Some of us are deeply connected to EDM festivals and some are diehard country fans, while others are strictly devoted to jazz and blues festivals. Among all of these genre-specific music festivals exists a gray area that encompasses various forms of pop, rock, indie, alternative, punk, metal, and beyond. Bridging the gap and bringing together these disparate musical styles are genre-inclusive rock and pop festivals that feature a broad variety of artists.
These festivals aren’t confined to any specific genre, which means their lineups include a broad array of artists that appeal to fans of all stripes. What festivals lie in this realm? Read on for our top picks of this year’s diverse rock and pop festivals.
1. Coachella – April 10th-12th & April 17th-19th
What can we say about Coachella that music lovers don’t already know? It’s Southern California’s premiere music and arts festival, held annually during mid-April at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. The lineup spotlights the best of the best in rock, indie, electronic, hip hop, and beyond, and the wide range of tastes the festival caters to is clearly represented by this year’s headliners, which include such diverse acts as ACDC, Jack White, and Drake. Add Indio’s blazing sunshine, a vibrant camping scene, and an abundant display of topnotch fashion to the mix and you’ve got the perfect kick-off to festival season.
For those about to RT
http://t.co/EsOQgp3sxH pic.twitter.com/93W006ZOju
— Coachella (@coachella) January 6, 2015
2. Sasquatch! – May 22nd-25th
Typically held over Memorial Day Weekend, Sasquatch! Music Festival is known for two key characteristics: its location and its talent. It is held at Washington State’s Gorge Amphitheatre, which has been recognized as one of the most scenic concert locations in the world by Pollstar and ConcertBoom. Topping off the surrounding beauty are the world-class musical acts, which never disappoint–this year, we’ve got Kendrick Lamar, Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, Modest Mouse, Lana Del Rey, and more. Tickets are on sale now!
Announcing three more great adds to the 2015 fest: @KAYTRANADA, @alunageorge & @GoldLink! (photo by Shira Gold) pic.twitter.com/nTJjRGMjyl
— Sasquatch! Festival (@Sasquatch) March 2, 2015
3. Lollapalooza – July 31st- August 2nd
Lollapalooza is an annual festival that not only features a diverse array of music, dance, and comedy, but has also established a platform for political groups, visual artists, and non-profit organizations to spread their message to thousands of fans. From its inception in 1991 to its rebirth in 2003 and international expansion in 2010, Lollapalooza has maintained a stellar reputation thanks to consistently fantastic lineups and well-organized festivals year after year. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience this summer, be sure to reserve July 31 to August 2 for Lollapalooza at Grant Park in Chicago.
That moment when the #lolla gates open. #tbt
Photo by @jackcameraguy pic.twitter.com/Mf48IB661M
— Lollapalooza (@lollapalooza) February 26, 2015
4. Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival – June 11th-15th
Bonnaroo began as a jam band and folk rock festival, but it’s grown to encompass a wide variety of indie, hip hop, jazz, country, pop, and electronic…essentially, there’s something for everyone. This year’s headliners include Billy Joel, Mumford & Sons, Deadmau5, Kendrick Lamar, and Florence & The Machine. Get ready–this year the four-day affair takes place from June 11 to 15 at the Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee.
Post by Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.
5. iHeartRadio Vegas – TBA
Held each September since 2011, the iHeartRadio Festival is a relative newcomer, but it’s already wildly popular with fans of all ages. Last year’s superstar headliners included Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Usher, and fans can expect 2015 to be just as epic. Stayed tuned for the ticket onsale date and lineup announcement leading up to the big event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in September.
Post by iHeartRadio.
6. Rock In Rio – May 8th-9th & May 15th-16th
Rock in Rio is one of the largest music festivals in the world. Since its inception in Rio de Janeiro in 1985, it has expanded to include festivals in Lisbon, Madrid, and, for the first time this year, Las Vegas. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of music history by being amongst the first to attend Rock in Rio’s US debut? Even better, ticket buyers can personalize the experience by either attending the rock weekend (May 8-9) or the pop weekend (May 15-16). See the full lineup for both weekends here.
So @Metallica is only playing ONE show in the US this summer…guess where it is. #RockInRioUSA pic.twitter.com/Yxe2wkA9IY
— Rock in Rio USA (@rockinriousa) March 9, 2015
7. Budweiser Made In America Fest Philadelphia/Los Angeles – TBA
Budweiser Made In America is the ultimate triple threat. The festival was founded by producer/rapper Jay-Z and marketing tycoon Steve Stoute, it’s sponsored by beverage king Anheuser-Busch, and it’s produced by Live Nation. In 2014, the festival was held in Los Angeles and Philadelphia from August 30 to 31 and featured an all-star lineup in both cities. The festival’s 2015 lineup has yet to be announced, so make sure to stay tuned in the coming months.
#ThrowbackThursday – Partying with @CalvinHarris at @Budweiser #MadeInAmerica 2013. Were you there? #TBT pic.twitter.com/FOUlCHEflZ
— Budweiser MIA Fest (@MIAFestival) February 19, 2015
8. Squamish – August 7th-9th
Inaugurated in 2010, Squamish has grown to become largest contemporary music festival in the Pacific Northwest, not to mention the number one tourism and economic force in the region. The featured artists have been phenomenal year after year, and 2015 will be no different with appearances by Mumford & Sons, Drake, Sam Smith, Of Monsters and Men, Kaskade, Alabama Shakes, and many more talented acts. It’s all going down August 7 to 9 in Squamish, Columbia–tickets available now!
Post by Squamish Valley Music Festival.
9. Way Home Festival – July 24th- 26th
Way Home kicks off its first-ever festival in 2015. There’s not much information circulating the web just yet, but judging from the lineup it’s going to be one for the ages. Featuring heavyweights Sam Smith, Kendrick Lamar, and Alt-J, Way Home’s inaugural festival is not to be missed. The party is set for July 24 to 26 at Burl’s Creek Event Park in Oro-Medonto, Ontario, and tickets are available now.
Post by Wayhome Music & Arts.
10. BottleRock - May 29th – 31st
Whoever decided to combine wine country and music festivals is a genius who deserves our eternal gratitude and appreciation. Taking place in the heart of the beautiful Napa Valley, Bottlerock brings fans a taste of the best vino and the best bands the world has to offer. With a wide array of headliners including No Doubt, Imagine Dragons, Robert Plant, Foster The People, and Snoop Dogg, your palate is sure to be fully satisfied. And for those who aren’t fans of wine, there will also be plenty of artisanal beer to wash the great music down with. Everyone wins at Bottlerock.
Post by BottleRock Napa.
11. The Governors Ball Music Festival – June 5th-7th
Can you hear it? New York is calling your name. The Governor’s Ball returns to its waterfront home at the gorgeous Randall’s Island park in 2015, treating fans to an impressively diverse lineup that includes Drake, Florence + The Machine, Deadmau5, Bjork, The Black Keys, and Lana Del Rey. With art installations, mixology tents, silent discos, and more, you’re in for a fully immersive festival experience. Ticket buyers can take the subway or drive themselves, but we suggest you snag a ticket to Randall’s Island on the Manhattan Ferry to get the complete New York experience (bonus points if you get honked at by a taxi on your way).
Post by The Governors Ball Music Festival.
12. Forecastle Festival – July 17th-19th
Kentucky’s finest fest is back in action and bigger than ever in 2015. Forecastle is more than just your average festival, boasting direct ties to the Forecastle Foundation, an organization that works to protect the most endangered ecological “hotspots” on the planet. Festival alum My Morning Jacket will make a return this year, proudly rocking their home turf in support of the worthy cause. Joining them at Louisville’s beautiful Waterfront Park are headliners Sam Smith, Modest Mouse, Cold War Kids, and Widespread Panic. A word to the wise: this fest pairs well with another of Kentucky’s gems–bourbon. Don’t believe us? Check their Facebook.
13. SummerFest – June 24th-28th & June 30th-5th
SummerFest is, in every sense of the word, a big deal. Dubbed the world’s largest music festival, this 11-Day, 11-Stage, 800-act festival brings massive stars Ed Sheeran, Kings of Leon, Zac Brown Band, Keith Urban, Linkin Park, and much more to Milkwaukee, WI, along with “900,000 of your closest friends”. Held on the shores of Lake Michigan at the beautiful Henry Maier Festival park, SummerFest gives us every reason to go big and very little reason to go home–until it’s 2-week run finally comes to a close.
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14. Austin City Limits – Oct 2nd-4th & 9th-11th
Austin City Limits has become a cornerstone of US festival culture thanks to its uncanny ability to gather the brightest talent in the world and the award-winning television series that has made it a household name over the last 40 years of broadcast. In addition to its world-class musical lineup, ACL also features the best of Austin, showcasing the scenic Zilker park and featuring a local art market and fantastic food trucks from around the city. Don’t miss all the wacky and wonderful things that Austin has to offer! Three-day weekend passes go for only $250 and will be released later this spring.
Post by Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL).
15. Outside Lands – August 7th-9th
Tucked behind the trees in the massive Golden Gate Park lies a festival unlike any other. Known for its incomparable atmosphere and eclectic lineup, Outside Lands transports ticket buyers to an exotic world of feel-good music and hippie fun right in the heart of tech capital San Francisco, California. Though this year’s lineup has yet to be announced, something tells us we’re in for quite a show –2014’s headliners included Kanye West, Arctic Monkeys, Disclosure, Macklemore, and The Killers. Tickets go fast—grab yours today!
Post by Outside Lands Music Festival.
16. Boston Calling – May 22nd – 24th
With three days, two stages, and a potent lineup, Boston Calling’s first of two 2015 festivals is about to bring the city to its knees. Grammy-award winners Beck and St. Vincent, the incomparably hilarious Tenacious D, modern folk kings My Morning Jacket, and indie up-and-comers Chet Faker and Vance Joy are just a few of the many fantastic artists scheduled to perform this year at downtown Boston’s City Hall Plaza. If you can’t make it to the spring festival, don’t fret—Boston Calling will be back in action with a second festival this fall.
Post by Boston Calling Music Festival.
17. Vans Warped Tour – Various Dates
Van’s Warped Tour always delivers the perfect blend of pop-punk, emo, and hip-hop, treating fans of all ages to an adrenaline-filled festival experience unlike any other. Now in its 21st year, the 2015 Warped Tour will continue to rock the skinny-jean set with appearances by Motion City Soundtrack, Black Veil Brides, Matchbook Romance, Family Force 5, and Metro Station, just to name a few. If that’s not enough to convince you, pop culture icon and rapper Riff Raff will also be joining the national tour. So grab your helmet and mosh on, friends.
Post by Vans Warped Tour.
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