North America is home to some of the world’s largest and most electrifying music festivals, drawing in gigantic crowds eager to immerse themselves in a sea of high-energy crowds and live music. Join us as we explore nine of the biggest and baddest music festivals across the continent.
Electric Forest – Rothbury, Michigan
Location – Rothbury, MI
Dates – Early Summer
Cost – $520
Venturing into the enchanted Electric Forest in Rothbury, Michigan, means stepping into a world where music meets nature. Drawing in around 40,000 attendees each year,, Electric Forest creates an intimate yet electrifying experience within its wooded wonderland. The combination of stunning visuals, immersive art installations, and top-tier acts make Electric Forest a favorite among festival-goers.
Shaky Knees Music Festival – Atlanta, Georgia
Location – Atlanta, GA
Dates – Mid-Spring
Cost – $365
In the heart of Atlanta, the Shaky Knees Music Festival has established itself as a major player in the festival scene, with an average attendance of around 65,000 attendees. Known for its rock and indie sounds, Shaky Knees creates an energetic atmosphere in Atlanta’s Central Park, reinforcing the city’s priceless contributions to music and culture.
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival – Manchester, Tennessee
Location – Manchester, TN
Dates – Early Summer
Cost – $435
In the heart of Tennessee, the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival stands tall as a titan in the festival landscape. This four-day extravaganza offers a unique blend of music, art, and camping experiences. Bonnaroo’s massive campground transforms into a temporary city, creating a high-spirited community of nearly 80,000 festival-goers every year.
Lollapalooza – Chicago, Illinois
Location – Chicago, IL
Dates – Late Summer
Cost – TBD
Chicago’s Grant Park transforms into a musical haven during Lollapalooza, attracting around 100,000 music enthusiasts each day. With its iconic location underneath Chicago’s gorgeous skyline, and a lineup that appeals to nearly every musical taste, Lollapalooza has solidified its status as one of the biggest and best festivals in North America.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – Indio, California
Location – Indio, CA
Dates – Mid-Spring
Cost – $499+
While not technically a Summer festival, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is undoubtedly one of the crown jewels of the festival circuit. With recent attendance numbers hovering around 125,000 people per weekend, Coachella sets the bar high for its diverse lineup and the sheer scale of its audience. There is a reason why it consistently ranking among the largest gatherings of music fans and enthusiasts.
Osheaga Music and Arts Festival – Montreal, Canada
Location – Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Dates – Late Summer
Cost – $395 CAD
Just over the Canadian border, you can find a music lover’s paradise at the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival located at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal. With a lineup that spans multiple genres and a picturesque setting, Osheaga has become a staple on the Canadian festival circuit. The festival is also beginning to gain a larger international appeal which will most certainly add to its average attendance of 130,000 people each year.
Governors Ball Music Festival – New York City, New York
Location – Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY
Dates – Late Spring/Early Summer
Cost – TBD
The Governors Ball Music Festival, held in Queens, NY, brings another massive party to the city that already never sleeps. With an attendance of approximately 150,000 musicgoers every year, this festival stands as a representation of New York City’s powerful influence on modern music. The festival grounds buzz with energy as attendees soak in the sundry of rhythmic sounds echoing across the iconic skyline.
Outside Lands – San Francisco, California
Location – San Francisco, CA
Dates – August 9th to August 11th, 2024
Cost – TBD
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park hosts the sprawling Outside Lands festival, welcoming over 200,000 fans from around the world each Summer. The festival’s massive footprint accommodates the enormous crowd, creating an atmosphere where music, art, beer, and culinary delights converge.
Austin City Limits Music Festival – Austin, Texas
Location – Austin, TX
Dates – Mid-Fall
Cost – $320+
Austin, Texas is the proud home of the Austin City Limits Music Festival, which welcomes over 450,000 attendees across its two weekends. Austin City Limits is another festival that isn’t exactly a Summertime extravaganza, but when Zilker Park transforms into a musical Mount Olympus in October, it gives music fans one more chance to cling to Summertime in the Texas heat, while enjoying one of the the most extensive lineups of musicians in North America.
These nine festivals have positioned themselves as colossal beacons of music and culture, drawing in millions of attendees collectively each and every year. As you anticipate your plans for this upcoming summer, consider adding one (or all) of them to your list of possibilities.
