The Best Upcoming Music Festivals in 2021

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of live music. It’s that incredible moment when the beat drops, or the instant you spot your favorite artist walking onto the stage. But who could’ve guessed we’d miss the smelly, sweaty feeling of the mosh pit? Or that pain in your ears when the bass drops just a little too loud? For many of us music lovers, 2020 was a year spent longing for the chance to head-bang just one last time. Luckily for us, the wait is over! Festivals are returning, bringing the sounds of live music back to fans who have spent the past months relying on playlists and earbuds to fulfill their concert fix.

Regarding Covid-19 protocols, it’s still hard to gauge just what these events will look like. With many having attendance capacities over 40,000 people, it seems unlikely that a venue staff would be able to efficiently impose any kind of health protocols. Still, Festivals such as Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza mention on their website that concert-goers, “must follow all posted Covid- 19 instructions while attending”. Regardless of what this may look like, live music is live music, and at this point, many of us will take what we can get. The following list compares aspects such as artist lineup, ticket price, event space, etc., to compile a list of the 10 most noteworthy music festivals happening in the US this year.

Bonnaroo

Bonnaroovians… the time has come. The Farm is calling you, and it’s calling you louder than ever. This year not only celebrates the return of Bonnaroo but also its 20th anniversary. There’s no question that the festival will have some amazing surprises in store, aside from its already incredible lineup, interactable architecture, and newly installed tram system that will save campers a whole lot of walking.

Headlining acts include female rap sensations Lizzo and Megan Thee Stallion, as well as 2nd-time headliner Tame Impala who performed at Bonnaroo in 2016. With a lineup of over 150 musicians, other notable acts include Tyler The Creator, Lana Del Ray, Young Thug, Phoebe Bridgers, and many more. While some have complained that this year lacks in representing the EDM genre, artists like Boombox Cartel and Subtronics are still sure to deliver.

2021 Bonnaroo will take place from September 2nd — 5th in Manchester Tennessee. 4-day general admission sold out at a rate of $379, which does not include the camping pass also required for the car. While Bonnaroo has always been a bit pricey, there’s no doubt that this festival will deliver just as always to its family on The Farm.

Rolling Loud Miami

While Rolling Loud has several concert locations throughout the US, Miami sure takes the cake this year as far as artists go. 2021’s lineup could arguably be one of the best in the history of Rolling Loud. Headliners include A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, and Post Malone, while other supporting artists include Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi Vert, Trippie Red, 21 Savage, Young Thug, and countless other huge names in the rap game. Even Kodak Black will be performing, making this his first live performance since 2019.

Though tickets sold out fast at $399 for GA, resale is still available on several websites if you’re looking to catch this incredible experience. Rolling Loud Miami will take place July 23rd — 25th in Hard Rock Stadium located at the heart of downtown Miami. And even if you can’t be there to see your favorite rap artists perform, be sure to follow Rolling Loud’s Instagram page for live recordings and fan videos of some of the biggest names in the game.

Lollapallooza

The infamous Lollapalooza; undoubtedly the largest music festival of the midwest, Lollapalooza is a multi-genre delight that provides platforms for music, dance, art, and everything in between.

Every year, Lollapalooza takes over Chicago’s Grant Park, providing one of the best city-immersive concert experiences in the game. Aside from its impeccable setup and breathtaking skyline background, Lolla surely delivers in their lineup as well. This year’s headliners include Miley Cyrus, Playboi Carti, Tyler, The Creator, Marshmello, Roddy Rich, Foo Fighters, and dozens of other huge names. One unique feature of this year’s festival experience is the “Lolla Aftershows”, a late-night listening experience that provides concert-goers the chance to attend an artist’s set at venues around Chicago. While these tickets are not included in the original $375 GA price, it is a great opportunity to catch a performance you may have missed, while also supporting local city businesses.

2021 Lollapalooza will take place July 29th — August 1st. Tickets still remain on sale, so be sure to catch them before they’re gone!

Governors Ball

The Governors Ball is a 3-day concert experience that embodies New York City’s love for music, as well as its love for food. Like any festival environment, it provides a perfect setting for anyone wishing to rage, but if you’re looking to chill out, Governor’s Ball also makes it easy to kick back, relax, and surrender yourself to the beats and riffs.

This year marks the Ball’s 10th anniversary, and they sure are pulling out all the stops as far as their lineup goes. Featured headliners include A$AP Rocky, Billie Eilish, J Balvin, and Post Malone. Other supporting artists consist of DaBaby, Phoebe Bridgers, 21 Savage, Dominic Fike, and many others to provide an infectious mix of hip-hop, EDM, pop, and rock.

While Governors Ball usually takes over the festival-harboring island of Randall Park, this year it will take place in Queen’s Citi Field. 3-day GA passes are still available for $319, but be sure to catch them quickly because they’re selling out fast!

Austin City Limits

While Austin has recently been deemed the live music capital of the world, it’s only fitting that it would hold a 2-weekend festival series consisting of over 150 different artists. Austin City Limits is an 8-stage celebration of all things music, art, food, drink, and love. The venue even provides a dedicated family area and free tickets to children under 10, making it perfect for anyone looking to expose their children to live music at a young age.

2021’s headliners will feature Miley Cyrus, George Strait, Stevie Knicks, Rüfüs Du Sol, Billie Eilish, and DaBaby. Other supporting artists include Megan Thee Stallion, Machine Gun Kelly, Doja Cat, Greta Van Fleet, St. Vincent, and countless others to provide a festival experience of over 130 bands.

This year’s Austin City Limits festival will take place on the weekends of October 1st — 3rd and the 8th — 10th. Tickets are currently sold out, but many are available on resale. Unlike many festivals, ACL sells 1-day GA tickets, so you won’t have to pay a fortune if you’re looking to catch just a glimpse of this amazing experience.

Pitchfork Music Festival

Pitchfork Media, an online media publication that is highly acclaimed as one of the best music sources out there. And while they also host and organize their own Pitchfork Music Festival, it’s clear to see they know what they’re talking about. Hosted in their headquarters’ hometown of Chicago, PMF provides a melting pot of almost every genre and subgenre you can think of.

Held September 10th — 12th, Chicago’s Union Park will be filled with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Big Thief, Animal Collective, St. Vincent, Phoebe Bridgers, Angel Olsen, Thundercat, and many more. While 3-day GA tickets are sold out, you can still purchase 1-day GA tickets for only $90! But be sure to keep aware of your health, because PMF requires either proof of a Covid-19 vaccination or a PCR test within 24 hours of each day you attend the festival.

Firefly

Every year, Firefly music festival ignites the woodlands of Dover International Speedway in Delaware. The 4-day concert experience is arguably the largest on America’s East Coast, filled with an utterly immersive onsite experience with tons to explore. The festival grounds feature a myriad of experiences including a beach club, roller rink, and pride parade.

With more than 120 acts playing at this year’s festival, the four big headliners include Billie Eilish, Tame Impala, The Killers, and Lizzo. Joining them will be Wiz Khalifa, Glass Animals, Roddy Rich, Machine Gun Kelly, and a cascade of other artists from countless different genres. And for you EDM folk, Firefly provides a separate DJ stage that will have new and exciting acts playing the entire weekend!

Firefly will take place this fall on the weekend of September 23rd — 26th. Weekend passes are currently sold out, but one-day GA passes are still on sale. And don’t forget to snag your camping pass if you plan to camp and experience Firefly’s Woodlands at its fullest!

Electric Zoo

While many of 2020’s canceled EDM raves were not rescheduled into this year, one festival still prevails, standing taller than ever as the smoke clears. That’s right, Electric Zoo. This fall, the creative minds behind Tomorrowland will take over New York’s Randall Island Park to provide 2021’s most extravagant electronic dance utopia.

Upon the release of this year’s lineup, it’s no question that thousands of rave-goers will flock to Electric Zoo from September 3rd — 5th. With no specific headliners, some of the most notable names include Fischer, Tiësto, Zeds Dead, Subtronics, Deorro, Glanantis, Steve Aoki, and over 100 more. GA tickets are still available, so get ready to suit up, grab your face paint, and practice those hula-hooping skills, because it’s time to rave!

Outside Lands

After a rather lack-lust Halloween in 2020, many of us look towards this year’s spooky season with high hopes and anticipation. But what better way to spend it than at a music festival? Outside Lands will be held in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco on Halloween weekend from October 29th — 31st.

With an already incredible venue space, Outside Lands provides one of the most unique festival experiences in the US, featuring a musical-magic-cooking show (what?), an immersive tent providing cannabis sale and consumption (what??), and even a “clean vibes trading post” which will allow you to trade in any trash found on festival grounds for unique merch and keepsakes (oh, say less).

To assist in the spooky activities that weekend, some headliners include The Strokes, Kehlani, Young Thug, Vampire Weekend, Zhu, and other incredible acts like Dr. Dog, KATRYNADA, and Boy Pablo. While GA and VIP tickets are sold out, be sure to catch your favorite artist’s show online if you can, given they may incorporate some unique Halloween themes into their performances!

Treefort Music Fest

If you’re a fan of indie/alternative music, this year’s Treefort Music Fest proves to be any indie-girl’s paradise. Held across multiple venues in downtown Boise, Idaho, the festival will feature over 150 bands, as well as 368 celebrated indie artists. These include big names like Japanese Breakfast, The María’s, Tennis, Goth Babe, and Vundabar.

One feature unique to TMF is their addition of “forts”. Rather than have multiple tents set up for food and art specialties, Treefort has included over 11 different immersive Fort experiences, including a ComedyFort, an AleFort, a Filmfort, and even a Skatefort! Each fort provides its own festival experience that can be attended while the festival is underway.

Treefort will be held this year on the weekend of September 22nd — 26th. Tickets are available but selling out fast, so be sure to reserve your time at the Fort ASAP!

Contributor: Sarah Kloboves