7 Biggest Music Festivals in USA (2025)
Music festivals are the place to be if you’re a fan of live music and sing-alongs with huge like-minded people. From East to the West Coast, the U.S. hosts some of the biggest music festivals, bringing together top artists, food, art, and thousands of fans ready for a good time.
Here’s a rundown of some of the biggest music festivals in the U.S. This isn’t a ranking list. It’s a list curated by a fellow music lover for other music lovers. Feel free to put down your thoughts about this list in the comment section.
Here we go!
Biggest Music Festivals in The United States
1. Coachella
Coachella started in 1999 in the California desert, born out of a love for music and art. What began as a modest festival has grown into one of the most popular music events in the U.S., drawing fans from all over the globe. For many young Americans, getting to Coachella is a bucket-list dream, and for many artists, it’s being on the lineup for the fest!
Over 25 years, Coachella has become more than just a music festival. It’s now a trendsetter in fashion, art, and social media culture. It’s a place where people come together to celebrate music, creativity, and a bit of escapism in the California sun.
2. Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza started in 1991 as a farewell tour for Perry Farrell’s band, Jane’s Addiction, but quickly turned into something much bigger. Initially, it was a traveling festival that combined alternative rock, hip-hop, punk, and electronic music, giving a platform to bands that didn’t fit into mainstream venues. By 2005, it found a permanent home in Chicago’s Grant Park, where it’s now held every summer.
Lollapalooza has grown into a major event, attracting over 400,000 attendees across its four-day run. The festival showcases an eclectic lineup of top artists and rising stars across multiple stages, covering a wide range of genres. It’s not just about the music eitherLollapalooza also focuses on art and sustainability and even has Kidzapalooza, a family-friendly zone for younger festival-goers.
3. Rolling Loud
Rolling Loud began in 2015 as a one-day event in Miami, created by Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif to celebrate hip-hop culture. What started as a small festival has quickly grown into the world’s largest hip-hop festival, now hosting multiple events in cities across the globe, including New York, Los Angeles, and even international locations like Portugal and Thailand.
The festival is a dream for hip-hop fans, bringing together the biggest names in the industry alongside emerging talent. Beyond the music, Rolling Loud has had a significant impact on hip-hop culture.
4. Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)
My personal favorite on the list is the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). The festival started in 1997 as a small electronic music event in Los Angeles. Over the years, it has grown into one of the biggest electronic dance music festivals in the world. Today, EDC is spread across the globe, but its flagship event is held annually in Las Vegas, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans from all over the globe.
EDC has played a major role in popularizing electronic dance music (EDM) in the U.S., helping bring the genre into the mainstream. It’s not just a music festival; it’s a cultural phenomenon that continues to shape the global EDM scene.
EDC grounds are a sight to see at night :’)
5. Burning Man
Burning Man is one of the oldest music festivals in the US, which began in 1986 as a small gathering on a San Francisco beach. Known as “Black Rock City” during the event, this temporary metropolis is built entirely by its participants.
Burning Man is not a traditional music festivalit’s a celebration of art, self-expression, and community. There are no headlining acts or scheduled performances; instead, attendees create the experience together through interactive art installations, workshops, and themed camps. At the heart of the event is the burning of the iconic wooden effigy, symbolizing renewal and reflection.
More than just an event, Burning Man has had a profound impact on global art and festival culture. Its principles, such as radical inclusion and leave-no-trace ethics, have inspired countless gatherings worldwide. It’s a unique experience that blends creativity, collaboration, and a shared sense of belonging.
6. Warped tour
The Vans Warped Tour started in 1995 as a punk rock festival created by Kevin Lyman, quickly becoming the longest-running touring music festival in North America. Known for its skate-punk vibe and DIY spirit, Warped Tour showcased a mix of punk, rock, emo, and alternative bands, offering many young fans their first taste of live music festivals. Over the years, it launched the careers of countless bands and became a summer tradition for music fans across the U.S.
Warped Tour held its last full cross-country run in 2018, leaving a big gap in the punk and alternative scene. However, fans have been eagerly awaiting its return, and the tour is set to make a comeback in 2025. The revived Warped Tour still has Vans as its sponsor and is expected to bring back its signature mix of music, art, and action sports, reconnecting with old fans and introducing a new generation to its unique festival experience.
7. Ultra Music Festival
Another EDM festival on our list is the Ultra Music Festival, started in 1999 in Miami, Florida, as a small one-day event. Held annually during Miami Music Week, Ultra now spans three days and draws some of the biggest names in EDM, along with tens of thousands of fans from around the world.
Known for its cutting-edge production, Ultra features massive stages, state-of-the-art visuals, and an electrifying atmosphere. It’s a showcase for top-tier DJs, live electronic acts, and new talent, often serving as a platform for debuting new music and collaborations. Beyond Miami, Ultra has expanded globally, with festivals in locations like Europe, Asia, and South America.
Go Grab Your Tickets!
Each festival listed here offers its own unique atmosphere, culture, and lineup. Whether you’re a devoted genre fan or a free spirit looking for a variety of musical styles and experiences, these 15 music festivals can undoubtedly give you an incredible adventure. From the multi-genre music of Coachella to the palpable hip-hop vibes of Rolling Loud, there’s something out there for everyone. Start planning, and don’t miss out on these fests.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I attend the best hip-hop music festivals in the U.S.?
Some of the top hip-hop music festivals in the U.S. include Rolling Loud in Miami, Florida; Broccoli City Festival in Washington, D.C.; and the A3C Festival and Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. - Which music festivals are best for camping?
If you’re looking for a camping-friendly music festival, consider Bonnaroo in Tennessee, Electric Forest in Michigan, or Camp Bisco in New York. - Are there extra fees on festival passes?
Yes, many music festivals include additional charges on tickets, such as service, processing, or camping fees. Be sure to check the festival’s ticketing details to understand all associated fees before purchasing. - How can I manage accommodation during music festivals?
Accommodation options vary by festival and may include camping, RV rentals, nearby hotels or Airbnb rentals, and sometimes even festival-provided tents. It’s best to book early, keeping location, amenities, and budget in mind. - Do music festivals allow re-entry?
Re-entry policies vary by festival. Some allow limited re-entry, while others may not permit it at all. Check each festival’s specific guidelines before attending.
