10 Music Festivals That Might Not Be On Your Radar — But Should Be
There are over 800 national music festivals vying for your hard-earned dollar. We’re lucky to have both CRSSD and Wonderfront in San Diego, though unfortunately, KAABOO, which was slated to return to the Del Mar Fairgrounds in September, cancelled again this year.
Even if you’re a modest music fan, chances are you’re familiar with the big boys, like Coachella, Lollapalooza (which gave new life to the music fest craze in 1991), SXSW, and Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), the largest electronic dance music festival in North America.
Here are ten less-obvious fests that should be on your radar. And, no, Fyre Fest 2, which has been inexplicably resurrected this year, did not make the roundup. Listed in chronological order, we break down what you need to know about these rising gems and regional darlings before you go.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
When: April 24-May 4
Where: Fair Grounds Race Course; New Orleans, LA
Headliners: Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Santana, Harry Connick Jr., and more
Don’t Miss: My Morning Jacket, Lil Wayne & The Roots, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Trombone Shorty
Buy Tickets: Here
Why Go?
Founded by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation in 1970, this 10-day cultural phenomenon attracts 400,000 fans each year. Just 10 minutes from the French Quarter, the fest showcases music genres well beyond jazz on multiple stages, delicious Louisiana cuisine (from crawfish to alligator), and artisans selling their crafts.
When: May 23-25
Where: Harvard Athletic Complex; Boston, MA
Headliners: Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Fall Out Boy, Avril Lavigne, Dave Matthews Band, Vampire Weekend
Don’t Miss: Sheryl Crow, The Black Crowes, Public Enemy
Buy Tickets: Here
Why Go?
Held over Memorial Day Weekend along the Charles River, Boston’s signature three-day fest features an enticing mix of music, from indie rock to hip-hop, visual arts, and — just like Coachella — a 100-foot Ferris wheel. Add in 30-plus food vendors slinging everything from New England lobster rolls to Southern BBQ, and you’ve got a feast for all senses.
When: June 19-21, June 26-28, July 3-5
Where: Henry Maier Festival Park; Milwaukee, WI
Headliners: Def Leppard, Hozier, James Taylor, Lainey Wilson, Megan Thee Stallion, Benson Boone, The Lumineers
Don’t Miss: The Isley Brothers, Young the Giant, CAKE
Buy Tickets: Here
Why Go?
It might not have the same name recognition as Bonnaroo or Outside Lands, but there’s a reason Summerfest is regarded as “the world’s largest music festival” — the event spans nine days and boasts different lineups each weekend. With more than 600 artists on 12 stages throughout the 75-acre park, the fest includes everything from immersive installations and interactive activations to sports challenges (pickleball, anyone?) and shopping markets along Lake Michigan.
When: July 18-20
Where: Harriet Island Regional Park; St. Paul, MN
Headliners: Hozier, Alabama Shakes, Fall Out Boy, Weezer, Green Day, Sublime
Don’t Miss: Father John Misty, Remi Wolf, Garbage
Buy Tickets: Here
Why Go?
Odd name for a music festival notwithstanding, the inaugural Minnesota Yacht Club will feature 20 top-notch artists performing on two stages over three days. The best part? No overlapping sets, so you can catch every act. And when you’re not soaking in the sounds, you can enjoy historic riverboat rides down the adjacent Mississippi River.
When: Aug. 8-9
Where: Buttermilk; Aspen, CO
Headliners: Rufus Du Sol, Kacey Musgraves, Glass Animals
Don’t Miss: Suki Waterhouse, Nessa Barrett
Buy Tickets: Here
Why Go?
Aspen’s inaugural music fest will keep it intimate, with just nine acts over two days, but the setting at the base of Buttermilk Mountain is nothing short of spectacular. For those looking to take full advantage of the luxurious environment, VIP and Cabin ticket options offer exclusive lounges, premium seating, and curated dining.
When: Sept. 11-14
Where: Highland Festival Grounds at Kentucky Expo Center; Louisville, KY
Headliners: Jack White, The Lumineers, Phish, Sturgill Simpson, Noah Kahan
Don’t Miss: Benson Boone, Lake Street Dive, Cage the Elephant
Buy Tickets: Here
Why Go?
As its name suggests, beyond the great music this four-day fest offers abundant bourbon tasting opportunities and culinary presentations by top celebrity chefs. And you can stay close to the action with onsite tent and RV camping, so you can chill between sets and don’t have far to go after the last note.
When: Sept. 19-21
Where: Piedmont Park; Atlanta, GA
Headliners: Deftones, My Chemical Romance, blink-182
Don’t Miss: Spoon, Public Enemy, The Black Keys
Buy Tickets: Here
Why Go?
Conceived in 2013, Shaky Knees prides itself on featuring diverse lineups of both A-list acts and emerging artists. In addition to 60-plus bands playing four stages, the fest (moving from May to September this year) offers ample eats, from Atlanta BBQ to local food trucks, and on-site activations.
When: Sept. 26-28
Where: Ocean City Inlet Beach; Ocean City, MD
Headliners: Green Day, Lenny Kravitz, Noah Kahan, Vampire Weekend, Good Charlotte, Fall Out Boy, Weezer
Don’t Miss: Franz Ferdinand, Live, Devo
Buy Tickets: Here
Why Go?
With a lineup curated by the band O.A.R., this three-day fest along the Ocean City Boardwalk features 40-plus performances across three stages. Yes, you’ll enjoy delicious East Coast bites from local food vendors, but this fest’s real point of difference is the on-site family-friendly amusement park.
When: Oct. 18-19
Where: Las Vegas Festival Grounds; Winchester, NV
Headliners: Panic! At The Disco, blink-182
Don’t Miss: Weezer, Bad Religion, Avril Lavigne
Buy Tickets: Here
Why Go?
For emo and pop-punk fans, When We Were Young is the holy grail. Expanding from one to two days (same lineup each day), the big draw this year is Panic! At The Disco’s one-off reunion. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, the Vegas-based band will perform their debut album in full.
When: Nov. 7-9
Where: West Valley Event Complex; Glendale, AZ
Headliners: Al Green, Charlie Wilson, Maze with Jubu
Don’t Miss: Anthony Hamilton, Nile Rodgers & Chic
Buy Tickets: Here
Why Go?
An easy five-hour drive from San Diego, Arizona Jazz Fest shifted its event this year from March to November. Don’t let the spring-to-fall switch scare you off, this fest has a laid-back vibe replete with reserved seating (no numb legs here) and only two stages, so you won’t sweat scheduling conflicts.
Donovan Roche is a longtime music writer and frequent contributor to Times of San Diego.
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