15 Spring Music Festivals Across the U.S. That Are Worth the Trip
Spring hits differently when your plans include live music and a road trip playlist. Across the country, festivals are popping up with massive lineups and vibes you won’t find on a streaming app. These are the ones people actually talk about after.
If you’re chasing rhythm, sunshine, and something to remember, start with these festivals.
Coachella – Indio, California
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Every April, Coachella turns a quiet polo field into one of the world’s biggest music stages. The 2025 lineup includes Lady Gaga, Travis Scott, Green Day, and dozens more. Fans explore massive art installations, global food options, and surprise performances. It’s an experience as big as its reputation.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – New Orleans, Louisiana
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Jazz Fest isn’t just about jazz. This festival is about celebrating New Orleans through music and culture, and the vibe is pure Louisiana energy. The 2025 festival features Pearl Jam, Luke Combs, and Lil Wayne. You’ll also find local artists, second-line parades, and enough gumbo to last a lifetime.
Stagecoach – Indio, California
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Stagecoach brings country music to the California desert with a lineup that doesn’t stick to one genre. Lana Del Rey and the Backstreet Boys join country stars like Riley Green and Hardy. The crowd comes for live music but stays for BBQ and desert sunsets.
French Quarter Festival – New Orleans, Louisiana
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The French Quarter Festival feels more like a weekend-long block party than a traditional festival. It’s free to attend and spread across the French Quarter, with stages on every corner. Over 300 local acts will be performed in 2025, and the food vendors will serve up classic New Orleans dishes that you’ll crave later.
Sonic Temple – Columbus, Ohio
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Sonic Temple goes hard, and fans love the adrenaline rush. It’s set in Historic Crew Stadium and features heavy rock, punk, and metal acts across four days. The 2025 lineup hasn’t dropped yet, but past years brought Nine Inch Nails, Foo Fighters, and Tool.
BottleRock – Napa Valley, California
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If you like your live music with a side of wine and truffle fries, BottleRock is calling. This festival combines big-name headliners with Napa’s food and wine. You’ll catch sets from top artists while Michelin-starred chefs host cooking demos nearby. It’s a weekend that feels effortlessly upscale.
Sand In My Boots Festival – Gulf Shores, Alabama
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This brand-new beach festival will make its debut in 2025, and it’s already turning heads. Morgan Wallen headlines a wild, genre-mixing lineup with Post Malone, Diplo, and 2 Chainz. The shows happen right on the sand, so you can listen barefoot with ocean waves in the background.
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) – Las Vegas, Nevada
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If you’re into high energy and zero sleep, this is your spot. EDC is a neon-lit, all-night wonderland built for EDM lovers. Massive stages light up the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with carnival rides and pyrotechnics at every turn. The music goes on until sunrise.
MerleFest – Wilkesboro, North Carolina
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MerleFest keeps things rooted and real. It was founded in memory of guitarist Merle Watson and brings together bluegrass, folk, and Americana artists. The vibe feels welcoming and low-key, with jam sessions, workshops, and family-friendly activities. If you love acoustic instruments and storytelling lyrics, you’ll feel right at home here.
Seabreeze Jazz Festival – Panama City Beach, Florida
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Seabreeze Jazz Festival is set up right by the beach and brings in top-tier contemporary jazz acts. You can lounge in the sun with a drink in hand while saxophones fill the air. It’s laid-back, classy, and completely stress-free.
Norman Music Festival – Norman, Oklahoma
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Norman Music Festival is DIY in the best way. This event proves that you don’t need a big budget to have a good time. It’s free, packed with local and touring acts, and takes over downtown Norman for three full days. Expect indie rock, hip-hop, and lots of food trucks.
Homegrown Music Festival – Duluth, Minnesota
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Homegrown does exactly what its name promises. It puts Duluth’s local music scene front and center. Over 160 acts are performed across dive bars, galleries, and parks. The festival lasts eight days, and it’s more than music. There are poetry nights, film screenings, and even a parade.
Big Ears Festival – Knoxville, Tennessee
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At Big Ears, you will hear jazz, classical, electronic, and everything in between. Performances happen in churches, theaters, and unexpected spots throughout downtown Knoxville. It’s for curious listeners who like to explore new sounds and support boundary-pushing artists from around the world.
Albany Tulip Festival – Albany, New York
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The tulips get all the attention, but the music’s a strong second. This two-day festival is held in Washington Park and celebrates Albany’s Dutch roots. In 2025, the lineup includes The 502s and Boy Band Review. You’ll also find food trucks, handmade crafts, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Shaky Knees Festival – Atlanta, Georgia
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Shaky Knees keeps things loud and nostalgic. It’s rock-focused but not stuck in the past. The 2025 lineup features My Chemical Romance, Deftones, and Blink-182. You’ll find over 60 bands playing across multiple stages in Piedmont Park. It’s perfect for anyone who still owns band tees.