Newport Folk Festival
Newport, Rhode Island
Since 1959, the Newport Folk Festival has been a focal point of the American folk music community. Held in a peninsula park surrounded by the bay in Newport, Rhode Island, this event is known for its stunning location and its history of seminal folk music performances. Past artists have included Bob Dylan; Pete Seeger; Peter, Paul and Mary; and other leaders of the folk music movement. The three-day July festival is incredibly popular, often selling out more than six months in advance, so groups should plan their visits with plenty of time to spare.
Monterey Jazz Festival
Monterey, California
The world’s best jazz musicians make their way to beautiful Monterey, California, each September for the Monterey Jazz Festival. Marking its 61st edition this year, the three-day festival takes place at the fairgrounds in this seaside city and features more than 500 artists performing on eight stages spread over 20 acres. Shoppers will enjoy browsing the international bazaar that takes place during the festival. And jazz superfans may also want to attend the Jazz Legends Gala, a swanky event that has honored such luminaries as Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, Quincy Jones and Chick Corea.
Summerfest
Milwaukee
The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and just about every other great artist of the past five decades have performed at Milwaukee’s iconic Summerfest. This massive event spans 11 days in late June and early July and is billed as the largest music festival in the world. More than 800 artists give more than 1,000 performances on 11 permanent stages spread throughout a 75-acre festival park on Milwaukee’s Lake Michigan shore. More than 800,000 visitors attend each year to hear concerts by the top artists in rock ’n’ roll, country, hip-hop and other genres.
Carolina Country Music Fest
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
As country music has continued to grow in popularity, fans have demanded more opportunities to see their favorite artists perform. One result of this movement was the creation of the Carolina Country Music Fest, which debuted with 20,000 attendees in 2015. The three-day June festival has grown quickly — last year 30,000 people attended — adding a third stage and attracting performers such as Luke Bryan and Toby Keith. The event takes place in an 18-acre area of Myrtle Beach between the Boardwalk and Ocean Boulevard and features a zip line, VIP areas and other amenities.
