There’s nothing quite like the electric atmosphere of a music festival, with the live music and revelry, and the buzz of hearing your favorite performers sing to a cheering crowd. Or perhaps your idea of a great festival experience involves attending a film festival, where you can enjoy celebrating the arts and watching some classic films. Whatever your tastes, there is a vast array of festivals for you to enjoy. If you need some help narrowing down your list of the best festivals in the US, then be sure to read on for some inspiration.
Music Festivals
Coachella
No festival recommendations list would be complete without giving Coachella a mention. This notorious festival is a firm favorite amongst many celebrities and social media influencers, so if you’re on Instagram, you’re certain to have seen your fair share of #coachella posts. Taking place in Indio, California, Coachella is all about bohemian fashion and global superstars, from the artists who are performing to the A-list attendees (Will Smith, Cindy Crawford, Katy Perry, Vanessa Hudgens, etc). Although it used to be more of an indie event in the late ’90s, it has now become a hotspot for some of Hollywood’s hottest stars.
If you want to embrace your inner boho chic and live like a VIP, then Coachella is the festival for you. Just bear in mind that it’s not exactly cheap – hence all the A-listers – and it is in a desert, so make sure you pack suitable snacks and refreshments.
The 2020 line-up looks set to be another hit, with Frank Ocean, Rage Against the Machine, Travis Scott, Calvin Harris, Thom Yorke, and Lana Del Rey, but to name a few. No wonder it’s one of the best music festivals in the US.
Lollapalooza
If you’d prefer to avoid the desert, then Lollapalooza is ideally situated in Chicago, Illinois at Grant Park. This iconic music festival is renowned not just for its fast-selling tickets but its eco-friendly stance and ethics surrounding the planet and sustainability. In 2017, it was awarded the Illinois Sustainability Award thanks to its environmental campaigns such as the Rock & Recycle program and its partnership with Event Water Solutions, which proves filtered water stations at Grant Park to reduce plastic water bottle waste.
The vendors at Lollapalooza also provide organic, locally sourced food for festival-goers, so you can feel like you are making a difference to the planet while rocking out to some great music. Previous line-ups have included Childish Gambino, Ariana Grande, Lil Wayne, and Hozier.
Film Festivals
Sundance Film Festival
If you want to sample some culture and maybe even mingle with some movie stars, then the Sundance Film Festival is an absolute must. Founded by actor Robert Redford in 1981, it is now the largest independent film festival in the US. There is a range of films that are shown, including US films, international films, short films, animated films, and documentaries.
You can sit in on Q&A sessions with the directors and actors of some of the films, and watch screenings of the new films. The festival lasts for ten days and is spread out across three locations, including Park City, Salt Lake City, and Sundance Mountain Resort near Provo. Fortunately, there is a handy shuttle system which is also free, so you don’t have to worry about getting around.
So, head on over to Park City, Utah, to get a glimpse of some of the best filmmakers and film stars from all over the globe. As festival director John Cooper said: “We go out to find the most interesting, authentic voices from around the world.”
Tribeca Film
Festival Another independent film festival, the Tribeca Film Festival takes place in the Lower Manhattan Tribeca neighborhood and was created following the tragic 9/11 attacks. Designed as a response to this monumental event in US history, this film festival is all about celebrating the diversity of NYC, and filmmakers’ storytelling abilities, while giving back to the community.
The Tribeca Film Festival commemorates the importance of artistic expression, independent filmmaking, and innovative new experiences. You can even experience the wonders of virtual reality with the latest tech in Tribeca Immersive, a platform for creators to showcase their work in VR technology.
Witness the panels, premieres, exhibitions, and live performances from this incredible event and leave with some great memories.
