Festivals in United States in May
70 festivals waiting for you
Curated by Sarah Pagel · Last verified 2 April 2026
The United States offers a vast geographical canvas for music festivals, ranging from the rugged beauty of the New River Gorge in West Virginia to the coastal breeze of Monterey County. This diverse landscape fosters a culture where massive electronic gatherings coexist with intimate bluegrass and Americana retreats. Whether it is the wooded surroundings of Electric Forest or the beachfront stages of Barefoot Country, American events capitalize on the country's varied terrain to create distinct atmospheres. The scene is defined by its sheer scale and the tradition of the multi-day outdoor experience, drawing crowds to iconic locations like Chicago’s Union Park or the high-altitude settings of the Colorado mountains.
Musically, the American circuit reflects a rich heritage of rock, hip hop, and country while embracing the global evolution of house and techno. Major urban centers like Columbus and Boston serve as hubs for genre-defying lineups, while festivals like California Roots and ARC Music Festival highlight the nation's deep-rooted appreciation for reggae and underground electronic music. Beyond the sound, the culture emphasizes community and artistic expression, blending jam band traditions with cutting-edge production. From the historic Monterey Fairgrounds to the industrial backdrops of the Midwest, these gatherings remain a central pillar of American entertainment, showcasing a relentless passion for live performances across every imaginable soundscape.
May Festivals
Dark Force Fest 2026
May 1, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Dark Force Fest is a premier three-day gothic-industrial music festival and convention held annually at the castle-themed Sheraton in Parsippany, New Jersey. The event features over 30 international bands, a massive vendor market, club events, and immersive dark alternative activities.
Shabang Festival 2026
May 1, 2026 - May 2, 2026
Shabang is a vibrant music and arts festival held in the rolling hills of San Luis Obispo, California, featuring a diverse lineup of indie, electronic, and alternative artists across multiple stages. The independent event celebrates Central Coast culture through immersive art installations, interactive workshops, and a community-driven atmosphere that includes camping and local artisan vendors.
Beachlife Festival 2026
May 1, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Beachlife Festival is a premier coastal event in Redondo Beach, California, that celebrates Southern California's beach culture through live music, art, and gourmet culinary experiences. The annual three-day festival features a diverse lineup of rock, indie, and reggae artists performing across multiple stages right on the Pacific waterfront.
RiverBeat Fest 2026
May 1, 2026 - May 3, 2026
RiverBeat Fest is a multi-genre music festival held at Tom Lee Park along the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee. The event features a diverse lineup of world-class artists across multiple stages, celebrating the city's musical heritage in a scenic waterfront setting.
Sing Us Home Festival 2026
May 1, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Sing Us Home is an annual three-day music festival in Philadelphia's Manayunk neighborhood, curated by singer-songwriter Dave Hause to celebrate the city's spirit and community. The event features a diverse lineup of punk, indie, and folk artists alongside local food, craft beer, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
iHeartCountry Festival 2026
May 2, 2026 - May 2, 2026
The iHeartCountry Festival is an annual country music event in Austin, Texas, that brings together the genre's biggest superstars and rising artists for a star-studded concert experience. Produced by iHeartMedia, the one-day festival features live performances that are broadcast to millions of fans nationwide via iHeartRadio stations and digital platforms.
M3 Rock Festival 2026
May 2, 2026 - May 2, 2026
M3 Rock Festival is an annual multi-day event held at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Maryland, specializing in 80s arena rock and glam metal. It features legendary hair bands and attracts thousands of fans from across the globe for a nostalgic weekend of live performances.
Anjunadeep Open Air Washington D.C. 2026
May 2, 2026 - May 2, 2026
Anjunadeep Open Air Washington D.C. is a music festival that takes place at The Great Lawn in Washington, D.C.. Presented by Nü Androids, the event aims to transform the location into a world-class open-air venue, offering more than just music for attendees.
Northwest Terror Fest 2026
May 7, 2026 - May 9, 2026
Northwest Terror Fest is an annual three-day extreme music festival held in Seattle, Washington, that showcases a wide range of underground metal and punk subgenres. The event serves as a premier destination for heavy music fans, featuring performances across multiple venues in the city's Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Welcome to Rockville 2026
May 7, 2026 - May 10, 2026
Welcome to Rockville is a premier four-day rock and heavy metal festival held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Recognized as North America's largest rock event, it features over 150 bands across five stages and attracts hundreds of thousands of fans for a massive outdoor music experience.
Shakori Hills GrassRoots Spring 2026
May 7, 2026 - May 10, 2026
The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance is a family-friendly, four-day celebration in Pittsboro, North Carolina, featuring diverse musical genres, local crafts, and dance workshops. This spring event fosters community and sustainability while supporting local arts and education on a beautiful 75-acre farm.
Rolling Loud USA 2026
May 8, 2026 - May 10, 2026
Rolling Loud is the world's largest hip-hop music festival, featuring premier lineups of global superstars and rising talent across major cities in the United States. Originally launched in Miami, the high-energy event has evolved into a massive cultural phenomenon that defines the modern hip-hop concert experience.
The Untz Festival 2026
May 8, 2026 - May 10, 2026
The Untz Festival is a premier underground electronic music event in Northern California that showcases cutting-edge bass music, dubstep, and experimental soundscapes. It is highly regarded for its intimate community atmosphere and its dedication to high-fidelity sound systems and immersive production.
Country Thunder Florida 2026
May 8, 2026 - May 10, 2026
Country Thunder Florida is a premier multi-day country music festival featuring a star-studded lineup of top artists and extensive camping options. The event provides fans with an energetic atmosphere filled with live performances, community celebrations, and a variety of onsite activities.
Mid West Music Fest 2026
May 8, 2026 - May 9, 2026
Mid West Music Fest is a multi-venue, all-ages festival held in Winona, Minnesota, that showcases a diverse lineup of regional and national artists across genres like indie rock, folk, and soul. Organized as a non-profit event, it aims to promote music and art activism while supporting local economic development and providing educational resources for the community.
Austin Psych Fest 2026
May 8, 2026 - May 10, 2026
Austin Psych Fest is an annual music festival in Austin, Texas, that showcases a diverse lineup of psychedelic rock, shoegaze, and experimental artists. The event is celebrated for its immersive visual experiences, featuring liquid light shows and video art that complement its eclectic musical programming.
Magic City Flow Fest 2026
May 9, 2026 - May 9, 2026
Magic City Flow Fest is a premier hip-hop and rap music festival held in Birmingham, Alabama, featuring high-energy performances from both national headliners and local rising stars. The event celebrates the region's vibrant urban culture through a blend of musical sets, art installations, and community-focused activities at historic venues like Sloss Furnaces.
SmokeSlam Festival 2026
May 14, 2026 - May 16, 2026
SmokeSlam is a major barbecue festival and competition held at Tom Lee Park in Memphis, Tennessee, featuring a massive prize purse for top pitmasters. The three-day event combines elite BBQ contests with live musical performances, a carnival, and interactive food sampling experiences along the Mississippi River.
Infrasound Music Festival 2026
May 14, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Infrasound Music Festival is an immersive electronic music event in Minnesota celebrated for its emphasis on high-fidelity sound systems and underground bass culture. The gathering fosters a close-knit community atmosphere through diverse lineups and artistic installations set within a scenic, nature-focused environment.
Joshua Tree Festival Spring 2026
May 14, 2026 - May 17, 2026
The Joshua Tree Music Festival Spring is a family-friendly, global music campout held in the Mojave Desert that features an eclectic lineup of emerging artists and diverse musical genres. This community-oriented gathering combines live performances with yoga, art installations, and workshops to create an intimate and inclusive atmosphere under the desert sky.
Sonic Temple Festival 2026
May 14, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival is a premier four-day rock and metal event held annually at the Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The festival features world-class musical headliners alongside large-scale art installations and immersive fan experiences.
Joshua Tree Festival Fall 2026
May 14, 2026 - May 17, 2026
The Joshua Tree Music Festival Fall is a family-friendly, global music experience held in the California desert that features an eclectic mix of emerging artists and world-class live performances. This boutique festival fosters a strong sense of community through inclusive workshops, yoga sessions, and interactive art installations under the expansive desert sky.
Wire Festival 2026
May 14, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Wire Festival is a premier underground electronic music event held annually at the Knockdown Center in New York City, showcasing prominent international and local techno artists. The multi-day festival features immersive stage takeovers by leading global collectives alongside educational panel discussions on electronic music culture.
Infrasound Equinox 2026
May 14, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Infrasound Equinox is an intimate electronic music and camping festival held at Harmony Park Music Garden in Minnesota, specializing in experimental bass and underground electronic genres. The event is renowned for its high-fidelity sound systems, immersive visual art, and community-focused atmosphere set amidst scenic oak groves.
Kilby Block Party 2026
May 15, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Kilby Block Party is an annual indie and alternative music festival held in Salt Lake City, Utah, celebrating the legacy of the historic Kilby Court venue. The multi-day event at the Utah State Fairpark features a diverse lineup of renowned headliners and emerging artists alongside local food and art installations.
The Golden Road Gathering 2026
May 15, 2026 - May 17, 2026
The Golden Road Gathering is a multi-day music festival held at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville, California, featuring a mix of jam, rock, and Americana artists. This family-friendly event offers a community-centric experience with on-site camping, multiple stages, and vibrant late-night performances in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Wildflower! Music Festival 2026
May 15, 2026 - May 17, 2026
The Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival is an award-winning three-day event held annually in Richardson, Texas, featuring national and local musical acts across six performance stages. This diverse celebration also includes a renowned singer-songwriter contest, an interactive kids' area, and a marketplace showcasing regional art and cuisine.
Exit Zero Jazz Festival 2026
May 15, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Tico Time Bluegrass Festival 2026
May 15, 2026 - May 17, 2026
The Tico Time Bluegrass Festival is an annual music and camping event held at the scenic Tico Time River Resort in Aztec, New Mexico, featuring premier Bluegrass, Roots, and Americana artists. Set along the Animas River, the festival offers a unique blend of live performances, riverside recreation, and a family-friendly atmosphere centered around community and outdoor adventure.
Boots in the Park Albuquerque 2026
May 15, 2026 - May 16, 2026
Boots in the Park Albuquerque is a premier country music festival held at Balloon Fiesta Park, featuring performances by top country music stars and local talent. The event offers an immersive experience with line dancing, craft food vendors, and a variety of themed bars in a high-energy outdoor setting.
Hipnic 2026
May 15, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Hipnic is an intimate annual boutique camping festival curated by the band The Mother Hips and held amidst the redwoods at Fernwood Resort in Big Sur, California. The event features a blend of folk, rock, and Americana music in a family-friendly atmosphere that emphasizes the connection between people and nature.
Breakaway Festival Atlanta 2026
May 15, 2026 - May 16, 2026
Breakaway Festival Atlanta is a premier two-day electronic dance music event held at Center Parc Stadium, featuring a high-energy lineup of world-class DJs and immersive fan experiences. As part of a major national touring brand, the festival brings large-scale production and a diverse mix of EDM and hip-hop to Georgia's capital each spring.
Cosmico 2026
May 15, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Cosmico is a boutique music and arts festival held in Sonoma County, California, that offers a curated experience of live music, local food, and wine amidst the redwoods. The event focuses on community connection and supports local arts and education programs through its non-profit producer, the Launch Pad Foundation.
EDC Las Vegas 2026
May 15, 2026 - May 17, 2026
EDC Las Vegas is the largest electronic dance music festival in North America, held annually at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The event features world-class DJs and immersive art installations, offering a massive 'dusk till dawn' experience for hundreds of thousands of attendees.
Showcation 2026
May 15, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Showcation is an immersive adult summer camp and music festival in Maryland that blends nostalgic childhood activities with professional music and comedy performances. The event features interactive team competitions and diverse live entertainment designed to create a unique, community-focused weekend experience.
Cruel World 2026
May 16, 2026 - May 16, 2026
Cruel World 2026 is a music festival held at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. It is notable for showcasing established artists from new wave, post-punk, gothic rock and alternative rock, as well as reunited groups.
Lightning in a Bottle 2026
May 20, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Lightning in a Bottle is an annual boutique music and arts festival in California that features a diverse lineup of electronic music, immersive art installations, and wellness-focused programming. The event emphasizes community and sustainability through an extensive schedule of yoga workshops, educational talks, and creative activities.
Kerrville Folk Festival 2026
May 21, 2026 - Jun 7, 2026
The Kerrville Folk Festival is the longest-running music festival of its kind in North America, held annually for eighteen consecutive days at Quiet Valley Ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Established in 1972, the event is world-renowned for its dedicated focus on the craft of songwriting and its vibrant, inclusive community of artists and fans.
DelFest 2026
May 21, 2026 - May 24, 2026
DelFest is an annual bluegrass and roots music festival founded by legendary musician Del McCoury and held at the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Maryland. The event features a world-class lineup of traditional and progressive bluegrass artists alongside late-night performances and family-friendly activities.
Abbey Road on the River 2026
May 21, 2026 - May 25, 2026
Abbey Road on the River is a music festival that takes place in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The festival is unique because of its focus on the music of The Beatles, with tribute bands and performances of their albums.
Rooster Walk 2026
May 21, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Rooster Walk is an award-winning four-day music and arts festival held annually at Pop's Farm in Martinsville, Virginia, featuring a diverse lineup of roots, rock, and bluegrass performers. The family-friendly event also highlights outdoor activities like hiking and paddling, with proceeds benefiting local education and arts charities.
Strawberry Music Festival 2026
May 21, 2026 - May 24, 2026
The Strawberry Music Festival is a biannual family-friendly campout in California that features a diverse lineup of bluegrass, folk, and Americana music. It is celebrated for its close-knit community atmosphere and "The Strawberry Way" ethos, which fosters kindness and cooperation through workshops and campsite jam sessions.
Maryland Deathfest 2026
May 21, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Maryland Deathfest is North America's premier extreme metal music festival, held annually in Baltimore since 2003. It features a diverse international lineup of death metal, grindcore, and doom bands, attracting thousands of underground music fans from across the globe.
Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2026
May 21, 2026 - May 24, 2026
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival is one of the largest free jazz festivals in the United States, held annually over Memorial Day weekend in downtown Jacksonville. It features a diverse lineup of world-renowned jazz legends and local artists alongside a prestigious piano competition and a vibrant street marketplace.
MeadowGrass Music Festival 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026
MeadowGrass Music Festival is an annual Memorial Day weekend event in Colorado's Black Forest that showcases a diverse blend of local and national indie, folk, and roots musicians. The family-friendly festival offers an immersive experience with onsite camping, guided hikes, yoga workshops, and a variety of local food and craft vendors.
Bottlerock Napa Valley 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026
BottleRock Napa Valley is an annual three-day music, wine, food, and brew festival held at the Napa Valley Expo in California over Memorial Day weekend. It features a diverse lineup of global headliners alongside world-class culinary demonstrations, local vineyard offerings, and gourmet food from the region's top chefs.
DanceAfrica 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 25, 2026
DanceAfrica is a festival that celebrates African and diasporic dance and culture at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York. It is the largest festival of African dance and culture in the United States, featuring performances, film, classes and a bazaar.
Florida Folk Festival 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026
The Florida Folk Festival is a three-day celebration of Florida's unique culture, held at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park in White Springs. It is an immersive experience offering hundreds of performances and workshops, allowing attendees to explore Florida's traditions and learn new skills.
Wormtown Music Festival 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 25, 2026
The Wormtown Music Festival is an annual multi-day event in Greenfield, Massachusetts, that features a diverse lineup of jam, funk, and rock music to mark the end of the summer season. Established in 1999, this community-centric festival offers a family-friendly atmosphere with camping, live performances, and local craft vendors.
StrangeCreek Campout 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 25, 2026
StrangeCreek Campout is an annual four-day music and camping festival held over Memorial Day weekend at Camp Kee-Wanee in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Known for its vibrant community spirit, the event features a diverse lineup of jam bands, rock, and funk music alongside family-friendly activities and art installations.
Dark Star Jubilee 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Dark Star Jubilee is an annual music festival held at Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio, hosted by the Grateful Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra. The event features multiple performances by the host band alongside a diverse lineup of jam, bluegrass, and Americana artists in a family-friendly camping environment.
California Roots 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026
The California Roots Music and Arts Festival is a premier reggae, rock, and hip-hop event held annually at the Monterey County Fairgrounds in California. It is widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability and its celebration of 'good vibes' through live music, art, and community engagement.
Summer Camp Music Festival 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Summer Camp Music Festival is a premier multi-genre event held annually over Memorial Day Weekend at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, Illinois. The festival is renowned for its diverse lineup of jam bands, electronic music, and rock acts, traditionally anchored by perennial hosts Umphrey's McGee and moe.
Patriotic Festival 2026
May 22, 2026 - May 24, 2026
The Patriotic Festival is an annual military appreciation event in Norfolk, Virginia, that honors the United States Armed Forces through major country music concerts and military exhibits. Held during Memorial Day weekend, the festival features national recording artists and interactive displays designed to celebrate active-duty personnel and veterans.
Movement Detroit 2026
May 23, 2026 - May 25, 2026
Movement Detroit is a premier annual electronic dance music festival held in Hart Plaza over Memorial Day weekend, celebrating the city's heritage as the birthplace of techno. The event attracts thousands of global visitors to experience performances from underground pioneers and modern icons across multiple outdoor stages.
Suenos Festival 2026
May 23, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Sueños Festival is a premier multi-day Latin music and reggaeton event held annually in Chicago's Grant Park, featuring top-tier artists and vibrant cultural activations. As one of the largest Latin music festivals in the United States, it celebrates the community through music, local food vendors, and immersive art installations.
Griztronics At The Gorge 2026
May 23, 2026 - May 24, 2026
Griztronics At The Gorge is a premier two-day bass music festival at Washington's iconic Gorge Amphitheatre, headlined by electronic stars GRiZ and Subtronics. The event features individual sets and high-energy back-to-back performances against the backdrop of the scenic Columbia River.
Indy 500 Snake Pit 2026
May 24, 2026 - May 24, 2026
The Indy 500 Snake Pit is a high-energy electronic dance music festival held annually in the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Indy 500 race. It features performances by global EDM superstars and serves as a massive morning party for thousands of fans before the racing even begins.
Outside Days Festival 2026
May 28, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Outside Days is a multi-day festival in Denver, Colorado, that celebrates outdoor culture through live music, adventure film screenings, and gear demonstrations. The event brings together nature enthusiasts and industry professionals for a weekend of wellness workshops, elite athlete panels, and immersive outdoor experiences.
Gulf Coast Jam 2026
May 28, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Gulf Coast Jam is an annual multi-day country music festival held in Panama City Beach, Florida, featuring major headliners and rising stars against a scenic coastal backdrop. Known as Country on the Coast, the event attracts thousands of fans for a weekend celebration of live performances and beach culture.
NEPA Bluegrass Festival 2026
May 28, 2026 - May 31, 2026
The NEPA Bluegrass Festival is an annual four-day event held at Lazy Brook Park in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, showcasing a mix of traditional and progressive bluegrass musicians. Attendees can enjoy multiple stages of live music, instrument workshops, and a community-focused atmosphere with onsite camping along the Tunkhannock Creek.
Rise and Vibes Music Festival 2026
May 29, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Rise and Vibes is an annual roots and reggae music festival held at the Tico Time River Resort in Aztec, New Mexico, focused on fostering community and positivity. The event offers a scenic riverside experience featuring live performances, camping, and a variety of outdoor activities like swimming and paddleboarding.
Schellraiser Humboldt Hideaway 2026
May 29, 2026 - May 30, 2026
Schellraiser Humboldt Hideaway is an independent micro-festival in Wells, Nevada, that showcases a diverse and curated lineup of alternative, indie, punk, and country artists. The event emphasizes an intimate, non-commercial experience set against the scenic high-desert backdrop of the East Humboldt mountain range.
Ogden Music Festival 2026
May 29, 2026 - May 31, 2026
The Ogden Music Festival is an annual three-day event at Fort Buenaventura Park in Utah that celebrates bluegrass, folk, and Americana music. This family-friendly gathering features a diverse lineup of acoustic artists, hands-on workshops, and on-site camping in a scenic riverside setting.
Newport Beach Jazz Festival 2026
May 29, 2026 - May 31, 2026
The Newport Beach Jazz Festival is an annual multi-day event held at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach that showcases world-class contemporary jazz and R&B artists. Set against a scenic coastal backdrop, it offers fans an upscale outdoor concert experience featuring a diverse lineup of legendary musicians and rising stars.
Breakaway Festival Ohio 2026
May 29, 2026 - May 30, 2026
Breakaway Music Festival Ohio is a premier multi-genre event held in Columbus that features a high-energy lineup of electronic dance music and hip-hop artists. Hosted at the Historic Crew Stadium, it offers fans an immersive experience with massive stage productions, silent discos, and diverse local vendors.
ILLFest 2026
May 29, 2026 - May 31, 2026
ILLfest is a premier electronic music and street art festival held annually in Austin, Texas, featuring a world-class lineup of DJs across multiple immersive stages. The event is celebrated for its unique blend of high-end production and large-scale mural installations created by internationally renowned artists.
Tied Down Detroit 2026
May 30, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Tied Down Detroit is a premier annual hardcore punk music festival held in Michigan that showcases a high-energy lineup of legendary acts and rising underground talent. Since its debut in 2022, the event has become a major cultural hub for the heavy music scene, typically hosted at the historic Russell Industrial Center.
Project Glow 2026
May 30, 2026 - May 31, 2026
Project Glow is a premier electronic dance music festival held annually at the RFK Stadium Grounds in Washington, D.C. Organized by Insomniac and Club Glow, the event celebrates decades of dance music culture with world-class DJ performances and vibrant art installations.
La Onda 2026
May 30, 2026 - May 31, 2026
La Onda is a premier two-day Latin music festival held in Napa Valley, California, showcasing a diverse lineup of artists across regional Mexican, Latin pop, and reggaeton genres. Produced by the creators of BottleRock, the event also features authentic Latin cuisine and immersive cultural experiences at the Napa Valley Expo.
Explore Festivals in United States in April (53 festivals)
An independent electronic music & festival researcher with 10+ years in the global dance scene.
Last verified 2 April 2026