Consider ways to enjoy live music without the crowds, if you prefer watching Coachella on your couch to navigating crowds. Large music festivals can be overwhelming, despite their potential for memorable moments. Unique and intimate settings are ideal for music experiences, and the US has many of them.
Plan a relaxing festival trip with these chill music festivals across the US.
Austin, Texas Psych Fest
To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Austin Psych Fest returns to its original location, South Austin’s The Far Out Lounge, a century-old outdoor venue. The event honours Austin’s eccentric culture and promotes its identity.
This independent music festival brings back SXSW’s early days by returning to a small two-stage setting in the bar’s backyard under shady trees. The festival limits attendance to 2500 per day, making it an alternative to Austin City Limits.
Fans of heavier music will enjoy Toro y Moi, Yves Tumour, Crumb, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Black Angels, The Raveonettes, Cuco, and Melody’s Echo Chamber this year.
SLC Kilby Block Party
Held in the 65-acre Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City, Kilby Block Party offers a serene setting with views of the Wasatch Mountains and downtown skyline.
When Kilby Court, the city’s longest-running, all-ages venue, turned 20 years old, this festival began as a block party. The company booked Phoebe Bridgers and Mac Demarco as headliners in 2022. As it has grown, the festival now has a major lineup at the Utah State Fairpark and an all-ages block party with food trucks and art installations.
All the previous editions seem to have been building to this moment, and music fans won’t want to miss 2023. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Pavement, and The Strokes headline. The Pixies, Run The Jewels, Japanese Breakfast, Walkmen, Caroline Polachek, Cuco, and others perform.
Alabama Gulf Shores Hangout
Although Hangout is on the larger side, its late-spring-break vibe is unmistakable. May in Alabama’s Gulf Shores offers ideal weather for relaxation and music.
While playing pickup volleyball, sink your feet in the sand and enjoy the scenery. Paragliding or the Ferris wheel offer panoramic views of the site. The Thursday-night kickoff party usually features preview sets by the weekend’s biggest acts, while the poolside hang at the main stage requires a VIP ticket.
With Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Calvin Harris, Paramore, Lil Nas X, Flume, Skrillex, and The Kid Laroi, SZA brings her waterfront-themed SOS tour to the beach.
Michigan’s Rothbury Electric Forest
The “Forest Family” of 40,000 people gather annually in Sherwood Forest, Rothbury, Michigan, to enjoy the power of Electric Forest.
Fans can propose art activations, projects, and collaborations at this ethereal woodsy festival. Participants can earn passes by doing good deeds at the Wish Machine. A sticker-design contest exists.
This weekend is sold out with big names like Osesza, Jamie XX, Illenium, Zeds Dead, Goose, and “*2 incidents*” from The String Cheese Incident. Miracles are possible with an official wristband exchange that allows wait-list and fan-to-fan resales.
Marshfield, MA Levitate Festival
Since its founding as a surf and skate shop, Levite has grown into a successful music festival in Massachusetts, celebrating its 10th anniversary. Choose camping to stay for the entire programme.
This grassroots festival features over 30 food trucks, live experimental art, and vendors at the Marshfield Fairgrounds. For families, its relaxed and creative atmosphere is ideal. Even whale watching is possible.
Showcase artists include Stick Figure, Lucius, Trey Anastasio, Goose, Rebelution, Ziggy Marley, Shakey Graves, and Brandi Carlile.
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