When: May 3-5
Where: Sacramento, CA
More Info: Here

Right in the heart of Sacramento, Sol Blume brings people together from all over the globe to enjoy a weekend’s worth of the best modern hip-hop, R&B, and soul music. The fest is held at Discovery Park, a wide-open space that spans over 300 acres of greenery and even a 32-mile biking trail for the athletic-minded.

As far as the lineup goes, Sol Blume’s 2024 headliners are SZA, Snoh Aalegra, and Kaytraminé, the project comprising electronic producer Kaytranada and rapper Aminé. Even aside from the headliners themselves, there is plenty to gush over in the general roster, as well. There’s Pinkpantheress, Kelela, Omar Apollo, Masego, Ari Lennox, and countless others.

When: May 3-5
Where: Atlanta, GA
More Info: Here

As far as the music of Atlanta goes, rap is its most famous export. But ATL is also home to one of the country’s biggest alternative rock music festivals. Shaky Knees, once located in downtown’s Centennial Park and now housed in Central Park, is a weekend full of great bands, excellent food, and various other attractions.

For 2024’s iteration, headliners include big names like Noah Kahan, Weezer, Queens Of The Stone Age, and Foo Fighters. Other artists include Interpol, Yves Tumor, Metric, The Offspring, Pool Kids, Sunny Day Real Estate, Microwave, and many, many others. No matter what type of subgenre within the alt-rock spectrum you favor, there’s something to enjoy, whether it’s post-punk, emo, indie-folk, or synth-pop.

When: May 4
Where: Las Vegas, NV
More Info: Here

As of late, there have been tons of festivals staking their claim in Las Vegas for some throwback nostalgia. There’s When We Were Young, the pop-punk festival that pays homage to the bygone Warped Tour. There’s Best Friends Forever, the second-wave emo revival that’s celebrating its inaugural fest this year. There’s also Lovers & Friends, a festival that unites the best of the best in Y2K-era pop, hip-hop, and R&B.

Tickets sold out fairly quickly, and it’s easy to understand why: The lineup is truly unmatched. Alongside headliners like Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, and Alicia Keys, there’s also Lil Wayne, Nas, Ludacris, Usher, Backstreet Boys, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, Nelly Furtado, and many other big names. The Las Vegas Festival Grounds are bound to be a site of celebration early this month.

When: May 9-12
Where: Daytona Beach, FL
More Info: Here

Although most modern festivals either go for an eclectic mix of today’s trendiest styles or opt for a niche subgenre like late-aughts indie-pop or second-wave emo, Welcome To Rockville caters to the wide gamut of hard-rock fans. Held at the Daytona International Speedway, legacy bands and new names alike will perform across five stages and four packed days.

Each day has five main headliners on top of numerous other hard-hitters. To name some examples, the top billing includes Limp Bizkit, Slipknot, Foo Fighters, Disturbed, Sum 41, Evanescence, Code Orange, and more. Other acts slated to perform are Militarie Gun, Drain, Scowl, Lacuna Coil, The Offspring, Theory Of A Deadman, Primus, Breaking Benjamin, and many others. All types of hard-rock fans will find something to enjoy at this massive festival.

When: May 10-12
Where: Salt Lake City, UT
More Info: Here

For its 25th anniversary celebration of Kilby Court, a Salt Lake City live music venue, the bookers for Kilby Block Party held absolutely nothing back. Just glimpsing at the festival poster for this feels like an indie rock fan’s version of utopia. Located at the Utah State Fairpark, attendees can enjoy a truly packed weekend of performances from indie rock legends as well as up-and-coming artists.

This year’s headliners are dance-punk dignitaries LCD Soundsystem, blog-rock heroes Vampire Weekend, and synth-pop duo The Postal Service. Other performers include hip-hop institution Wu-Tang Clan, enigmatic producer Jai Paul, harp virtuoso Joanna Newsom, ‘90s alt-rock figureheads Dinosaur Jr., and tons more. If you consider yourself an indie rock fan of any kind, then you’ll certainly have a wonderful time in Salt Lake City later this month.

When: May 11
Where: Pasadena, CA
More Info: Here

California entertainment company Goldenvoice has been cornering the nostalgic festival market on several fronts. On top of its flagship festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach, it also has Just Like Heaven and, now, Cruel World under its belt. Held at Pasadena’s Brookside At The Rose Bowl, Cruel World centers on new-wave, post-punk, and goth-rock in equal measure.

This one-day festival packs quite the punch from the top to bottom lines of its lineup poster. This year’s main headliners are new-wave masterminds Duran Duran, and the undercard contains some heavy-hitters, too. Other new-wave icons like Blondie and Simple Minds take the second line, as well as New York City post-punk revivalists Interpol. Attendees can also catch sets from The Jesus And Mary Chain, Model/Actriz, Lol Tolhurst, Placebo, and even Ministry. Cruel World is an ironic name for a festival like this, as it seems like it will be nothing but a great time.

When: May 11-12
Where: Queens, NY
More Info: Here

Last year, Head In The Clouds, the signature festival from music recording company 88rising, made its East Coast debut. It performed well enough to warrant another year at Queens’ Forest Hills Stadium. The festival is meant to celebrate AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) heritage for two packed days during Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, as the United States observes it during May.

For this year’s lineup, 88rising has assembled acts like (G)I-DLE, Balming Tiger, Atarashii Gakko!, Joji, and plenty more. The 2024 edition includes some special performances, as well. DJs Illenium and Dabin will perform a back-to-back set for the first time, and BIBI will be making her New York City debut at Head In The Clouds. Just like last year, it seems like it will be one long party.

When: May 17-19
Where: Las Vegas, NV
More Info: Here

All across the globe, there are countless electronic music festivals that extend one sweaty night at the club to last a full weekend. Although there are many great options to select from, one of the most renowned is Electric Daisy Carnival, known colloquially as EDC, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. In fact, it’s the largest dance music festival in all of North America.

EDC may be only a few days long, but there are countless acts you can catch over the weekend. With 10 stages in total, there are always several parties going on at once. It’s merely a matter of which one you want to be a part of. You could check out sets from Four Tet, Steve Aoki, Deadmau5, Zedd, Alison Wonderland, Dillon Francis, and so many more. EDC once again maintains its name as one of the biggest dance fests worldwide.

When: May 17-19
Where: Gulf Shores, AL
More Info: Here

You may not normally think of Alabama as a destination for blue waters and white sands, but Gulf Shores is a gorgeous, coastal locale for the beach-inclined. Simply put, it’s a great place to hang out with friends. Enter the fittingly named Hangout Music Festival, which returns to Gulf Shores for another three-day fest across three total stages.

As per usual, Hangout’s lineup is fairly eclectic, meaning that someone in your group will find something to enjoy regardless of what type of music they’re into. 2024’s version of Hangout boasts varied headliners like alt-pop provocateur Lana Del Rey, country star Zach Bryan, and EDM duo Odesza. Other performers on the bill include Chappell Roan, Sexyy Red, and Hemlocke Springs, to name a few.

When: May 18
Where: Pasadena, CA
More Info: Here

Back in 2019, Goldenvoice revealed a new festival to add to its repertoire: the blog rock-centric Just Like Heaven. For one stacked day of festivities, attendees once again can head to Pasadena’s Brookside At The Rose Bowl to catch their favorite late-aughts and early 2010s indie artists. This marks Just Like Heaven’s fourth edition, and, as always, its lineup looks just like heaven.

This year’s headliner is The Postal Service, who are celebrating two full decades of their classic (and only) record, Give Up. Death Cab For Cutie will also be celebrating 20-plus years of their influential 2003 album, Transatlanticism. Other big names on the lineup include heartland rockers The War On Drugs, jangly alt-pop crew Alvvays, French synth-pop quartet Phoenix, and chiptune indie-poppers Passion Pit. The undercard is also strong: Sleigh Bells, Warpaint, Be Your Own Pet, Washed Out, Tegan And Sara, Broken Social Scene, and the list goes on.

When: May 22-27
Where: Buena Vista Lake, CA
More Info: Here

In 2004, The Do LaB put on the very first Lighting In A Bottle festival. It was held at Gold Creek Ranch in the Angeles National Forest, and, since then, the festival has only grown in stature and popularity. This year marks the 21st anniversary since the festival was open to the public, as it was initially an invite-only, private party for its first few years of existence. With such a significant birthday to celebrate, this year’s edition of the fest will certainly be one for the books.

At California’s Buena Vista Lake, located in the Central Valley region, Lightning In A Bottle returns with a massive lineup in tow. Over Memorial Day weekend, electronic music fans can check out performers like Skrillex, James Blake, M.I.A., Fatboy Slim, Labrinth, Lane 8, and more. Plus, special shows include a dubstep set from Skream and a sunset set from Tycho.

When: May 24-26
Where: Napa Valley, CA
More Info: Here

When you think of Napa Valley, acres of sprawling vineyards are likely what come to mind. You wouldn’t be wrong for thinking that, as it is undoubtedly Napa’s most famous export. However, what you may not know is that Napa is home to an ever-growing music festival that’s perfect for both wine connoisseurs and ardent music fans.

With each year, Bottlerock seems like it’s only getting bigger and bigger, which is great news if you’re into drinking delicious wine while catching some great live music. This year’s lineup is, as it usually is, extremely eclectic. Headliners include Stevie Nicks, Megan Thee Stallion, Pearl Jam, Maná, Ed Sheeran, and Queens Of The Stone Age. The second line also boasts some famous names, such as The Offspring, Dominic Fike, St. Vincent, Kali Uchis, Miike Snow, Bebe Rexha, My Morning Jacket, The Kid Laroi, and Norah Jones.

When: May 24-26
Where: Boston, MA
More Info: Here

For over a decade now, artists from far and wide have come to perform at Boston’s flagship music festival, Boston Calling. It’s a massive three-day fest with four stages, over 30 food vendors, and a 100-foot Ferris wheel. It’s held at the Harvard Athletic Complex, which sits along the Charles River, roughly 15 minutes away from the heart of downtown Boston.

Snack on some New England lobster rolls, and watch some incredible live music. Regardless of what genre you’re into, there’s something to enjoy with Boston Calling’s wide, varied lineup. As far as headliners go, Tyler Childers, The Killers, Hozier, Ed Sheeran, Leon Bridges, and Trey Anastasio & Classic TAB are all on the itinerary. Even then, the undercard is nothing paltry: Megan Thee Stallion, Reneé Rapp, Chappell Roan, Khruangbin, and more.

When: May 25-26
Where: Louisville, KY
More Info: Here

Pop-rapper Jack Harlow is proud to hail from Louisville, Kentucky. To take that hometown pride to the next level, Harlow has launched Gazebo Festival, a two-day music festival that will overtake Waterfront Park later this month with 19 performers and two stages. Portions of each ticket sale will go to Harlow’s nonprofit, The Jack Harlow Foundation, which benefits local organizations like Neighborhood House and Louisville Ballet.

The lineup itself is impressive, too. Alongside headliners SZA and, of course, Harlow himself, there’s James Blake (doing a DJ set), Veeze, Vince Staples, PinkPantheress, Ravyn Lenae, Amaarae, Slum Village, and more. Even for its inaugural fest, Gazebo Festival has booked a spectacular slate of performers. With a lineup this stacked, it seems safe to assume that Gazebo won’t be a one-off event.

When: May 25-26
Where: Chicago, IL
More Info: Here

When you think of music festivals at Grant Park, you might immediately think of a legacy fest like Lollapalooza. But there’s another, newer fest at the Chicago park that caters to a specific genre. Sueños Music Festival, for its third year now, books the biggest names in reggaeton for a two-day party. It has already sold out, and it’s easy to see why it did. There are over 25 reggaeton artists, plus plenty of local Latin cuisines and dozens of bars, so attendees have lots to look forward to.

This year’s headliners are Rauw Alejandro, Peso Pluma, and Maluma, and there’s also a special Saturday performance from young star Ivan Cornejo. Some of the other artists on the lineup include Young Miko, Bizarrap, Mora, Jowell Y Randy, Rels B, and Xavi. There are also DJ sets from DJ Miriam and Red Bull Batalla on Saturday, plus DJ Freddy Fresco and Dynamiq on Sunday.

When: May 25-27
Where: Detroit, MI
More Info: Here

Ever since its motor-fueled renaissance, Detroit has been a musical haven for genres like Motown, rap, and techno. In particular, the latter genre flourished in the city during the 1980s and early ‘90s, and it has become a mainstay of American and international music since its inception. To celebrate techno’s storied history in Detroit, Movement Music Festival has called Detroit home nearly every Memorial Day weekend since its debut in 2006.

Movement Music Festival lives up to its name, as attendees don’t stop dancing for a full, packed weekend of dance music at Hart Plaza. It’s one of the longest-running dance music festivals worldwide for a reason. This year’s performers include Floating Points, Mount Kimbie, Fatboy Slim, Jayda G, and Ludacris, and there are also DJ sets from artists like James Blake and Channel Tres.