A message of unity, an escape into music, and a peaceful movement are some of the words that would best describe the legendary Woodstock Music and Art Fair that took place in 1969. If you’re looking for a break from life’s problems, you’ll appreciate the fact that similar community-oriented music festivals still take place in the States today.
While these events may not carry the name of Woodstock, they’re bound to make you unwind and sweat with great music and activities. Are you ready for a life-changing and fully immersive musical journey with a laidback atmosphere and 69 vibes?
If you’re looking for a music-filled getaway reminiscent of the legendary Woodstock, your options are wide and plenty. Massive annual gatherings like Coachella, Burning Man, and Lollapalooza ensure that you can get your dose of partying any time of the year. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive event featuring a variety of music genres, art installations, and activities or something more specific, you would do well to pick one of the venues mentioned in this post as your next destination!
Coachella
Once a year, the Californian desert oasis of Indio is overcome with art, music, and party vibes as hundreds of thousands of people rally at the Empire Polo Club to enjoy music of all genres. While big names like Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, and Radiohead recently graced the world-renowned hippy festival with their presence, small-scale indie artists are also welcome at the event.
Coachella, which was introduced in 1999, is best known for its diverse performances, unforgettable headliners, and art in the shape of unique installations and sculptures. Oh, and let’s not forget the vibrant bohemian fashion scene!
Coachella festivals take place annually for two weekends in mid-April.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
Crowds of music enthusiasts flock to the scenic countryside of Manchester, Tennessee, to indulge in the laidback atmosphere and enjoy the community spirit that comes in a package deal with Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.
Whether you want to bring your own tent and camp or scream your lungs out until your voice has left you, joining this music festival at least once in a lifetime is a must for all music enthusiasts. On top of good music, the festival boasts a variety of engaging activities like yoga classes, parades, and sober hangouts.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival takes place annually for four days in June.
Lollapalooza
The one and only Lollapalooza. As the name implies, this music getaway is nothing short of extraordinarily impressive. Since the early 1990s, when it began as Jane’s Addiction rock band’s farewell tour, the annual festival has taken over the streets of Chicago, Illinois, offering a perfect blend of rising talents and legendary headliners.
Suitable for music fans of all ages, Lollapalooza prides itself on some of the world’s best stages for heavy metal, punk rock, electronic dance, hip hop, and alternative rock music. Besides four days worth of partying, the event also features visual arts and extraordinary carnival-style food offered by Chicago’s finest restaurants.
Lollapalooza takes place annually for four days in August.
Ultra Music Festival
Miami’s Ultra Music Festival is the world’s premier electronic music festival and home to a massive community and elite DJs from all parts of the globe. If you’re familiar with names like David Guetta, Tiësto, and Calvin Harris, you should not miss this opportunity to see them perform in person.
Though iterations of this popular festival that began in 1999 now exist in many parts of the world, Miami remains the Ultra capital to this day. The electronic music hotspot is particularly famed for its colossal, well-lit stages and out-of-the-world visuals. Other visual arts installations and a respect-worthy sustainability program also play an integral role in the festival.
Ultra Music Festival takes place annually for one weekend in March.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Is jazz your go-to music for the soul? New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival won’t leave you disappointed with two weekends’ worth of unforgettable performances and activities. While the focus may be on jazz music, the festival offers plenty of flexibility and has recently featured artists from other genres, such as Lizzo, Ed Sheeran, Ludacris, Mumford & Sons, and more.
The annual event happens at central New Orleans’ Fair Grounds Race Course, which has twelve stages boasting great music and numerous tents housing important heritage discussions. If you like shopping for crafts and memorabilia, you’ll be happy to know several marketplaces in the area are open during the festive season.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival takes place annually in late April and early May.
South by Southwest (SXSW)
Austin, Texas, is home to South by Southwest (SXSW), an all-in film, music, tech, and education festival that spans a variety of genres and disciplines. From thought-provoking discussions to music shows to live performances, SXSW is ideal for those looking to expand their horizons on a number of matters.
Fortunately for music lovers, this event would not be complete without an international array of musicians ranging from renowned names to juniors in the industry. Thousands of acts and immersive activities will leave you fully entertained while staying in Austin for SXSW.
South by Southwest (SXSW) takes place annually in early March.
Governors Ball
Every year, NYC’s Randall’s Island hosts one of the world’s most famous music concerts. Since awesome music and concerts alone might not be enough to keep you happy, art demonstrations, outdoor games, and food trucks aplenty will surely do the trick.
After the event first kicked off in 2011, headliners like Outkast, Guns N’ Roses, and Kings of Leon thrilled the partygoers with live performances at the island’s vast park. Since we all need a break from loud music from time to time, activities like human board games and silent discos are put in place for everyone’s enjoyment.
The Governors Ball takes place annually for three days in June.
Burning Man
Mad Max vibes, minus the illegal stuff, are what keeps Burning Man burning with passion. This annual festival celebrates art and music in the desert of Black Rock City, Nevada. While house music is the number one music genre at the festivities, you can hear anything from country to hip-hop to techno if you listen closely.
Since art, self-expression, and community spirit are an integral part of this event, interactive art installations and displays are no strangers to Burning Man. Self-defined as a subcultural movement, the 38-year-old annual event lasts for nine days and ends with an epic burning of a wooden statue.
Burning Man takes place annually between late August and early September.
Rolling Loud
Loud is the annual Rolling Loud rap and hip-hop festival that takes place in several countries around the world, including Germany, Australia, Canada, Thailand, Netherlands, Portugal, and the USA. In the States, music festivities occur in Miami, Florida, and Los Angeles, California.
The most popular destination is Miami, where even the high temperatures and humidity can’t stop the crowds from enjoying top-class music and eclectic rosters of artists like A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, and Playboy Carti. Besides an abundance of acts, revelers at Rolling Loud can also participate in fun artist activations, yacht parties, or enjoy good food.
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival
If you’re going to San Francisco, you shouldn’t miss out on its iconic Outside Lands festival that incorporates three days of nonstop music, dancing, drinking, and feasting. If culinary delights aren’t inviting enough on their own, you’ll marvel at the festival’s diverse array of music and acts from genres like electronic, hip-hop, and rock.