Where to Travel for Music: Top U.S. Festivals Worth Planning Around

Planning a trip can be fun on its own, but timing it around the right music festival turns a getaway into something unforgettable.

The United States hosts some of the most iconic music festivals in the world, blending epic lineups with vibrant cities, scenic landscapes, and that one-of-a-kind energy you only get from thousands of fans sharing the same moment.

And these festivals aren’t just for hardcore music lovers. They’re travel events in themselves—destinations where food, art, nature, and culture mix in ways you don’t always expect.

So if you're thinking about a trip this year and want something with personality, atmosphere, and a great soundtrack, this list will get you started.

Ready to pick your perfect festival adventure?

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (California)

Coachella is practically synonymous with American music culture. Held over two weekends in April in Indio, California, the festival draws a massive crowd looking for a blend of big-name artists, boundary-pushing art installations, and that surreal desert backdrop. It’s one of the best-known music festivals in the US and a bucket-list event for travelers from all over the world.

So, what's the appeal? Well, Coachella’s lineup crosses just about every genre—pop, rock, electronic, hip-hop, indie. You could start the afternoon with a rising artist on a small stage and end the night with a superstar headliner performing under the warm desert sky. Add in colorful sculptures, the famous Ferris wheel, and endless creative pop-ups, and you have a festival that feels more like a temporary city than a weekend event.

If you're thinking about combining the festival with a trip, Palm Springs is only about 30 minutes away and offers great hiking, restaurants, and mid-century architecture. Just keep in mind that Coachella tickets sell out fast. Planning early is key.

Lollapalooza (Chicago, Illinois)

Few festivals capture the heart of an American city quite like Lollapalooza in Chicago. Grant Park becomes a sprawling hub of music for four days each summer, bringing together everything from punk and rap to electronic and pop. Plus, that skyline backdrop? It doesn’t get much better for festival photos.

Lolla is ideal if you want a festival that blends seamlessly with a true city-based vacation. You can spend the morning at the Art Institute, walk to the festival in the afternoon, and grab deep-dish pizza after the headliner finishes. Easy.

Families tend to like Lollapalooza, too. With its “Kidzapalooza” area, the event makes it possible for younger attendees to enjoy live music while keeping things manageable for parents. And because it’s in the middle of downtown, you never feel stranded or disconnected from the comfort of real beds and air conditioning.

If you love variety, Lolla delivers. It’s one of the best summer music festivals in the US for travelers who want convenience just as much as music.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival (Tennessee)

Bonnaroo is the festival where people often say, “You just have to experience it.” Located on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee, it has a reputation for being one of the friendliest festivals in the country. People call it “the Roo vibe,” and it’s real. The crowd tends to be laid-back, supportive, and excited to welcome first-timers.

Musically, Bonnaroo covers just about everything—jam bands, rock, EDM, funk, hip-hop, folk. If you want long, late-night sets, this is your festival. Some performances go into the early hours of the morning, turning the whole place into a nonstop celebration.

Planning a trip around Bonnaroo does take a bit more prep because most attendees camp. So if you're into the idea of a festival that feels like a temporary village—with pop-up coffee shops, yoga sessions, parades, comedy stages, and even a splash fountain—you’ll probably love it.

And if camping isn’t your thing? No worries. Nearby cities like Nashville and Chattanooga make great base camps with real lodging and plenty of sightseeing before or after the weekend.

Austin City Limits Music Festival (Texas)

Set in the heart of Austin’s Zilker Park, Austin City Limits (ACL) combines Texas charm with a festival that reliably delivers one of the most diverse annual lineups in the US. Taking place over two weekends in October, ACL is a favorite for travelers who want warm weather, an easygoing crowd, and convenient access to a vibrant food and music city.

Think of ACL as a festival that’s polished without being pretentious. You’ll find massive stages with major headliners plus smaller tents where you might stumble upon your new favorite indie artist. And the culinary options? Austin’s food scene shows up big, with local restaurants serving everything from tacos to barbecue to gourmet desserts.

Because it runs for two separate weekends, ACL also gives travelers scheduling flexibility. Fly in, enjoy a few days exploring South Congress or the live-music bars on Sixth Street, and spend your evenings in the park watching one unforgettable show after another. It’s an ideal mix of festival energy and city-center comfort.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Louisiana)

If you love culture as much as music, Jazz Fest belongs on your radar. Held in late April and early May, the festival is a celebration of everything that makes New Orleans special: jazz, blues, gospel, funk, Cajun, zydeco, soul, and more. But beyond the music, the event is deeply tied to local heritage, history, and food.

This isn’t a single-genre event. Despite the name, Jazz Fest’s lineup ranges from local brass bands to major national acts, often spanning generations of music. It’s the kind of festival where you might hear a traditional Mardi Gras Indian performance one moment and a popular touring headliner the next.

But let’s be honest—the food is almost a reason to go on its own. Crawfish bread, beignets, jambalaya, and dishes you rarely find outside Louisiana fill the festival grounds. So if you’re pairing your trip with Jazz Fest, save time to explore the French Quarter, Garden District, and live music venues scattered across the city. It’s hard to leave without wanting to come back.

Outside Lands (San Francisco, California)

Held each August in Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands blends music, art, wine, craft beer, and gourmet food into a festival that feels distinctly “San Francisco.” Foggy evenings, tall trees, curated culinary tents—this festival’s atmosphere is something special.

Outside Lands often features an eclectic lineup, and the genres shift every year. Pop, electronic, indie, hip-hop, and experimental artists frequently take the stage, but the real charm is how the festival integrates the city’s culture. Wine Lands, Beer Lands, and Cheese Lands give it a foodie twist, and the art installations scattered around the park turn the grounds into something part festival, part outdoor museum.

If you plan a trip around Outside Lands, you’re perfectly positioned to explore San Francisco’s neighborhoods, from Haight-Ashbury to the Mission District. The weather tends to be cooler than summer festivals in other parts of the country, so pack layers—you’ll probably use them.

Stagecoach Festival (California)

If country music is more your style, Stagecoach is the event to plan your year around. Held in the same desert venue as Coachella but with its own unmistakable identity, Stagecoach brings together the biggest names in country music for a high-energy, boots-and-sunshine weekend.

It’s a bit more relaxed compared to the huge crowds at Coachella, but don’t confuse relaxed with quiet. Line dancing areas, barbecue stands, and casual hang-outs give Stagecoach a friendly, fun-loving vibe. You can even spot line dancers teaching newcomers the basics throughout the day.

Stagecoach is especially appealing for travelers because you can easily combine it with a visit to Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs, or local hot springs. It’s a festival that blends music, scenery, and a welcoming crowd.

Electric Daisy Carnival (Las Vegas, Nevada)

For fans of electronic music, EDC Las Vegas is the ultimate pilgrimage. Held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway each May, the festival is a massive, neon-drenched playground full of light shows, carnival rides, towering stages, and an energy level that’s unlike anything else in the country.

EDC goes all night—literally. The festival typically runs from dusk until sunrise, which means your schedule flips in the most entertaining way possible. Imagine dancing under a glowing sky as lights flash across the desert. Can you picture it?

Las Vegas itself makes the trip extra convenient, with endless hotel options, great restaurants, pools, and activities to fill your daytime hours. Just be prepared for the heat and the late hours. EDC is a world-class event and one of the top music festivals to travel for if you love EDM.

CMA Fest (Nashville, Tennessee)

CMA Fest turns Nashville into the center of the country-music universe every June. Unlike traditional multi-day festivals with fenced-off grounds, CMA Fest spreads across downtown, with free outdoor stages, ticketed stadium shows, meet-and-greets, and activities throughout the city.

It’s a great option if you want a festival that blends easily with sightseeing. You can wander along Broadway, pop into honky-tonks, tour the Country Music Hall of Fame, and catch a free afternoon outdoor show before heading to the huge nighttime concert at Nissan Stadium.

Fans appreciate that the festival focuses not only on top headliners but also emerging country artists. It’s a chance to discover new voices right as they’re making their mark.

And of course, because it’s Nashville, food and nightlife are part of the experience. From hot chicken to rooftop bars, you’ll have plenty to fill your itinerary beyond the music.

Telluride Bluegrass Festival (Colorado)

If you want a festival with incredible scenery, Telluride Bluegrass Festival might be the most beautiful music event in the US. Held each June in a stunning mountain box canyon, the festival mixes bluegrass, folk, and acoustic performances with a backdrop of towering cliffs and bright alpine skies.

This festival has a loyal following, and many travelers return year after year. The vibe is laid-back and welcoming, with daily workshops, songwriter sessions, and spontaneous jam circles throughout the grounds.

Telluride itself is a charming mountain town, full of trails, shops, and cafés. If you like the idea of a “destination festival” where nature plays a starring role, this is one to consider.

A Few Other Fantastic Festivals Worth Mentioning

If you want even more ideas, here are a few great festivals that didn’t fit into their own full sections but absolutely deserve attention:

Summerfest (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) – One of the largest music festivals in the world, featuring days and days of performances across multiple stages.

Firefly Music Festival (Delaware) – A forest-festival experience with camping, DJ sets, indie bands, and late-night parties.

South by Southwest (Austin, Texas) – Not strictly a music festival, but music is a huge component of SXSW, and the whole city buzzes with showcases.

Essence Festival (New Orleans, Louisiana) – A powerhouse celebration of Black culture, music, food, and community.

Every one of these can anchor an amazing US trip.

Bringing It All Together

Traveling for a music festival adds a whole new layer to a vacation. You get destination sightseeing, great food, and memorable adventures—plus live performances that you’ll probably remember long after the trip ends. Whether you’re into giant festivals with hundreds of thousands of people or smaller events tucked into scenic towns, the US has an option that matches your style. So maybe this is the year to build your travel calendar around music instead of the other way around. Which one sounds like your next adventure?