The Top 10 Music Festivals in the US

• By: Editor
• On: 16/Apr/2009
• In: USA Travel Tips

1.    SFJAZZ – San Francisco, CA.

Founded in 1983 under the original name ‘Jazz in the City’, the organisation adopted a new name in 1999 SFJAZZ.  Hailed by the London, UK Observer as "probably the best jazz festival in the world," the San Francisco Jazz Festival is a two-week celebration of the very best in jazz but also has many on-going events throughout the year.  

2.    Summerfest - Milwaukee, WI.

The world’s largest music festival takes place this year in Milwaukee from June 25th to July 5th 2009.  Over 11 days, on 11 stages Milwaukee and the fans will be treated to the very best in music from over 700 bands!  With a massive line up and artists like Sarah Evans, Rise Against, Bon Jovi, Rancid, Barenaked Ladies and Lupe Fiasco confirmed it promises to be a great festival.  

3.    Bonnaroo – Manchester, TN.

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is a camping festival held on a beautiful 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee taking place this June from 11th June to 14th June 2009.  This is a four-day multi-stage festival that promises the very best in jazz, Americana, hip-hop, electronica, and just about any contemporary music you can think of.  

4.    Essence Music Festival – New Orleans, LA.

Celebrating 15 years the Essence Music Festival continues to grow bigger and better each year.  Kicking off on Friday 3rd July to 5th July with an electric line-up with acts like Beyoncė, Lionel Richie, Maxwell, John Legend, Frankie Beverly and Maze to name a few!  

5.    Telluride Bluegrass Festival – Lyons, CO.

Now in its 36th year the Telluride Bluegrass Festival continues to entertain at the highest level.  With artists like David Byrne, Elvis Costello & The Sugarcanes, 3 Girls & Their Buddy, Sam Bush, Railroad Earth and many more this is a festival not to miss.  

6.    Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival – Bean Blossom, Ind.

This Bluegrass Festival marks the forty-second year of the oldest and the longest running bluegrass festival in the world.  Bill Monroe is the father of bluegrass music and this festival is dedicated to his memory.  Running from 13th to 20th June this is a festival not to miss.  

7.    Strawberry Music Festival - Jamestown, CA.

The Strawberry Music Festival takes place twice each year, during the Memorial and Labor Day weekends. The festival features a large range of musical acts representing many different musical genres including bluegrass, swing, americana, rock, blues and gospel.

8.    Bumbershoot – Seattle, MA.

With over 20 indoor and outdoor venues, a large variety of festival cuisine and a diverse collection of indie retail shops, Bumbershoot combines an eclectic mix of artists that have inspired summer festivalgoers for almost four decades

9.    Austin City Limits Festival – Austin, Texas.

Taking place over 3 days from 2nd to 4th October 2009, with 8 stages and 130 bands this is a festival not to miss.  The line-up for 2009 has yet to be confirmed but tickets will go on sale on 7th April.

10.    Grand Teton Festival – Teton Village.

Now, after nearly 35 years of residency in Walk Festival Hall, an annual summer festival and a series of winter concerts, year-round education and outreach programming has become an essential part of the Festival’s mission.

So there you have it – just some great festivals talking place this year in USA! In such a vast country, the best way to fully explore it is to hire a car. Check out our Car Hire USA page.

Do you know of other major music festivals taking place in the USA in 2009? If so please let us know by leaving a comment in the comment box below.  Thank you.