical line-ups are announced before planning your trip.
Soak up the beauty of New Orleans’ French Quarter or the Garden District and immerse yourself in the local culture. There are hundreds of independent boutique hotels, like Hotel Provincial, and mainstream hotel chains, such as the Hyatt Centric French Quarter.
BottleRock Napa Valley
- Where: Napa Valley, California
- When: 23-25 May 2025
- Price: $450+ for a weekend pass
- Attendance: 120,000 across 3 days
- Website: BottleRock Napa Valley Official Website
California is the land of music festivals and nestled in Napa Valley is BottleRock. Held annually since 2013 over Memorial Day Weekend, it kickstarts the region’s summer season. The 2025 headline music line-up includes Benson Boone, Justin Timberlake, Sublime, Green Day, and Noah Kahan.
It’s another festival that heavily incorporates local food and wine vendors. You’ll even find celebrity chefs hosting culinary demonstrations and live cooking shows in the food vendor area of the festival.
Photo: Sterling Munksgard / shutterstock.com
The event promotes itself as an eco-friendly festival with a focus on sustainability throughout. Attendees are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles as single-use plastics are not permitted.
Experience the best of what California’s wine region has to offer by staying in Napa. There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from, including the Andaz Napa By Hyatt and The Meritage Resort and Spa.
Sand In My Boots
- Where: Gulf Shores, Alabama
- When: 16-18 May 2025
- Price: $340+ for a weekend pass
- Attendance: 40,000 in 2024
- Website: Sand In My Boots Official Website
We’re wrapping up our list of the biggest music festivals in the US with a new addition to the festival scene. Technically a takeover of the Hangout Music Fest, Sand In My Boots is an all-new experience with a focus on the venue’s beachside location. Curated by Morgan Wallen, this new concept seeks to shake up the festival scene.
Unlike other events on this list, attendees will be able to leave and enter the main area throughout the day. With re-entry being permitted, this festival is a great option for music fans who want to incorporate an event like this into a beach vacation.
Photo: Debby Wong / shutterstock.com
You can also expect to see roller discos, beach parties, and art exhibitions being hosted throughout the main venue. The line-up for the debut ‘Sand In My Boots’ weekend includes Morgan Wallen, HARDY, T-Pain, 2 Chainz, Brooks & Dunn, and Wiz Khalifa.
There’s an array of accommodation options available in Gulf Shores and the nearby Orange Beach area, with something to suit every budget, including private condos, houses, and beachfront villas. Top-rated hotels in the area include SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orange Beach and the Comfort Inn & Suites Gulf Shores East Beach.
Book accommodation for your next US music festival with ZenHotels
There’s a music festival to suit every type of traveler, whether you want to see the biggest pop stars at Coachella or unwind with jazz music in New Orleans. At ZenHotels, we’re here to help you curate your dream vacation, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or as a group. Explore top destinations on ZenHotels and start planning your trip to one of the biggest music festivals in the US.
