When: March 30-April 2
Where: Knoxville, TN
More Info: Here

Bleeding over into the first weekend of April is the remarkably eclectic Big Ears Festival. It takes place across various venues in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. As a certified 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Big Ears offers a scholarship program that allows emerging artists to attend the festival free of charge. On April 1, they will also help coordinate a parade, featuring gargantuan puppets and musicians representing New Orleans’ and Haiti’s second line, rara, and karnaval traditions, that courses through Knoxville’s streets.

The fest’s roster offers something for every kind of music fan. Whether you’re yearning for the autumnal folk of Bonny Light Horseman, the trenchant post-punk of Caroline, or the virtuosic jazz drumming of Makaya McCraven, Big Ears has got you covered.

When: March 3-5
Where: Hong Kong, CN
More Info: Here

In November 2019, Hong Kong’s Clockenflap festival had to be canceled as COVID-19 began making its mark on the world at large. 2023, however, will finally see the fest’s grand return to the Central Harbourfront Event Space, where attendees can take in the city’s mesmerizing views of the Hong Kong skyline.

Featuring a completely different lineup from what would have been 2019’s agenda, artists like Phoenix, FKJ, and Arctic Monkeys are the new headliners. This will also mark Arctic Monkeys’ very first performance in the city, as the Sheffield indie rockers tour behind their subdued, muted album from last year, The Car. On top of the bands, Clockenflap features visual artists who submit their work to the festival. Selected artists are granted funding to bring their ideas to life, four three-day festival passes, and an artist page on Clockenflap’s official website.

When: March 4-5
Where: San Diego, CA
More Info: Here

Spanning two days and 12 acres, CRSSD Festival brings electronic music to San Diego’s beatific Waterfront Park. Located downtown, the park features relaxing spray fountains, reflecting pools, stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and even child-friendly playground equipment. However, CRSSD attendees must be 21 or older.

Ubiquitous festival duo Odesza headline along with Bedouin and Anfisa Letyago. This already seems like an exciting prospect for EDM fans, but lineup spreads beyond that, with artists like Channel Tres in the fold. Attendees can also purchase lockers to store their belongings, which can be used for either just one day or both days of the festival, and items can be kept overnight if the two-day locker pass is purchased. Each locker also comes with a mobile charging pack, cords included, for an additional $10 deposit.

When: March 18-19
Where: Tampa, FL
More Info: Here

Baseball fans can enjoy the ballpark in another context at Innings Festival in Tampa, Florida, this month. Back in February, the fest hit Tempe, Arizona, with headliners like pop-punk pioneers Green Day and Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder. In mid-March, the festival heads to Raymond James Stadium for two packed days of baseball and bands.

For the Floridian version, chart-topping mainstays Imagine Dragons and jam-band-adjacent collective Dave Matthews Band lead the pack. Indie faves like Faye Webster and Japanese Breakfast are also on the bill alongside alt-radio giants Grouplove and the Revivalists. There are no overlapping sets, either, so it’s possible to catch everyone you want to see if you’re quick enough on your feet. Because this is a baseball-themed music festival, plenty of former ball players will be in attendance, as well, including Cecil Fielder, Wade Boggs, and Goose Gossage.

When: March 17-19
Where: Santiago, CL
More Info: Here

Perry Farrell’s once-alt-rock-exclusive, formerly touring festival has now metamorphosed into one of the biggest music festivals across the globe, becoming one of the torchbearers of the music industry writ large. That much is demonstrated by the fact that it has editions all over the world: Berlin, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Stockholm, Paris, and, later this month, Santiago.

Just because this isn’t the pro forma version of Chicago’s Lolla doesn’t mean its lineup is underwhelming by any means. For Lollapalooza Chile, the big-font names include Drake, Rosalía, Tame Impala, Lil Nas X, Billie Eilish, and Blink-182, the latter of whom have gotten back together with founding member Tom DeLonge for the kids. Non-headlining acts are a major draw, too, such as Kali Uchis, the 1975, 100 gecs, Jamie xx, and, of course, Farrell’s own band, Jane’s Addiction. What would be a Lolla without the man who started it all?

When: March 3-4
Where: Phoenix, AZ
More Info: Here

Short for McDowell Mountain Music Festival, M3F comes back to Phoenix, Arizona, as one of the few 100% non-profit festivals in the music industry. For 2022’s version of the fest, they donated $1.2 million to local charities associated with art, education, community, and the environment. Since its inception nearly 20 years ago, M3F has donated over $4.4 million to such charities. Specifically, it has contributed to organizations like Rosie’s House, Backline, and Free Arts for Abused Children, to name a few.

Aside from its donations and altruistic ethos, the lineup features headliners Jamie xx and Maggie Rogers, buttressed by acts like indie mastermind Toro y Moi, rapper Channel Tres, and alt-pop outfit Coin. Art installations abound, too, drawing inspiration from the Arizona landscape. Artworks based on Antelope Canyon, Estrella Mountain Park, Emerald Cove, and Chiricahua National Monument will appear throughout the festival grounds.

When: March 2-5
Where: Okeechobee, Fl
More Info: Here

The Florida festival, fittingly named after the south-central city that houses it, returns in the first weekend of March to the 600-acre Sunshine Grove, where attendees can enjoy a varied lineup that’s sure to appeal to at least one person in your group. Lineup aside, the festival grounds’ lush landscape is appealing enough on its own to warrant a mention on the festival poster. The festival also features immersive art installations, yoga classes, and an artisanal vendor village in the stylings of a bazaar.

Its headliners alone signify Okeechobee’s eclectic ethos. It includes rapper Baby Keem, EDM overlords Odesza, and the sax-wielding DJ Griz. You’ve also got hardcore titans Turnstile, funk legends Earth, Wind & Fire, and jam-band stalwarts Goose. Okeechobee, with its sprawling bill, will certainly have something for everyone. Plus, the town is also just 60 miles away from West Palm Beach, granting feasible access to both the lake and the ocean.

When: March 3-5
Where: Inglewood, CA
More Info: Here

The hip-hop heavyweight Rolling Loud comes back to California this year. With editions taking place everywhere from Miami and New York to the Netherlands and Australia, the rap-centric festival heads to Inglewood in 2023 for the first weekend of March. This marks the first time Rolling Loud has come to Los Angeles proper since 2019, and it’s the very first one to occur at Hollywood Park. Attendees can also upgrade to the Loud Club, which comes with perks like an elevated view of the main stage, a VIP entrance with parking and valet options, and food and drinks delivered straight to your table.

Rap behemoths like Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, Future, and Lil Wayne are at the top of the bill, with exciting artists like Saweetie, Lil Baby, Lil Uzi Vert, and Don Tolliver holding down the second line. Rolling Loud is also a great place to tap into what’s blowing up in the hip-hop world, with Ice Spice, Central Cee, Coi Leray, and Bia offering must-see sets.

When: March 13-18
Where: Austin, TX
More Info: Here

SXSW, held annually in Austin, Texas, has remained a cultural epicenter celebrating film, comedy, and, of course, music, bringing together industry professionals and eager fans alike for a week of excellent performances. Since its start in 1987, musicians have played brief yet invigorating sets in venues across the Lone Star State’s capital city. It’s partly why the city’s officially been dubbed the Live Music Capital of the World.

As per usual, this year’s iteration features both rising acts, such as Sabrina Teitelbaum’s indie-rock project Blondshell and Philly shoegazers Knifeplay, as well as established veterans, including new-wave luminaries New Order and Atlanta rapper Killer Mike. Music only scratches the surface of SXSW, though. Attendees can catch film premieres, stand-up comedy shows, and interactive art exhibitions. As per usual, there are also conferences that digital media professionals can attend to learn more about their field from industry leaders. Topics include advertising and brand experience, climate change, and gaming.

When: March 22-26
Where: Boise, ID
More Info: Here

Few music festivals flaunt a lineup of more than 500 bands, but Treefort is an exception. Taking place in venues across downtown Boise, Idaho, Treefort has continually brought indie rock to the Pacific Northwest since its inaugural 2012 fest.

Along with headliners like Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Dinosaur Jr., and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, artists from genres outside the indie spectrum dot the lineup poster, too: R&B auteur Yaya Bey, London-based poet and rapper Kae Tempest, and experimental hip-hop duo 700 Bliss. In between catching sets, you can participate in programs like Artfort, which has ballet dancers, performance artists, visual galleries, and curated exhibits. There’s also Comedyfort, where attendees can watch stand-up performances from comedians like Matt Besser, Shane Torres, and Jessica Keenan. On top of this, there’s Filmfort, Foodfort, and tons more “forts” to check out.

When: March 24-26
Where: Miami, FL
More Info: Here

EDM heads can get their strobe-light and glow-stick fix at the end of March when Ultra Music Festival hits Miami. Held at Bayfront Park in the heart of the city, more than 80 acts will perform over the weekend.

Its lineup includes four-on-the-floor galore, such as David Guetta, Marshmello, Zedd, and deadmau5. Plus, it’s got the recently reunited Swedish House Mafia on the poster. The organizers have also implemented a sustainability mission to mitigate the festival’s carbon footprint. They’ve partnered with Clean Vibes, a recycling and event waste company, to help keep the festival grounds clean and eco-friendly. Other partners of the fest include Leave No Trace, the Bye Bye Plastic Foundation, and the Surfrider Foundation’s Miami chapter. Attendees can learn how to reduce their carbon footprint, as well, by visiting one of the interactive Eco Village booths throughout Bayfront Park.

When: March 10-13
Where: Adelaide, AU
More Info: Here

WOMADelaide, short for World of Music Arts & Dance, has been held on the traditional lands of the Kaurna People in Adelaide, Australia, since 1992, taking place at the verdant Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla. To complement the idyllic scenery, Bon Iver, Angel Olsen, Florence & the Machine, and Mdou Moctar are among the many artists sure to put on stellar performances.

However, music is only one aspect of this Aussie festival. The Planet Talks is a discussion forum that allows attendees to have in-depth conversations about ecology with activists, journalists, and scientists. Taste the World involves samples of global cuisine from, well, chefs all over the world, and it’s hosted by local culinary legends Rosa Matto and David Sly. KidZone includes art workshops, lessons about Kaurna culture, and interactive entertainment for children 12 and under. Don’t worry, parents are welcome to join in on the fun with their kids, too.