Get ready for an epic summer of music festivals! Find out information about Summer Music Festivals 2023. With an incredible lineup of musicians and stunning festival locations, this season promises to be nothing short of fantastic. Whether you’re up for a local adventure or an international extravaganza, there’s a festival tailored to your tastes and filled with artists you’ll absolutely love. So grab your festival gear, prepare to rock out with your favorite musicians, and make unforgettable memories with thousands of friends. Get ready to experience the ultimate music festival season like never before!
May 2023
The Great Escape, Brighton Beach, UK, May 10-13 For festivalgoers who love to discover new bands, The Great Escape (TGE) is the perfect way to kick off this summer’s music events. At TGE, you can even purchase single tickets to attend the extra Spotlight and Late Escape show events.
Kilby Block Party, Salt Lake City, Utah May 12-14 Headliners like the Strokes and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs ensure this year’s Kilby will knock it out of the park. Kilby brings you an exciting lineup of festival performers this year, including the Pixies, Pavement, and Japanese Breakfast. Held at the Utah State Fairpark, the venue offers ample space for festivalgoers to revel in three days of incredible music at Kilby.
Hangout Music Fest, Gulf Shores Beach, Alabama, May 19-21 Headliners like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lil Nas X, Paramore, and SZA ensure that this three-day festival right on the sandy beach will kick off summer in style. A cashless event, one wristband guarantees entry all weekend.
Adjacent Festival, Atlantic City, NJ, May 27-28 This Memorial Day weekend event allows festivalgoers to bring a beach towel to enjoy headliners like Paramore and Blink-182 between noon and 11 PM each day. Swimming is allowed, but leave the boats docked as they won’t be permitted near the concert area.
Kerrville Folk Festival, Kerrville, Texas, May 25-June 11 This 18-day festival for singers, songwriters, and everyone who loves the folk genre has been going strong for over 50 years. The beautiful Texas Hill Country, just an hour from Austin, is the backdrop for this massive festival, complete with campgrounds, daily events, and nightly concerts.
Primavera Sound, May 29-June 4, Barcelona; June 8-10, Madrid; June 7-10, Porto, Portugal; Sept. 16-18, Los Angeles One of the biggest summer music festivals in Europe will make its way to the US in September. Headliners like Pet Shop Boys, Halsey, Kendrick Lamar, and Depeche Mode keep festivalgoers rocking for days. The traveling festivals rotate different performers, making Primavera Sound’s lineup unique to each city.
June 2023
Mountain Music Festival, New River Gorge, WV, June 1-3 A combination of outdoor mountain adventure activities and mountain music, the MMF is located inside the 1,500-acre ACE Resorts so festivalgoers can hike, climb, raft, and mountain bike between concerts. Indie favorites like Yam Yam, Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, The Infamous Stringdusters, and Andy Frasco & the UN are on the 2023 lineup.
Gulf Coast Jam, Panama City Beach, Florida, June 1-4 A colossal country festival, the Gulf Coast Jam’s headliners like Morgan Wallen, Miranda Lambert, Hardy, and Kane Brown ensure that this year’s event will be as popular as always. The music of 30+ artists at the #countryonthecoast festival has drawn massive crowds, and this year looks to be no different.
Texas Music Revolution, McKinney, Texas, June 2-3 This emerging festival takes place in the historic downtown area of McKinney, with music venues located in spaces throughout the city center. The downtown square becomes a massive puzzle of small and large venues featuring country rock bands like Robert Earl Keen and Shane Smith & The Saints.
Rock im Park, Nuremberg, Germany, June 2-4 Experience the ultimate summer music festival in the heart of the city’s main park! This eco-conscious event embraces environmental responsibility by utilizing green energy, discouraging harmful elements like glitter, and turning campsite cleanup into a competition with an eco-conscious camper prize. But it’s not just about sustainability—the music lineup for 2023 is simply mind-blowing, featuring the likes of Foo Fighters, Machine Gun Kelly, Kings of Leon, and Limp Bizkit. Don’t miss out on this incredible festival where music and environmental consciousness converge!
CMA Music Festival, Nashville, Tennessee, June 8-11 Immerse yourself in the ultimate country music experience at this summer festival! Get up close and personal with country’s biggest stars at Meet & Greets while enjoying their performances across multiple stages inside Nissan Stadium and outside at Ascend Amphitheater. Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of country music! The festival will also be partially broadcast on ABC later in the summer, including performances by Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Keith Urban, and Lainey Wilson.
Bonnaroo Music Festival, Manchester, Tennessee, June 15-18 This massive summer music festival has taken place on a 700-acre farm for decades and has grown into a fun, funky, and all-night musical event experience. Headliners like Kendrick Lamar and the Foo Fighters share the stage with dozens of indie and rock bands, and festivalgoers love the peace-love-music vibe of Bonnaroo.
Milan Summer Festival, Milan, Italy, June 20 – July 15 Get ready to rock out in the historic city of Milan at their epic summer music festival dedicated to heavy metal bands! Brace yourself for electrifying performances by Motley Crue, Def Leppard, and Iron Maiden. The lineup also features the incredible Florence and the Machine, taking the stage at the Snai San Siro racetrack, where the festival is held. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience where metal music reigns supreme!
Glastonbury, Pilton, UK June 21-25 One of the biggest festivals in the world with over 100 stages, Glastonbury has been entertaining festivalgoers since the 1970s. Elton John, Lizzo, Lana Del Ray, Carly Rae Jepson, and the Ezra Collective are some of the big-name performers at this year’s summer music festival.
Essence Festival of Culture, New Orleans, Louisiana, June 29-July 3 Get ready to immerse yourself in a five-day hip-hop extravaganza! This summer music festival is all about celebrating the incredible talent of female music makers. Prepare to be blown away by sensational performances from icons like Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, and Megan Thee Stallion, among others. But it’s not just about the music—the festival offers a fusion of in-person and virtual events where you can explore captivating art, delve into the influences of fashion and food on modern hip-hop culture, and discover the true essence of this dynamic genre. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of hip-hop’s finest, where creativity and empowerment take center stage!
Montreal Jazz Festival, June 29-July 8 Prepare to witness the grandest jazz spectacle on Earth! For over 40 years, this summer music festival has transformed downtown Montreal into a thriving rhythm and melody hub with over 150 stages and venues. Experience the magic as top-notch and emerging artists take the spotlight, captivating audiences from every corner. Brace yourself for a sensory feast where jazz reigns supreme.
But that’s not all—every night of the festival, you can enjoy not one but two free concerts that will leave you mesmerized. Imagine the vibrant energy, the soulful melodies, and the electric atmosphere as the city comes alive to celebrate this musical extravaganza. Get ready to lose yourself in the world’s largest jazz festival and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Calvi on the Rocks, Corsica, France, June 30-July 3 The premier French summer music festival, Calvi on the Rocks, is held on the shoreline so festivalgoers can enjoy rock, electro, and pop music with their feet in the water. Corsica’s culture plays a big part in Calvi, too, and Air France partners with the festival to help bring music lovers to this beachy festival.
July 2023
Mad Cool Festival, Madrid, July 6-8 One of Madrid’s largest summer music festivals, Mad Cool Festival, takes place outdoors near the Coliseum Perez. This festival hosts over 100 performers, including Lil Nas X, Lizzo, The Prodigy, and dozens of European favorites.
Quebec City Summer Festival, Quebec City, Canada, July 6-16 Embark on an unforgettable musical adventure in Quebec City! Get ready for a summer festival featuring four outdoor stages, 11 days packed with mind-blowing shows, and a diverse range of music genres, from electrifying electro beats to soul-stirring indie melodies and thunderous metal anthems. Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting charm of Quebec City as the FEQ (Festival d’Été de Québec) sets the stage on fire with legendary acts such as Imagine Dragons, Foo Fighters, and Weezer. And the excitement doesn’t stop there! Immerse yourself in the rhythm at the free stage, offering daily performances that will leave you breathless.
80/35 Music Festival, Des Moines, Iowa, July 7-8 What started small in 2008 has blossomed into a respectable summer music festival that draws people into this underappreciated Midwest town. Free and paid shows around the city and a growing arts scene make this a fun summer event.
Tomorrowland, Boom Belgium, July 21-23 This summer music festival is famous for its awe-inspiring stages that resemble grand movie sets, leaving you mesmerized at every turn. But that’s not all—the real magic happens in DreamVille, a mystical village where festivalgoers find their home away from home. Picture a place where dreams come to life and unforgettable memories are made. Tomorrowland awaits, ready to redefine your festival experience like never before! Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey where music, art, and enchantment converge in perfect harmony.
Fuji Rock Festival, Naeba Ski Resort, Japan, July 28-30 Brace yourself for an electrifying lineup featuring iconic names such as The Strokes, Lizzo, Alanis Morrissette, and the Foo Fighters. From sunrise to sunset, the festival grounds will be alive with pulsating rock melodies, captivating performances, and an atmosphere of pure adrenaline. But the adventure doesn’t end there! Many festivalgoers choose to fully immerse themselves in the experience by camping out or staying in cozy on-site lodgings in the scenic ski area. Prepare to be mesmerized by the majestic presence of Mt. Fuji as you indulge in days of non-stop music, breathtaking surroundings, and memories that will last a lifetime.
August 2023
Newport Jazz Festival, Newport, Rhode Island, August 4-6 TDiscover the spectacular three-day festival at Fort Adams State Park! While camping isn’t permitted within the park, fret not! Experience the perfect blend of tranquility and music by staying at the nearby campgrounds or across the stunning harbor in the charming town of Newport. Get ready to be captivated by the jazz world’s finest as the festival welcomes legendary names such as Diana Krall, Kamasi Washington, and Herbie Hancock. Let the soothing melodies sweep you away as you bask in the idyllic ambiance of this mellow summer music festival.
Salmonfest, Ninilchik, Alaska, August 4-6 Previously, “Salmonstock,” Salmonfest is a fantastic summer music festival that is off the beaten path. With music like Old Crow Medicine Show and The Burroughs, this “3 Days of Fish, Love and Music” event will surely be a memorable destination festival.
Oregon Jamboree, Sweet Home, Oregon, August 4-6 The OJam takes place in a 20-acre park just outside the Cascade Mountains. Festivalgoers pilgrimage to the OJam every year to listen to headliners like Cody Johnson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Parker McCollum.
Oya Festival, Oslo, Norway, August 8-12 Immerse yourself in a musical wonderland as renowned artists like Lorde, Wizkid, Devo, and Boygenius grace the stage. Set amidst the picturesque Toyen Park, this international festival attracts music enthusiasts from far and wide for a week-long extravaganza. By securing a full pass, you gain access to mesmerizing performances and enjoy an exclusive early entrance to Club Day before the festivities kick off. Prepare to be transported to a realm of great melodies, vibrant energy, and unforgettable moments.
Edmonton Folk Festival, Edmonton, Canada, August 10-13 Prepare to be enchanted by the melodic tapestry woven by past performers like The Wailin’ Jennys, Ani DiFranco, and Mary Chapin Carpenter. Located in the heart of Edmonton, this beloved festival takes place in a scenic park where camping is prohibited. However, for those seeking a camping experience, the nearby Rainbow Valley Campground offers a perfect retreat. Enjoy the captivating atmosphere as music fills the air, and let the rhythm guide you through an unforgettable journey. Take advantage of this cherished Canadian tradition that inspires and unites music lovers from all walks of life!
Das Energi Festival, Salt Lake City, Utah, August 11-12 The Great Saltair is situated between the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Range mountains. It is an iconic backdrop for this summer music festival that is gaining steam every year. Past festival headliners have included deadmau5, Louis the Child, Subtronics, and Kaskade. Festivalgoers attending this EDM-centric festival love the rave-like atmosphere here.
Rock en Seine, Paris, August 25-27 Set against the stunning backdrop of the National Estate of Saint-Cloud Park, just a stone’s throw away from the majestic Seine River, Rock en Seine has become an iconic gathering for 40,000 passionate Parisians and music enthusiasts alike over the past two decades. What sets this festival apart is its unique location, nestled within a historic venue in the heart of the City of Light. Get ready to witness an extraordinary fusion of music, culture, and unparalleled energy as Rock en Seine takes the European music scene by storm, providing an unforgettable crescendo to the summer season. Enjoy the mind-blowing lineup of global rock sensations, including Billie Eilish and the Chemical Brothers, in 2023.
For something completely different, and a little more quiet. Check out our recent article about exploring the Majestic Redwood National Park.