In the glow of bright stage lights, immersed in the notes of their favorite songs, groups can feel a shared sense of joy and oneness. That’s a phenomenon known as collective effervescence, and it’s best generated in the crowds at music festivals.
No matter what genre they cover, music festivals bring groups together like few other events can, and they provide endless opportunities for audiences to enjoy local culture and sing along to their favorite songs. Here are some music festivals around the country that groups won’t want to miss.
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas, is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World” and is home to several major music and cultural festivals. Occurring each October in Zilker Metropolitan Park, Austin City Limits Music Festival first took place in 2002 and, due to its popularity, was brought back each year. In 2012, it transformed from a one-weekend show to a two-weekend event to accommodate more attendees and music acts across the park’s multiple stages. An average of 450,000 people attend across both weekends. In addition to the music, Austin’s famous food scene is on fully display with local vendors at the festival’s food court, called Austin Eats.
While group tickets aren’t discounted, groups can work with the festival’s hospitality team to create a seamless and tailored experience and gain access to premium hospitality spaces. The 2026 lineup has yet to be announced, but the 2025 event included Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, The Killers, T-Pain, Cage The Elephant and Luke Combs. The 2026 ACL Music Festival will take place October 2–4 and October 9–11.
Summerfest
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Known as “The World’s Largest Music Festival,” a title it earned in 1999, Summerfest is a massive spectacle held annually in downtown Milwaukee at the 75-acre Henry Maier Festival Park across at least 12 stages and venues. It debuted in 1968 and is known for hosting popular music acts. Taking place across three weekends in late June and early July, the festival frequently draws more than 500,000 attendees, though an estimated 602,000 attended in 2025.
In 2026, Summerfest will take place June 18–20, June 25–27, and July 2–4. The star-studded lineup includes Garth Brooks, Ed Sheeran, Post Malone, Muse, Jelly Roll, Styx and Louis Tomlinson, among many others. The festival offers several tiers of discounted group ticket packages.
Lollapalooza
Chicago
The Windy City plays host to one of the largest music festivals in the world, known for its whimsical name and extremely popular headliners. Lollapalooza attracts crowds of 400,000 each year to Chicago’s Grant Park. The four-day event takes place at the end of July and in early August. The lineup and dates for the 2026 festival haven’t been released yet, but in 2025, headliners included Luke Combs, Olivia Rodrigo, Korn, Rufus Du Sol, Sabrina Carpenter, A$AP Rocky and Tyler, The Creator, along with dozens of other artists who played across the festival’s many stages. Attendees can see performances from over 170 musical acts each year.
While groups don’t necessarily receive discounted rates from the festival itself, many secondhand ticket purchasing sites may have group purchasing options.
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
Manchester, Tennessee
Located on a 700-acre farm in southeast Tennessee, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festivals is one of the biggest music festivals in the country. It’s known for high-profile headliners representing many genres as well as its camping culture. Founded in 2002, the festival takes place each June and lasts four days, attracting an estimated 80,000 people, though as many as 100,000 have attended during peak years. Groups attending Bonnaroo (affectionately nicknamed “Groops”) are required to have at least 24 members to secure their spot in group campsites.
In 2025, the lineup included Olivia Rodrigo, Hozier, Luke Combs and Tyler, The Creator. The star-studded 2026 lineup features artists like The Strokes, Yungblud, Noah Kahan and Kesha, as well as many other performers across genres. This year’s festival will take place June 11–14.
The Governors Ball Music Festival
New York City
On the East Coast, few music events are as anticipated as The Governors Ball Music Festival. Sometimes shortened to Governors Ball or “Gov Ball,” it’s New York City’s top summer music event. Originally occurring in 2011 on Governors Island, the event moved venues several times and is currently held at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. The festival takes place over a three-day weekend in early June. With NYC restaurant vendors and food trucks throughout the park, it’s a 100% cashless festival.
The 2026 lineup will feature Lorde, A$AP Rocky and Stray Kids, among others, and the event will be held June 5–7. Tickets may be discounted for certain groups.
governorsballmusicfestival.com
Essence Festival of Culture
New Orleans
New Orleans was designated a UNESCO Creative City for Music in late 2025, making it a must-visit for music-lovers. In addition to the city’s influence on many music genres of the South, it’s also a hot spot for live music, thanks to its abundance of venues and its many festivals. While the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival that takes place each spring is always a hit, dozens more festivals fill the air with music throughout the year. One such event is the Essence Festival of Culture, which celebrates Black culture and music. Typically taking place over the Fourth of July weekend at Caesars Superdome and throughout downtown, it’s the largest African American culture and music event in the country. It was created as a one-time celebration for Essence Magazine’s 25th anniversary, but it was so popular that organizers decided to make it an annual event.
The headliners in 2025 included Boyz II Men, Master P and Jermaine Dupri. In addition to many notable performers, the festival features markets stocked with local vendors of food, jewelry, clothing and other goods. There are also panel discussions, meet and greets, and other activities. This year, the festival will be held July 3–5.
essence.com/essencefestival2026
Stagecoach
Indio, California
Just outside Palm Springs in the city of Indio, California, the Empire Polo Club is a desert venue that’s best known for hosting the wildly popular Coachella festival each spring. But immediately after Coachella moves out, its sister event, Stagecoach, moves in. Billed as country music’s biggest party, Stagecoach is a family-friendly, Western-themed event that blends country, alternative and bluegrass music genres. It takes place over a three-day weekend in late April each year and draws as many as 75,000 attendees. Western-themed events feature performances from real cowboys as well as line-dancing lessons and a honky-tonk. Guy Fieri will also make an appearance at Guy’s Smokehouse, and many other food vendors will be present.
Stagecoach will take place April 24–26 this year and will feature headliners like Lainey Wilson, Post Malone, Cody Johnson and Journey.
