Top 7 Music Festivals Of 2020
Concerts have begun an evolution from the old school formula of a headliner, and their opening act, into much bigger, longer events. Coachella blazed the trail for multiple headliner, weekend long, Woodstock-esque extravaganzas, and now there are music festivals nearly every weekend of the year. From Jazz Fests to Block Parties to star studded affairs, there is a music festival for everyone. In keeping with old tradition, the music festival, like the concert, offers up and coming acts the chance to perform for a large and excited crowd and is often a jumping off point for new acts to forge a more successful career while building their fan base. For festival attendees, there is a unique opportunity to see multiple musical acts with the simple purchase of a single wristband. Whether you’re new to the festival scene, or you’ve been going to Coachella since day 1, this list will make sure you’ve got the hottest tickets for 2020.
SXSW (Austin, TX)
Austin is known for its live music scene. On any given night, locals and tourists alike can move from bar to bar and experience amazing live music at every stop. South by Southwest is Austin’s version of the music festival. Austin does it well, and Austin does it long, spanning over the course of an entire week. This festival attracts attendees from across the country and boasts a wide variety of music genres that help comprise the lineup. The dates for 2020 are March 16th through March 22nd. SXSW is a phenomenal display of Austin’s deep and wide music scene.
Bottle Rock (Napa, CA)
Set against one of California’s most iconic backdrops, Napa’s wine country, Bottle Rock is the ultimate adult festival. Unlike many tickets, which must be purchased as a 2- or 3-day package, Bottle Rock attendees can choose individual day tickets. Many people plan their weekend itinerary to ensure a day of wine tasting, meals at some of Napa’s most renowned restaurants, a shopping trip in the heart of San Francisco and a day or 2 at Bottle Rock, depending on the lineup. This year’s dates are May 22nd through May 24th. Bottle Rock is the perfect festival for the wine connoisseur.
Kaboo (Formerly Del Mar, new venue at Petco Park in San Diego, CA)
Kaboo coincides perfectly with San Diego’s laid-back vibe. This all-ages music festival takes place in September. The weather is almost always picture perfect and the performers range from pop to nostalgic. Tom Petty closed out the 2018 show just weeks before he passed away. This year the venue is moving from the Del Mar Fairgrounds to Petco Park. The downtown venue will add to the appeal since concert goers will be able to spill out of the venue and into the iconic Gaslamp Quarter. This year’s dates are September 18th through September 20th. Kaboo’s VIP options are some of the best around.
CMA Music Fest (Nashville, TN)
This is THE festival for the die-hard country music fan. It spans over four days and each year some of country music’s biggest acts, both old and new, grace the stages. Besides the stellar musical lineup, attendees get to experience the home of country music, by exploring Nashville’s sites, restaurants and bars. For someone who loves country music, this is a festival that should be visited at least once, and many people come back religiously, year after year. This year’s dates are June 4th through June 7th. Not only is Nashville known as being the birthplace of country music, it is considered by many to be one of the absolute most beautiful cities in the US.
Coachella (Indio, CA)
One of the original music festivals, Coachella ups its game a little more each year. From surprise performances from people like Kanye West and Mary J Blige, to the epic hologram of 2PAC, Coachella never fails to bring the star power. Even the attendees are uber famous, from Justin Bieber to Beyoncé and many more, you never know who you will run into, on or off stage. For a 100% more enjoyable experience, spring for the VIP wristbands. It might just change your life. This year’s dates are April 10th through 12th (Weekend 1) and April 17th through 19th (Weekend 2). Most of the acts worth seeing don’t play until the evening, so spend the morning in the pool at the hotel and then head to the venue for great music and a stunning desert sunset.
Outside Lands (San Francisco, CA)
A summertime festival set in the beautiful Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands is a great way to experience good music under the warm California sun. The lineup leans toward classic and alternative music, with a little pop and hip-hop thrown in for good measure. Last year’s headliners included Paul Simon, 21 Pilots and the Lumineers. It wouldn’t be a San Francisco festival without stellar wine and food. Attendees can visit Winelands (wine tasting under a big top on festival grounds) and Taste of the Bay Area (a collection of food trucks and other outstanding culinary outfits). This year’s dates are August 7th through August 9th. This festival is wonderful if you are a music lover and a foodie.
Playboy Jazz Festival (Hollywood, CA)
This two-day event at the Hollywood Bowl is a must-see for any Jazz lover. Short of travelling to New Orleans, this is one of the most renowned West Coast Jazz fests we know of and the 2020 lineup will surely not disappoint. What better way to spend the weekend than with reservations at one of LA’s chicest hotels (think the Viceroy in Santa Monica or the Montage in Beverly Hills) dining in and around LA (Craig’s in West Hollywood or Spago in Beverly Hills) and spending the evening under the Hollywood sky listening to Jazz legends like Boz Scaggs and Maceo Parker. Dates this year are June 6th through June 7th. There is something unique about concerts at the Hollywood Bowl and that helps make this event extra special.
Music festivals are not just for the under 25 crowd anymore. With each passing year, a new elegant, upscale festival puts itself on the map. Up your experience even more by taking advantage of various VIP ticket options which often include comfortable seating, easier access to venues with multiple stages, award-winning food and drink experiences and more.
