Music festivals are a great way to see a handful of your favorite artists in one spot. While jamming out to the latest and greatest names in music, the experience is coupled with free self-expression from artists and fans alike. You can expect to see one-of-a-kind handmade creations from vendors throughout festival venues while the audience is filled with eccentric fashion ensembles and everything from dancing to hula-hooping. 2024 boasts over 50 music festivals to look out for this year, and that list is still growing. To narrow down the must-see shows that you should grab tickets to, we have compiled this list of the best music festivals of 2024 that you won’t want to miss.
Attending concerts isn’t just fun; it’s actually shown to be great for your mental health. A recent study reveals that live music is better for mental health than relaxing activities like yoga and walking your dog. Researchers find that live music boosts your mood much more than simply listening to recordings or watching a video of a performance. Maybe this is because one in 10 respondents claim an amazing performance can even be considered a spiritual experience. Sounds like a great reason to seek out tickets to your next concert.
Survival of The Fittest: Music Festival Essentials
It’s not as simple as just showing up and jamming out. Well, that’s the main goal, but there are a few things you can do to ensure a safe and fun festival experience. Festival packing requires strategic thinking akin to planning a space mission. You need the right gear to handle everything from scorching sun to surprise downpours, all while looking effortlessly cool. Here’s your checklist for festival domination:
- Hydration Heroes: Reusable water bottles and Camelbaks are your best friends. Stay cool, hydrated, and eco-conscious with a trusty sidekick that you can refill countless times. Sip regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty, to avoid dehydration and heatstroke.
- Sun Saviors: Pack sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher (broad spectrum is best!), a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to shield your precious eyes from the sun’s wrath. Seek shade during peak sun hours and reapply sunscreen frequently. Sunburns are no fun, and safety first!
- Layer Up: Pack light, breathable layers for unpredictable weather. Think t-shirts, shorts, and a rain jacket that folds into a compact pouch.
- Footwear: Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. Opt for sneakers or sturdy boots that can handle mud, crowds, and impromptu dance moves. Break in your shoes before the festival to avoid blisters. Trust your toes, they’ll thank you later.
- Tech: Pack a portable charger to keep your phone juiced for capturing epic moments and staying connected. Don’t forget a waterproof phone case, just in case. But also be sure to disconnect from your phone occasionally. Soak in the live music, the vibrant atmosphere, and the connections you make. Real-life moments are more precious than likes!
- Other Gear: Pack essentials like earplugs, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and a bandana (multifunctional magic!). Don’t forget your ID and ticket/wristband, of course!
- Embrace the Unexpected: Things don’t always go according to plan. Roll with the punches, stay positive, and remember, sometimes the best moments are the unplanned ones.
Now that you are equipped with the essentials and best practices, enjoying a festival really comes down to having fun. That’s why we have searched high and low across event roundups to bring you this list of the best music festivals of 2024 to attend this year. We consulted nine expert lists, as well as conducting our own research, to pinpoint the top five shows that were mentioned most for music fans to attend. Let us know in the comments below if you think we missed a lineup that deserves a spot! Now, onto the list!
➡️How Our “Best Of The Best” Lists Are Created
StudyFinds’ “Best of the Best” articles are put together with the idea of taking the work out of common consumer research. Ever find yourself searching for a product or service on Google and reading multiple reviews to find items listed across many of them? Our Best of the Best lists are created with that process in mind, with each item ranked by how frequently it appears on expert reviews or lists. With Best of the Best, you are getting consensus picks — making them truly the best of the best!
Here Are The Best Music Festivals of 2024 You NEED Tickets To
1. Coachella
When: April 12-14 and 19-21
Where: Empire Polo Field in Indio, Calif.
Coachella appears high on multiple expert event roundups, earning it the top spot for must-see festivals this year. Beginning in 1999, this star-studded celebration of music takes place in sunny California. This isn’t just any old festival, though. Those who attend are pretty much guaranteed to see A-listers roaming the grounds, with big names like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid regularly making appearances.
Like most festivals, fashion is a big part of the event. Years ago, flower crowns were signature accessories in every Coachella wardrobe, but the trends evolve each year. One thing is for sure, though. Wear something that you don’t get to wear just anywhere. Anything goes in this sea of creative mania.
Headliners for Coachella 2024 include Lana Del Ray; Tyler, The Creator; and Doja Cat. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. The full lineup features over 100 artists that range across all genres, so there is something for everyone.
2. Bonnaroo
When: June 13-16
Where: Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tenn.
Bonnaroo has been a king in the festival realm since 2002 and has not disappointed since. This year’s headliners include Pretty Lights, Fisher, Post Malone, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Fred Again. The main venue, “Centeroo,” stays open 24/7, so you can jam out until the sun comes up if that’s your style.
When taking a break from the music, there are tons of activities to keep you occupied, cool off, or relax. Beat the heat with “Splash-a-roo” where you can jump in the famous Bonnaroo mushroom fountain or slide down a giant inflatable waterslide. There are also vendors, designated yoga areas, and more. With that being said, it’s pretty hard to get “Bonna-bored.”
3. Ultra
When: March 22-24
Where: Bayfront Park in Miami, Florida
Ultra is part of a family of festivals worldwide, but the place to be this year in the U.S. is Ultra Miami. Unlike many festivals on this list, you do not camp on Ultra grounds and instead can book a stay at one of the nearby hotels in Miami. Visiting Florida in March is a recipe for perfect weather anyways, but why not pair it with the insatiable beats of EDM greats and DJs performing at Ultra?
So, who are some of the talented artists making an appearance? Headliners include Calvin Harris, Afrojack, Excision, and Steve Aoki, to name a few. Plus, this stunning venue in Vice City places you right next to Biscayne Bay. So, while heads are rolling, boats are speeding by. It’s a great way to get a taste of summer before it hits full swing.
4. Tie: EDC and Lollapalooza
EDC and Lollapalooza were mentioned equally as often on expert lists, so we just had to throw them both in the lineup. Consider it a bonus, if you will.
EDC:
Otherwise known as Electric Daisy Carnival, EDC takes place in Las Vegas, Orlando, Mexico, and China, but the main event takes place on May 17-19 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This is a festival that people look forward to every year, complete with grounds covered by electric artwork and larger-than-life stage setups. This year’s lineup has not yet dropped, but fans are itching for its release in the coming months.
Lollapalooza:
This is another festival that does not involve camping due to the massive concrete jungle that surrounds it. Once a year, Chicago’s Grant Park comes to life with over 170 live music acts spanning nine stages along the shores of Lake Michigan. Plus, some of the Windy City’s best culinary creations can be found lining Chow Town, your go-to spot when hunger hits. I actually had the pleasure to attend last year’s Lolla and can attest that the food is heavenly, but the music and community is even better. I saw The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Billie Eilish days apart, while discovering some amazing artists that were new to me like Sofi Tukker and Thee Sacred Souls. I can’t wait for next year’s lineup to be announced. See you there!
5. Sziget
When: Aug. 7-12
Where: Budapest, Hungary
Sziget takes festival junkies abroad to Budapest! This event is renowned for incredible lineups and blazing stage displays that leave audience members in awe. This year’s first phase of the lineup was announced in December to feature artists such as Fred Again, Martin Garrix, Stormzy, and Sam Smith. Fans are still eagerly awaiting the phase two announcement to come out.
Most festival-goers choose to camp out on-site. You can pick from basic tent camping, caravan-style, or various glamping options. Sziget is held on Óbudai-sziget, which translates to “Old Buda Island.” To get there, you can actually take the famous Sziget Express, a train that comes from all over the world to the heart of Budapest. The local bus system also offers a Sziget CityPass by Budapest Card that includes public transportation options like the airport shuttle and a ferry to the island.
6. Hangout Fest
When: May 17-19
Where: The beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama
Number six on our list is the new kid on the block, Hangout Fest. This three-day party on the Gulf Shores of Alabama came to be in 2010 and has been drawing fans from all over the country ever since. What’s better than your toes in the sand and live music? I’m waiting.
This year’s top performers to look out for are Odesza, Zach Bryan, The Chainsmokers, and Lana Del Ray. But that is just a few names out of the long list of acts to see. Aside from the intoxicating music, the beach is laden with volleyball matches, bars and restaurants, hammocks, and even a psychedelic bus refurbished in silver sparkles and wild colors that will make the perfect backdrop for all your Instagram flicks.
7. Rolling Loud California
When: March 15-17
Where: Hollywood Park Grounds in Inglewood, California
While Rolling Loud also has festivals in Miami and outside of the U.S., today’s works (or festival fans) recommend their West Coast bash most. This will be the tenth-annual Rolling Loud in California, and it is not something to miss. The grounds are equipped with a pick-up basketball court, graffiti park, tattoo shop, ferris wheel, and more (some of which is only available for VIP ticket holders).
The year’s lineup is stacked with big names like Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, Future, and Metro Boomin. And you can’t beat springtime in Cali. The sun will be shining, crowds will be throbbing with energy, and the music just won’t stop at Rolling Loud.
Remember: The earlier you buy your tickets, the better, for any of these shows! Which festival crowd will we see you in this year? Let us know in the comments below!
You might also be interested in:
- Best Music Festivals in the World
- Best Concert Venues in the U.S.
- Best Guitar Solos of All Time
- Best Bohemian Clothing Brands
Sources:
- Dig!
- Thrillist
- American Songwriter
- Jones Around The World
- Trip Hippies
- Seat Geek
- Viberate
- People
- Vacasa
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
I don’t know who put this nutty list together, but your top two frozen pizzas are Connie’s, then Home Run Inn. Only then, go to Digiornos….
I guess they never tried Screamin’ Sicilian.