Spring is fast approaching, and with it comes the ultimate awakening of the American live music scene. You can practically feel the bass vibrating in the air as the country’s most iconic venues prepare to host the legendary 2026 spring music festival season. From the dusty, neon-soaked plains of the California desert to the humid, soulful streets of the French Quarter, your opportunities for sonic adventure are endless this year. Whether you’re a die-hard indie fan, a country traditionalist, or an EDM raver, the 2026 circuit offers a diverse palette of sounds designed to move your soul. This is your year to trade the headphones for front-row barricades and create memories that will last a lifetime. Prepare your schedule and pack your bags, because here is a definitive list of 15 festivals you absolutely cannot miss.
Video: Coachella 2026 featuring Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, KAROL G and more
Credit: Coachella on YouTube (Standard License)
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – Indio, California
You’ll find yourself at the pinnacle of global pop culture when you step onto the Empire Polo Club grounds for Coachella. This 2026 spring music festival remains the crown jewel of the season, spanning two weekends (April 10–12 and April 17–19) and offering a lineup that shifts the industry’s tectonic plates. For 2026, the desert will sizzle with headliners like Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G, alongside a world-premiere performance of Anyma’s Æden.
More Headliners
Beyond the radio hits, you can explore an eclectic undercard featuring The Strokes, Nine Inch Noize (a massive collab between Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize), and the long-awaited return of The xx. That’s not to mention even more standouts, like Teddy Swims, David Byrne, Addison Rae, Iggy Pop, Kaskade and Martin van Buuren.
EDC Las Vegas (Electric Daisy Carnival) – Las Vegas, Nevada
Get ready to enter “The Electric Sky” for an immersive experience that goes far beyond a standard concert. EDC Las Vegas (May 15–17) is a neon-drenched wonderland at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, featuring over 200 DJs and a production value that will leave you breathless. You’ll be raving until dawn to the sounds of global titans like Martin Garrix, Tiesto, and David Guetta. With 2026 marking another massive year for the Insomniac brand, expect legendary sets from artists like Dom Dolla and Alison Wonderland to keep the energy at a fever pitch all night long.
Stagecoach Festival – Indio, California
Dust off your cowboy boots because you’re heading back to Indio just one week after Coachella for the ultimate country celebration. Stagecoach 2026 (April 24–26) promises a high-octane blend of “who’s who” in country royalty and unexpected cross-genre legends. For instance, you can expect to sing your heart out to headliners Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Post Malone. Don’t miss the “Late Night in Mustang” sets where you’ll catch high-energy performances from Pitbull, Ludacris, and Diplo, proving that the desert knows how to party across every genre boundary.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – New Orleans, Louisiana
Prepare to immerse yourself at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival running from April 23 to May 3. Indeed, you won’t just be watching a concert; you’ll be participating in a cultural pilgrimage that spans two massive weekends. The 2026 lineup is a masterclass in variety, featuring rock legends like The Eagles, Stevie Nicks and Rod Stewart, alongside modern icons like Lorde, Jon Batiste, and Tyler Childers. Between sets, you’ll find yourself wandering toward the Food Heritage stages to grab a bowl of crawfish monica while the sounds of Preservation Hall Jazz Band echo through the Fair Grounds.
BottleRock Napa Valley – Napa, California
You’ll find the ultimate “first taste of summer” when you step onto the lush grounds of the Napa Valley Expo for Memorial Day weekend, May 22–24. BottleRock has officially cemented its reputation for perfectly pairing high-end wine country luxury with a powerhouse 2026 roster. Prepare for a weekend of massive singalongs as you catch headlining sets from the Foo Fighters, Lorde, and a highly anticipated, nostalgic pop masterclass from the Backstreet Boys.
The End of Spring & First Taste of Summer at BottleRock
As you wander between the six stages with a world-class Cabernet in hand, you’ll encounter an incredible range of talent. You can vibe to the soulful vocals of Teddy Swims, witness a high-energy set from Lil Wayne, or dance to the legendary funk of Chaka Khan and Kool & the Gang. The 2026 bill doesn’t stop there—expect to rock out with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, get lost in the electronic beats of Zedd, and even see rare appearances from acts like LCD Soundsystem, Paris Jackson and Busta Rhymes. That’s to say nothing of up-and-coming acts like The Warning from Mexico and Buffalo Traffic Jam. When you aren’t at the music stages, you’ll likely be at the famous Culinary Stage, watching world-renowned chefs “mash up” with artists for cooking demonstrations that are just as entertaining as the concerts.
Related: America’s Coolest Movie Theaters
Ultra Music Festival – Miami, Florida
You’ll experience the absolute heartbeat of electronic dance music when you touch down in Bayfront Park for Ultra. As a premier 2026 spring music festival destination, Ultra transforms downtown Miami into a futuristic playground of sound and light from March 20–22. Prepare to be blown away by the “Resistance” stage’s underground techno vibes or the main stage’s legendary pyrotechnics. For 2026, you can expect massive sets from the likes of Hardwell, Alesso, and a mind-bending performance from Steve Aoki. Between the pounding basslines and the stunning Biscayne Bay views, you’ll quickly realize why this is the ultimate pilgrimage for dance music lovers worldwide.
SXSW (South by Southwest) – Austin, Texas
You’ll find yourself at the epicenter of global creativity when you descend upon Austin for the 40th anniversary of SXSW from March 10-15. This isn’t just a festival; it’s a city-wide takeover where the lines between music, film, and tech disappear across hundreds of downtown venues. Imagine yourself hopping from a secret warehouse set to a legendary Sixth Street bar, discovering your new favorite band before they ever hit the radio.
The Music Festival at SXSW
For 2026, the Music Festival is already buzzing with an eclectic roster including the high-energy rock of The All-American Rejects and rising stars like The Sophs and Grrfl Gang. You’ll also catch unique showcases from curators like Rolling Stone and NPR Music, alongside hundreds of international acts like La Texana and Milo Korbenski. Between official showcases, you can wander into “unofficial” day parties for free tacos and even more live music, truly experiencing why Austin is the live music capital of the world.
Tortuga Music Festival – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Combine your love for country music with a commitment to ocean conservation at Tortuga (April 10–12). You’ll be standing directly on the sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach, supporting the Rock The Ocean Foundation while watching the biggest names in the business. The 2026 lineup is already making waves with headliners like Post Malone, Kenny Chesney, and Riley Green. It’s a unique opportunity to additional country stars like Dwight Yoakam and Russell Dickerson in a tropical setting that feels more like a beach party than a traditional festival.
BeachLife Festival – Redondo Beach, California
Trade the frantic city energy for the cool Pacific breeze at BeachLife, where you’ll enjoy a premium “toes-in-the-sand” experience. This festival perfectly captures the Southern California surf culture, offering a laid-back yet high-end atmosphere right on the waterfront. Imagine yourself catching a sunset set from Duran Duran, rocking out to Offspring or even James Taylor. If that’s not enough, more leading artists like Joan Jett, Sheryl Crow, Slightly Stoopid and Ben Harper are on this year’s lineup.
Country Thunder Arizona – Florence, Arizona
Escape to the Canyon Moon Ranch for a desert oasis of country music from April 9–12. You’ll find a dedicated community of campers and country fans who turn this four-day event into a lifestyle. The 2026 iteration is set to be one for the books, with a lineup featuring Lainey Wilson, Gavin Adcock, and Zach Top. If you’re looking for a festival that prioritizes the “country” in country music, the dusty trails and starry nights of Arizona provide the perfect atmosphere for these powerhouse vocalists to shine.
Welcome to Rockville – Daytona Beach, Florida
You’ll find yourself at the “World Center of Rock” when you pass through the gates of the Daytona International Speedway from May 7–10. This massive four-day event is a high-octane celebration of all things heavy, featuring over 150 bands across five massive stages. For 2026, you can prepare to witness a historic lineup anchored by the raw power of Guns N’ Roses and the anthemic energy of the Foo Fighters. The weekend also brings highly anticipated sets from My Chemical Romance and Bring Me The Horizon, ensuring every sub-genre from classic rock to modern metalcore is represented. That’s not to mention other big acts like The Warning, Alice Cooper, Lamb of God and Godsmack.
Innings Festival – Tempe, Arizona
Catch your favorite rock and indie acts at the Innings Festival, which coincides with MLB Spring Training. You’ll find a unique blend of music and baseball, making it a perfect event for sports fans who also love live music. Imagine spending your day enjoying a baseball game, then heading straight to Tempe Beach Park for an evening of incredible performances. For 2026, you can see bands like Mumford & Sons, Twenty One Pilots and Blink-182. In addition, are other high-profile acts like Goo Goo Dolls, Cage the Elephant, Public Enemy and Sublime.
Country Thunder – Florence, Arizona
You’ll find yourself deep in the heart of the Sonoran Desert for Arizona’s most legendary party when Country Thunder takes over Canyon Moon Ranch from April 9–12. As a cornerstone of the 2026 spring music festival season, this event is as much about the massive campground community as it is about the music. Picture yourself kicking up dust under the desert sun to a powerhouse lineup that bridges the gap between legends and the genre’s hottest new stars. You can expect to belt out every word to sets by Lainey Wilson and the iconic Brooks & Dunn, while witnessing the skyrocketing energy of Zach Top and Gavin Adcock.
Sips & Sounds – Austin, Texas
You’ll kick off your festival season with a burst of pop energy and refreshing vibes at Sips & Sounds, returning to Austin’s scenic Auditorium Shores on March 13–14. This festival has quickly become a must-visit spring music festival 2026 destination, offering a more intimate, curated experience right on the edge of Lady Bird Lake. Prepare to be dazzled by the legendary powerhouse vocals of Christina Aguilera and dance the night away to the world-class beats of Calvin Harris. The 2026 lineup is packed with talent, featuring high-energy sets from Major Lazer Soundsystem, the indie-pop hooks of Foster The People, and a soulful performance by Stephen Sanchez. Between sets, you can explore interactive Coca-Cola “sips” stations and enjoy a panoramic view of the Austin skyline that serves as the perfect backdrop for your festival photos.
Kilby Block Party – Salt Lake City, Utah
Discover why Salt Lake City has become an indie-rock mecca as you head to the Utah State Fairpark for the 7th annual Kilby Block Party from May 15–17. This festival has ballooned from a local celebration into one of the most respected alternative lineups in the country. For 2026, you’ll witness an incredible roster of heavy hitters and cult favorites, headlined by the ethereal Lorde, the long-awaited return of The xx, and the explosive, genre-defying energy of Turnstile. You won’t want to miss the rare chance to see Hayley Williams in a solo festival setting or catch a nostalgic set from Modest Mouse. With over 70 artists—including Alex G, Lucy Dacus, and Blood Orange—this three-day weekend offers a supportive, community-focused atmosphere that still packs the punch of a major national festival.
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University and is a Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW) member.
Related: America’s Best 2025 Summer Music Festivals
