The Top 11 U.S. Music Festivals
#1 Brooklyn - Afropunk Fest
This Afro Punk inspired music festival celebrates black community culture within the alternative and punk music scene while integrating Urban artists from across the globe. The line up typically hosts an array of punk, rock, rap, and metal bands that include black as well as mixed race artists. This years headliners include Kaytranada, Gary Clark Jr, Soul II Soul, and Michael Kiwanuka. The 2017 Afropunk Fest will be held on August 26th & 27th in Brooklyn, New York.
#2 Philadelphia - Made in America
The rapidly rising Made in America cultural celebration was created by none other than the infamous record producer, rapper, and business mogul Jay - Z. The Made in America music festival features countless statewide bands along with artists from Jay-Z's personal label. Jay-Z explains that he has created this musically centered event to unite like minded people and trade pieces of the world's culture. This years headliners include Jay Z himself, The Chainsmokers, J. Cole, and kaskade.
#3 Randall's Island - Electric Zoo
From day to night the land of Randall's Island Park is transformed into an electric dance paradise! The same creators behind Mysteryland, Tomorrowland, and Sensation are responsible for injecting life into this wondrous musical utopia. Dance and music fans alike anticipate this event each and every year. Electric Zoo 2017 will take place on September 1st through the 3rd hosting top headliners such as DJ Snake, deadmau5, Galantis, Eric Prydz, and Above & Beyond.
#4 Zilker Park
The Austin City Limits Music Festival is not only named after but is also inspired by the Austin City Limits Concert series. This eight stage event is family friendly complete with a designated kids area, art market, and plethora of artisan food and drink vendors. This two weekend event will take place in Zilker Park, Austin - October 6th through 8th & 13th through 15th. The 2017 headliners include Jay Z, Chance the Rapper, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and The Killers.
#5 Miami - Ultra Music Festival
The Ultra Music Festival is regarded as one of the top electronic music events the world has to offer. Fans travel from all across the globe to witness this musical fantasia. Miami's streets are transformed practically overnight into a loud and bumping party featuring several idolized DJs playing their latest chart topping soundtracks. This years headliners include David Guetta, Major Lazy, The Prodigy, and Ice Cube. Be prepared to jam this coming March of 2018 in Florida's wondrous city of Miami.
#6 Chicago - Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza is a multi-genre festival that also serves as a platform for non profit and political groups/artists. Lollapalooza not only features music but also hosts comedy, dance, and crafts. The 2017 headliners include Chance the Rapper, Muse, The Killers, and Arcade Fire. This global hall of fame festival will be held on August 3rd through 6th in Grant Park, Chicago.
#7 Randall's Island - Governors Ball
Another noteworthy musical event held on Randall's Island in New York is the Governors Ball Music Festival. Governors Ball offers music lovers a grandiose mix of pop, rock, electro, hip-hop and folk. With the events large variation in music as well as food vendors, there is sure to be a beat and a bite at Governors Ball to please everyone. The 2018 festival headliners include Phoenix, Lorde, CHance The Rapper and Tool. Be prepared to rock out on Randall's Island with Governors Ball in June of 2018.
#8 Union Park - Pitchfork
Pitchfork Media is responsible for organizing this three day long musical melting pot of a festival. The Pitchfork music festival hosts a large variety of music including hip hop, rock, punk, electro, jazz and pretty much any other genre that your heart desires. This cultural fest will not only introduce you to new music but will also present new records, art, food, and drinks to you from nationwide as well as local vendors. LCD Soundsystem, A Tribe Called Quest, and the beautiful Solange will be the festival's top three headliners for the 2017 weekend held from July 14th to the 16th in Union Park, Chicago.
#9 Black Rock Desert - Burning Man
Burning Man is not your typical music festival but rather more of an artistic escape. One can describe Burning Man as an experimental event that brings together community, music, art, and radical self expression mixed with self reliance. This event was made iconic with its annual burning of a large wooden statue! The events interactive sculptures, surprise performances, and network of free spirits will keep you enthralled for hours on end. The 2017 Burning Man event will take place in Black Rock Desert, Nevada from August 27th until September 4th.
#10 Austin - South By South West
South By South West or SXSW is well known for launching careers and setting trends each and every year. SXSW is more than just an annual film and music showcase as it also hosts talks, interactive highlights, and alternative performances. Masses of Media and fans flock to SXSW each year in hopes to discover the next big thing Austin, Texas has to offer. 2018 SXSW will be held over March 9th - 18th.
#11 Indio- Coachella
Grab your tickets while you still can as California's Coachella Music Festival sells out in minutes every year. This fashion forward festival features only the coolest bands and the trendiest people. Several A list celebrities can be found frolicking through the fairgrounds as well. Coachella is a bucket list worthy festival with out of this world lineups anticipated by fans and press alike. Beyonce is the only confirmed headliner for Coachella 2018 but the lineup should not disappoint. The two weekend event will be held in April 2018 over the weekends of April 13th - 15th & 20th - 22nd in Indio, California.