Looking to hear some sweet summer sounds in the coming months? Check out these music festivals that are some of the best the Midwest has to offer.
The Midwest is home to some ridiculously good music festivals, each offering experiences and lineups that cater to every musical taste. There’s the energetic rock and pop performances at Lollapalooza in Chicago. The family-friendly atmosphere and multiple stages of Summerfest in Milwaukee. The eclectic vibes of 80/35 in Des Moines. And the big swings of Minnesota Yacht Club, St. Paul’s brand new fest. Literally, there’s something for everyone.
Even so, there are a few must-see shows this summer. Here’s our rundown of the best music festivals this summer.
State: Illinois
City: Chicago
Name: Lollapalooza
Date: August 1–4, 2024
Annual Attendees: 400,000
Lollapalooza is one of the most iconic and well-known music festivals in the world, held annually at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1991 by Perry Farrell, the lead singer of Jane’s Addiction, Lollapalooza has been a staple of the summer music festival scene in the United States for over three decades. The festival features a diverse lineup of over 170 bands and artists across eight stages, showcasing a wide range of musical genres including rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic, and more.
In addition to the music, Lollapalooza offers a variety of other attractions, including art installations, food and drink vendors, and a Kidzapalooza area for families with young children. The festival also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness, with initiatives such as recycling and composting programs, bike valet, and a partnership with the Chicago Park District to restore and maintain the park after the festival.
Main Lineup:
State: Iowa
City: St. Charles
Name: Hinterland
Date: August 2–4, 2024
Annual Attendees: 45,000
The Hinterland Music Festival offers a unique and immersive experience for music enthusiasts. With its diverse lineup, the festival showcases a mix of well-known and emerging artists from various genres, including rock, pop, and folk. The event provides an opportunity for attendees to discover new music and enjoy performances from their favorite acts in a scenic outdoor setting.
One of the key features that distinguishes Hinterland from other music festivals is its camping experience. By offering on-site camping, the festival encourages attendees to fully embrace the festival atmosphere and create a community of music lovers. This unique camping experience fosters a sense of camaraderie and connection among festival-goers, making Hinterland more than just a music event, but a memorable and immersive experience.
Main Lineup:
State: Kansas
City: Witchita
Name: Wichita Riverfest
Date: May 31 – June 8, 2024
Annual Attendees: 330,000
The Wichita Riverfest, taking place May 31 to June 8, 2024, is the largest community event in Kansas, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. This nine-day festival, held in downtown Wichita along the Arkansas River, offers a wide variety of activities, entertainment, and fun for all ages. Adult tickets are priced at $20, while child buttons (for ages 6-11) are $10. Children aged 5 and under attend for free.
The festival features local and national musical entertainment, children’s activities, athletic contests, water activities, performing and visual arts, cultural experiences, and, of course, festival food. Riverfest’s ticket sales rank it in the top 50 of Pollstar’s Top 100 Outdoor Festival Sites worldwide, and it has been named one of the 100 Best Festival Destinations in the United States by various travel and leisure organizations. The event has received dozens of industry awards over the years and has an annual economic impact of $25-30 million. Wichita Festivals, Inc., the producer of Riverfest, is a member and co-founder of the International Festivals & Events Association.
Main Lineup:
State: Michigan
City: Grand Rapids
Name: Upheaval Festival
Date: July 19 – 20, 2024
Annual Attendees: 30,000
The Upheaval Music Festival is an annual rock and heavy metal music festival held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Established in 2019, the festival is a two-day event that takes place at Belknap Park, a scenic urban park located in the heart of the city. The festival features a lineup of renowned rock and heavy metal artists, providing an opportunity for audiences to experience a wide range of musical genres and subcultures.
The festival is organized by the same team behind Epicenter Festival, which takes place in Rockingham, North Carolina. The Upheaval Music Festival is a celebration of rock and heavy metal music, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talents. The festival is a significant economic driver for the region, attracting thousands of visitors and generating revenue for local businesses.
Main Lineup:
State: Minnesota
City: St. Paul
Name: Minnesota Yacht Club
Date: July 19-20, 2024
Annual Attendees: Unknown
The newest entry into the summer fest line-up is the Minnesota Yacht Club festival. Taking place in St. Paul’s Harriet Island Regional Park on the edge of the Mississippi River, the two-day inaugural event will showcase a cascade of big-name artists including Gwen Stefani, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Alanis Morrisette, as well as a string of Minnesota stalwarts like Hippo Campus, The Hold Steady, and Soul Asylum.
The festival is the first major summer concert event in Minnesota since the end of both Twin Cities Summer Jam and Rock the Garden in 2022. Yacht Club is being organized by C3, the same production group behind Bonnaro, Austin City Limits, and Lollapalooza. It’s fitting since Harriet Island hosted Lollapalooze three times in the 1990s, including in 1992, which featured the Chili Peppers as a part of the roaming festival’s line-up. Yacht Club will include a wide selection of local food vendors, historic riverboat rides, and other activities. Organizers are also re promising that Yacht Club’s two stages will never overlap, ensuring concert-goers can get the complete experience with each artist.
Main Lineup:
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
State: Missouri
City: Kansas City
Name: Boulevardia Festival
Date: June 14 – Jun 15, 2024
Annual Attendees: 45,000
Boulevardia in Kansas City, Missouri, is an annual festival that celebrates eco-urban thinking, promotes green initiatives, and cultivates local partnerships. The festival, which takes place during Father’s Day weekend, offers opportunities to explore the craft beer industry, leadership, community outreach, and volunteerism. By showcasing local food, artisans, designers, vendors, and business relationships, Boulevardia contributes to the vitality of the Midwest and strives to make a difference in the community.
The festival’s location on Grand Boulevard, one of the most iconic thoroughfares in Kansas City, draws inspiration from the community and provides a unique and diverse experience for attendees. Boulevardia’s mission is to bring people together from all walks of life, promoting unity and celebrating the culture of Kansas City. With a focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, Boulevardia is a celebration of community and diversity, where everyone can come together to cheer and enjoy the festivities.
Main Lineup:
State: North Dakota
City: New Town
Name: Prairie Pothole Music Festival
Date: July 11–13, 2024
Annual Attendees: N/A
The Prairie Pothole Music Festival is a three-day event held in New Town, North Dakota. The festival was founded in 2015 by a group of local music lovers in an effort to bring high-quality live music to the region. The festival features a diverse lineup of musicians spanning multiple genres including rock, country, and folk. In addition to music, the festival also offers a variety of food and craft vendors, as well as camping options.
The Prairie Pothole Music Festival is a family-friendly event with children under 12 being admitted for free. The festival takes place at the Four Bears Casino and Lodge, which offers a variety of amenities and entertainment options for attendees. The Prairie Pothole Music Festival is committed to supporting local artists and culture, with a portion of the proceeds going towards supporting music education and performance opportunities in the region.
Main Lineup:
State: Ohio
City: Cincinnati
Name: Cincinnati Music Festival
Date: July 25 – 27, 2024
Annual Attendees: 80,000
The Cincinnati Music Festival is an annual celebration of R&B, jazz, soul, and hip-hop music, taking place in Cincinnati, Ohio. Established in 1962, it is one of the largest music festivals in the United States, drawing over 90,000 people each year. The festival is hosted by Paycor Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals, and features a diverse lineup of renowned artists. In addition to the main event, the festival also hosts a tribute to hip-hop music on the opening night and offers various excursions for attendees to explore the city. The festival has a significant economic impact on the region, providing an economic boost of over $107 million in 2017.
The 2024 Cincinnati Music Festival will take place from July 25 to 27, and will feature a star-studded lineup including New Edition, Maxwell, Ne-Yo, Fantasia, Kem, SWV, and Stokley. Tickets for the festival are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or directly through the festival office. The festival is a celebration of diversity and music.
Main Lineup:
State: South Dakota
City: Sioux Falls
Name: Levitt at the Falls
Date: May 31 – September 14 2024
Annual Attendees: 100,000
The Levitt Shell Sioux Falls, located in the heart of downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a new outdoor music venue that will host its second season of free concerts in 2024. As part of the National Levitt Foundation, which supports free concerts in communities across the country, the venue will feature a variety of musicians from different genres including folk, blues, country, and rock.
The venue is family-friendly and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the shows. The Levitt Shell Sioux Falls also has a concession stand that will serve food and drinks. As a non-profit organization, the concerts are made possible through the support of local sponsors and donors. The venue is committed to building community through music and aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and enjoy live music.
Main Lineup:
State: Wisconsin
City: Milwaukee
Name: Summerfest
Date: June 20-22, June 27-29, July 4-6, 2024
Annual Attendees: 624,400
Summerfest is an annual music festival held in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at Henry Maier Festival Park, adjacent to Lake Michigan and the city’s central business district. Established in 1968, it has grown to become one of the largest and most well-known music festivals in the world, attracting approximately 800,000 people each year.
The festival features a diverse lineup of local and nationally recognized artists from various genres, performing across 12 stages throughout the 75-acre festival grounds. Summerfest offers a wide range of attractions, including food from Milwaukee-area restaurants, shopping vendors, family activities, and fireworks displays, such as “The Big Bang” on opening night. Since 2004, over $150 million has been invested in the festival grounds resulting in improved infrastructure like permanent stages, bars, production spaces, and VIP amenities.
Main Lineup:
