The 2024 spring music festival season in America is fast approaching, and there’s no time to waste to start planning. After all, tickets to most significant events of the year are on sale and, in some instances, have already sold out. Nevertheless, with a little effort and timely planning, you’ll see some of the biggest names in the music business. So, whether your preference is dance music, hip-hop, country, or even rock, this year’s festival season has it all.
15 Top Spring Music Festivals in America
Beyond Wonderland Southern California
NOS Event Center
689 S. E. St.
San Bernardino, CA 92408
www.socal.beyondwonderland.com
Dates: March 22-23, 2024
Beyond Wonderland returns to the NOS Events Center for two days of fun, food, music, and maybe a bit of mischief. One of the year’s most significant electronic music events in Southern California, the festival with an Alice in Wonderland theme has a great lineup of performers. For instance, among the headliners are Alesso, Afrojack, The Chainsmokers, Madeon, and Benny Benassi. That’s not to mention even more acts like Dillon Francis, Substronics, Zeds Dead, and Diesel. In all, over 100 music artists will appear across six dazzling stages. Of course, plenty of food and drink will be available, as well as other festival services. The Mad Tea Party tickets are on sale now, starting at $169.99 for both days.
Boston Calling
Harvard Athletic Complex
65 N. Harvard St.
Boston, MA 02134
www.bostoncalling.com
Dates: May 24-26, 2024
If you’ve never been to New England’s No. 1 music festival, look closely at this year’s lineup. For instance, Ed Sheeran, Leon Bridges, Tyler Childers, The Killers, and former Phish frontman Trey Anastasio. More big names, such as Megan Thee Stallion, Hozier, The Revivalists, and Mean Girls star-singer Reneé Rapp, are backing up the headliners. All ticket levels, including single and three-day general admission, VIP, and Platinum, are available. Also on hand will be over 30 food vendors, with more details to follow.
BottleRock Napa Valley
575 Third St.
Napa, CA 94559
www.bottlerocknapavalley.com
Dates: May 24-26, 2024
BottleRock will be the San Francisco Bay Area’s premier spring music festival with marquee performers like Stevie Nicks, Pearl Jam, and Ed Sheeran. However, many more top-name acts are coming to the Napa Valley Wine Country. Indeed, this year’s lineup includes Megan Thee Stallion, Maná, St. Vincent, Queens of the Stone Age, Nelly, and Norah Jones. If that’s not enough, you can also see Bebe Rexha, Miike Snow, Kali Uchis, The Kid Laroi, and many more. Of course, there will also be Bay Area bands, including Con Brio, Moonalice, and the legendary soul/R&B group Tower of Power. In addition, you’ll have gourmet food offerings such as Morimoto Napa, La Toque, Mustards Grill, and Press Restaurant. Craft beer and fine wines from premium vendors like Caymus Vineyards, Lagunitas, Robledo Vineyard, Schramsberg, and Silverado are also in like manner.
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California Roots
Monterey County Fairgrounds
2004 Fairgrounds Road
Monterey, CA 93940
www.californiarootsfestival.com
Dates: May 24-26, 2024
You can describe California Roots as a late spring music festival or a kickoff to the summer music scene. Whatever the case, it’s easily one of the most significant music events in the incomparable Monterey Bay Area. Sometimes known as the world’s largest reggae-rock fest, California Roots showcases a diverse collection of music genres. You need to see this year’s lineup to understand better who you can enjoy. In some detail, the lineup includes Burning Spear, Stephen Marley, Ice Cube, and Bay Area rapper E-40. While there, check out the food, arts, and retail vendors. The Monterey County Fairgrounds was the setting for the iconic Monterey Pop Festival, featuring Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, and more.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Empire Polo Club
81-800 Avenue 51
Indio, CA 92201
www.coachella.com
Dates: April 12-14 and April 19-21, 2024
Of all the many spring music festivals in America, Coachella is one for your bucket list. After all, it’s considered the leading spring music event and features some of the biggest names on the planet. This exciting year is no different, with Lana Del Rey, Tyler, The Creator, and Doja Cat as headliners and a rare appearance of the alt-indie band No Doubt. Additionally, there are many other popular acts, including Peso Pluma, Blur, Grimes, Sublime, Jon Baptiste, and actress-singer Reneé Rapp. Of course, you’ll have many different things to see and do at Coachella, such as the Heineken House, a Ferris wheel, onsite camping, and food and drink. That’s to say nothing of the many celebrities you might see who make Coachella an annual pilgrimage.
Cruel World Festival 2024
Brookside at the Rose Bowl
1001 Rose Bowl Dr.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Date: May 11, 2024
Held at Brookside at Pasadena’s historic Rose Bowl, Cruel World is just a one-day spring music festival. Despite this, this will be an essential event to consider, especially if you love ‘80s new-wave music. In the first place, you have Duran Duran, Blondie, Simple Minds, Interpol, and Soft Cell. Adam Ant, Gary Numan, Placebo, Jesus Mary Chain, and others will be there. Most ticket categories are open, including GA and VIP, although the Clubhouse tickets for 21 and over are sold out. Despite categories being sold, you can still place your name on a waitlist. If you go, review the directions and your entry point behind the Rose Bowl stadium.
EDC Las Vegas
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
7000 N. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89115
www.lasvegas.electricdaisycarnival.com
Dates: May 17-19, 2024
One of this year’s most prominent and largest spring music festivals in America is EDC Las Vegas. Even though the 2024 lineup is unavailable, now is the time to mark your calendar and book tickets. After all, the Electric Daisy Carnival drew over 500,000 fans last year, and you can expect similar numbers this year. It’s the largest electronic dance music not only in America but in the entire North American continent. GA+, VIP, and EDC camping passes are still available, although you have an optional package stay at the Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World. If this is your first EDC Las Vegas, please understand how to get there, where to camp, and safety precautions. Once the 2024 lineup is known, this section will be updated.
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Inning and Extra Innings Festival
Tempe Beach Park & Arts Park
80 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85281
www.inningsfestival.com
Dates: Weekend 1 – February 23-24, Weekend 2 – Dates: March 1-2, 2024
The Innings and Extra Innings music festivals are technically held before spring starts on March 20. But could you look at these two events to jumpstart your spring music festival scene? After all, you can enjoy spring-like weather in Tempe, or it might seem like summer. With this in mind, the Innings Music Fest is next month and will be featuring some major music talent. For example, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Hozier will be there, along with Greta Van Fleet, Third Eye Blind, and more. Equally important is that Innings coincides with the beginning of Arizona’s spring training season. Because of this, you’ll also see baseball legends like Ryan Dempster, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Dave Stewart, and Brett Saberhagen appearing at the festival.
Extra innings Festival
Not to be outdone by the first Tempe fest is Extra Innings the following weekend. This means you can enjoy two different lineups on two consecutive weekends. As for headliners, Chris Stapleton will appear on Friday, followed by the Dave Matthews Band on Saturday. With Elle King, Sheryl Crow, Gin Blossoms, and others, the Arizona desert will be the place to be. Of course, you can also attend spring training games at 10 Greater Phoenix Area ballparks like Scottsdale Stadium and Ho Ho Kam Stadium in Mesa.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Fair Grounds Race Course
1751 Gentilly Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70119
www.nojazzfest.com
Dates: April 25-28 and May 2-5, 2024
Whether you’re a baby boomer or Gen Z, the New Orleans Jazz Festival has a lineup for every music lover. Unless you’ve lived in a cave, you probably already know who’s coming to NOLA’s music fest this spring. However, if you are unaware, this year’s lineup includes Foo Fighters, Christ Stapleton, The Killers, Neil Young, and the Rolling Stones. That’s to say nothing of more top acts like Jon Baptiste, Trombone Shorty, Greta Van Fleet, Heart, Queen Latifah, and Earth, Wind and Fire. There’s even an appearance from Bonnie Raitt, The Beach Boys, Fantasia, and Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reef Band. Together with NOLA-style cuisine, arts and crafts, and more, it’s easily among America’s best spring music festivals.
Related: Best Summer Music Festivals in America 2022
Rockville
Daytona International Speedway
1801 W. International Speedway Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
www.welcometorockville.com
Dates: May 9-12, 2024
If you prefer heavy metal and complex rock music, check out the lineup Rockville 2024 in Daytona Beach. For one thing, you have headliners like Mötley Crüe, Limp Bizkit, Foo Fighters, and Slipknot over four consecutive days. But look who else will be there, like Judas Priest, Anthrax, Greta Van Fleet, Primus, Cypress Hill, Sum 41, and many others. Most ticket categories, like single-day GA, 4-day GA, and VIP, are available. In addition, you can purchase a hotel and pass bundle, which includes a 3-5 stay at a hotel nearby. The participating hotels are the Hard Rock Hotel, The Daytona Autograph Collection, and Courtyard by Marriott.
Rolling Loud Cali
Hollywood Park Grounds
1011 Stadium Dr.
Inglewood, CA 90305
Dates: March 15-17, 2024
Open to people 16 and over, Rolling Loud is celebrating its 10th year in California. With this in mind, this year’s lineup will be extra special. Indeed, the “Queen of Rap,” Nicki Minaj, will be there, as will Post Malone, Future, Metro Boomin, YG, and Tyga. If you need more convincing, this spring music fest will have Summer Walker, Big Sean, Larry June, Bones, Don Tolliver, and Bryson Tiller. Of course, there are sure to be other favorite rap or hip-hop stars coming to Hollywood Park. Currently, tickets are available across all levels, including single-day, three-day general admission, and VIP.
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Shaky Knees
Central Park
395 Piedmont Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30308
www.shakykneesfestival.com/
Holding for just over ten years, Shaky Knees seems to get bigger and better every year. This year’s lineup may be the best in Georgia’s capital and largest city. If you need more information, Foo Fighters, Weezer, Queens of the Stone Age, Billy Idol, Arcade Fire, and Noah Kahan are set to appear. Of course, other acts will be bound to shake your knees, like Young the Giant, Interpol, The Revivalists, The Offspring, Portugal, and The Man. You’ll sometimes get hungry and thirsty with all that dancing and singing. That’s when you’ll head to the food trucks for southern cuisine and more, with some of the friendliest vendors you’ll meet in the city.
South by Southwest (SXSW)
Austin Convention Center
500 E. Cesar Chavez St.
Austin, TX 78701
www.sxsw.com
Dates: March 8-16, 2024
The music festival is just a part of what’s happening yearly at Austin’s South by Southwest. However, it’s one of the premier spring events and a major happening in the capital city of Austin. While the primary focus is on its featured speakers and film and television festival, SXSW drew nearly 30,000 to its music festival. This year’s music festival is from March 11-16 and typically features emerging artists like Rawayana, waterbaby, Dry Cleaning, and Viji. If you’re curious who will appear as guest speakers, the list includes former NBA star Dwyane Wade and actresses Jane Fonda and Rosario Dawson. Drawing nearly 350,000 people last year, SXSW expects a similar number of attendees this spring.
Stagecoach Music Festival
Empire Polo Club
81-800 Avenue 51
Indio, CA 92201
www.stagecoachfestival.com
Dates: April 26-28, 2024
As a testament to its popularity, the 2024 Stagecoach Music Festival has already sold out. However, you can join the waitlist online if more tickets are available. As for why tickets went so quickly, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, and Morgan Wallen are the headliners. But not only these top acts but also Willie Nelson, Jelly Roll, Elle King, Dwight Yoakam, Leon Bridges, and Post Malone. That’s not to mention the music artists for Late Night in Palomino, like Wiz Khalifa, Nickelback and Diplo. If you go, there are other things to do, like the honky tonk dance hall and Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse.
Ultra Music Festival Miami
Bayfront Park
301 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
www.ultramusicfestival.com
Dates: March 22-24, 2024
Last but certainly not least, in this list of America’s best spring music festivals is the Ultra Music Festival. Although the entire lineup has not yet been announced, many of the world’s leading electronic music artists are coming. For example, Afrojack, Armin Van Buren, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Mar+in Garrix, Steve Aoki, and Tiësto are set to appear. This may make you wonder who else will be performing in Miami. As of now, Tier 2 GA 3-day tickets are available, as well as VIP 3-day tickets. If you wait too long, ticket prices will increase once Tier 3 sales are open. This section will be revised once the complete lineup of music artists is unveiled.
Related: Best 2023 Spring Music Festivals in America
About the Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance 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.
