The Best US Music Festivals

Burning Man

Burning Man, the iconic festival of self-expression, is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a festival that can only be described as an alternate universe where people shed their societal norms and fully embrace their weirdest, most creative selves. The festival, held annually in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, is an experience like no other. The art installations, the people, the music, the community, and the sheer scale of it all will leave you breathless.

One of the major pros of Burning Man is the freedom it provides. At Burning Man, you can be whoever you want to be, dress however you want to dress, and do whatever you want to do (within reason, of course). It’s a place where self-expression is celebrated and encouraged, and you’ll find people from all walks of life coming together to create something truly unique.

However, with freedom comes responsibility, and that’s where the cons come in. The harsh desert conditions can be unforgiving, and it’s essential to come prepared. You’ll need to bring everything you need to survive, including food, water, and shelter. Additionally, the festival can be quite costly, especially if you’re flying in from afar. Dehydration is a major concern with the intense heat and partying alike.

But for those willing to brave the elements and the cost, the rewards are immense. The art installations, the interactive experiences, and the music will take you on a journey like no other. The festival is a true test of human endurance, and it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

In conclusion, Burning Man is not just a festival, it’s a way of life. It’s an opportunity to escape from the monotony of everyday life and immerse yourself in a community that celebrates creativity, self-expression, and individuality. It’s an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime, and if you’re up for the challenge, it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.

Bonnaroo

Are you ready to pack your bags and head to Tennessee for the ultimate music and camping experience? Look no further than Bonnaroo, a four-day festival that takes place annually in Manchester, Tennessee. Bonnaroo attracts music fans from all over the world, with its diverse lineup of artists, incredible camping accommodations, and endless entertainment options. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of this epic festival.

Bonnaroo is known for its diverse and impressive lineup of musicians. From rock to hip hop, folk to electronic, there’s something for everyone. Previous headliners have included legends like Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, and Tom Petty, as well as modern-day superstars like Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Tame Impala.

Unlike other festivals, Bonnaroo offers on-site camping for all attendees. This means you can roll out of your tent and be at the main stage in minutes. There are several camping options available, including car camping, RV camping, and even glamping. Plus, the festival grounds offer plenty of amenities, like showers, food vendors, and even a general store. Much better than a $10,000 bedsheet masquerading as a tent. And with music playing around the clock, it can be hard to get a good night’s sleep. If you’re a light sleeper, consider bringing earplugs or booking a hotel room off-site.

But, Bonnaroo is more than just a music festival. There are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained, like comedy shows, art installations, and even a Ferris wheel. Plus, the festival grounds are filled with vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to festival gear.

There’s something special about the atmosphere at Bonnaroo. It’s a place where people come together to celebrate music, art, and community. It’s a place where you can let loose and be yourself, surrounded by thousands of like-minded individuals.

On the flip side of that coin, Bonnaroo takes place in June, which means it can get pretty hot during the day. Temperatures can reach the high 80s or even low 90s, so it’s important to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade. In stark contrast, at night it can drop down to cold temperatures so bringing a wardrobe to fit both climates is a tough task.

As with any festival, it’s no surprise that Bonnaroo can get crowded. Be prepared to wait in lines for food, bathrooms, and other amenities. Traffic to the farm is also notoriously bad. It’s also important to keep an eye on your belongings, as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Bonnaroo isn’t cheap either. Tickets, camping passes, and food and drink can add up quickly. Plus, if you’re traveling from out of town, you’ll need to factor in the cost of transportation and lodging. But in comparison to other festivals with hundreds of thousands of attendees and around a thousand dollar ticket, Bonnaroo is more reasonable for the average music fan.

Overall, Bonnaroo is an incredible experience that every music lover should have at least once. The combination of amazing music, unique camping accommodations, and non-stop entertainment make for an unforgettable weekend. So grab your tent, your sunscreen, and your dancing shoes, and get ready to rock out at Bonnaroo!

Lollapalooza

Ah, Lollapalooza. A festival so legendary, they had to name a whole song after it. From its humble beginnings as a traveling festival in the early 90s, Lollapalooza has become a true heavyweight in the festival world, attracting some of the biggest names in music to grace its stages each year. But what’s it like to actually attend? Let’s dive in.

First off, the location: Lollapalooza takes place in the heart of Chicago’s Grant Park, with its picturesque skyline serving as the backdrop for the festivities. It’s a sprawling festival site, with multiple stages and areas to explore, so be prepared to do a fair bit of walking (and standing, and dancing).

The music lineup is always stacked, with a mix of established headliners and up-and-coming acts across a variety of genres. From rock to hip hop to electronic, there’s something for everyone. But with so many acts playing at the same time, be prepared to make some tough choices about who to see.

Of course, no festival experience is complete without the food and drink offerings. Lollapalooza doesn’t disappoint in this regard, with a wide variety of food vendors and beer gardens to satisfy your cravings. And with Chicago being a foodie city, you can expect some seriously tasty options.

Now for the cons. One thing to keep in mind is that Lollapalooza is a massive festival, with crowds to match. If you’re not a fan of big crowds or don’t do well in the heat, this may not be the festival for you. And with tickets selling out fast, it can be tough to snag a spot if you’re not quick on the draw.

But fear not, because this is where Hoken comes in. Hoken offers a unique hotel marketplace that can help you find the best deals on a sold-out hotel for Lollapalooza (or any festival, for that matter). With Hoken, you can easily search for hotels near the festival site and compare prices from multiple providers to find the best deal. So whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, Hoken can help you make the most of your experience.

The Most Overrated US Music Festivals

Coachella

Ah, Coachella. The land of flower crowns, crop tops, and questionable fashion choices. This iconic music festival has been a staple of the springtime scene for over two decades, drawing crowds from all over the world to the California desert. Is it what everyone makes it out to be?

First, the pros. For music lovers, Coachella is the ultimate playground. With multiple stages featuring a diverse lineup of artists, there’s something for everyone. From big-name headliners to up-and-coming acts, the music never stops. And let’s not forget the special guests and surprise performances that make Coachella so unpredictable and exciting. Whether you’re a fan of rock, hip-hop, EDM, or anything in between, you’re sure to find your groove at Coachella.

But Coachella isn’t just about the music – it’s also a cultural phenomenon. The festival is a showcase of fashion, art, and creativity. From the massive art installations scattered throughout the grounds to the elaborate costumes and outfits worn by attendees, Coachella is a feast for the senses. And with a wide variety of food vendors serving up everything from vegan fare to indulgent treats, there’s no shortage of culinary adventures to be had.

Of course, like any festival, Coachella has its cons. First and foremost, it’s expensive. With ticket prices, travel expenses, and accommodations, attending Coachella can easily set you back thousands of dollars. And with the festival’s massive crowds, lines for food, drinks, and restrooms can be long and frustrating. The heat of the desert can also be a challenge, with temperatures often soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

But perhaps the biggest downside to Coachella is the crowds themselves. With over 100,000 attendees per weekend, the festival can be overwhelming and chaotic. It’s not uncommon to find yourself in a sea of people, struggling to move through the crowds. And with so many people in such close quarters, hygiene can become an issue.

If you’re a die-hard music fan who loves immersing yourself in the festival culture, then Coachella is a must-attend event. But if you’re not a fan of big crowds or excessive heat, then you may want to skip it. Whatever your decision, one thing is for sure – Coachella is a one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll never forget, but between the burgeoning cost, large crowds and desert climates it’s no surprise that influencers are opting to fake attendance rather than attend the real thing.

SXSW (South by Southwest)

The annual festival that takes over the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. It’s an event that combines music, film, and interactive media, making it one of the most unique festivals in the world. But, is it worth the hype? Let’s dive in and find out.

First off, let’s talk about the music. SXSW is a massive event that showcases over 2,000 artists from all over the world. You can expect to see a wide variety of genres, from indie rock to hip hop, and everything in between. The festival takes over dozens of venues across Austin, from small bars to massive concert halls. The sheer amount of music can be overwhelming, but that’s part of the fun.

One of the great things about SXSW is the opportunity to discover new artists. With so many acts performing, you’re bound to stumble upon something you’ve never heard before. It’s a great way to expand your musical horizons and discover your new favorite band.

But, there are some downsides to the music aspect of SXSW. With so many shows happening at once, it’s impossible to see everything. You’ll have to make some tough decisions about which shows to attend, and you might miss out on some great performances. Additionally, some of the bigger shows can get extremely crowded, making it difficult to see the stage or even move around.

Now, let’s talk about the interactive aspect of SXSW. This portion of the festival is focused on technology and innovation, with speakers and panels discussing the latest trends and ideas. It’s a great opportunity to network and learn from industry leaders.

However, this aspect of the festival can be a bit overwhelming for some. The sheer amount of information being presented can be difficult to process, and it can be hard to know where to focus your attention. Additionally, some of the events require advance registration, which can be frustrating if you didn’t plan ahead.

And finally, let’s talk about Austin itself. The city is known for its vibrant culture and delicious food. During SXSW, the city is even more alive than usual, with countless events and parties happening around town. It’s a great opportunity to explore the city and try some amazing food.

But, with so many people in town for the festival, the city can get crowded and expensive. Hotels book up quickly, and prices can skyrocket. Additionally, getting around town can be a bit of a hassle, with traffic and parking being a major issue.

SXSW has certainly come a long way from its humble beginnings as a small music festival. Over the years, it has grown to encompass a wide range of events, from film screenings and interactive exhibits to talks and networking sessions. While this has undoubtedly led to a more diverse and exciting experience for attendees, it has also resulted in some critics accusing the festival of losing its original identity and becoming too commercialized. It is also known how having some of the higher ticket prices compared to other festivals and value, although there are tons of free parties in close proximity.

Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)

Electric Daisy Carnival, commonly known as EDC, is a massive electronic dance music festival held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada. The festival attracts electronic dance music enthusiasts from all around the world and features some of the biggest names in the industry. EDC is the perfect festival for those who want to dance the night away and be completely immersed in the EDM culture.

At face value, one of the pros of EDC is its stunning visuals and impressive production. The festival is known for its elaborate stages, state-of-the-art sound systems, and mesmerizing light shows that make attendees feel like they’re in a completely different world. The energy at EDC is contagious, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in the excitement of the festival.

Another pro of EDC is the variety of artists and music genres. Whether you’re into techno, house, trance, or dubstep, EDC has it all. The festival boasts an impressive lineup of both established and up-and-coming artists, so you’re sure to discover some new favorites.

Beyond the flashy lights, there are also some cons to attending EDC. One of the biggest cons is the cost, known for having some of the worst value amongst festivals. The allure of Sin City can add up quickly and the festival and related expenses can . Additionally, the intense heat of Las Vegas in the summer can make the festival physically challenging for some attendees while the lights and music can be sensory overload. Lastly, EDC and raves have always been affiliated with drugs, but it has improved since its Los Angeles exit in 2010. 

Getting a Hotel

If you’re planning on attending one of these festivals, you know that finding a place to stay can be a daunting task. Wrapping up a hectic day at the festival by still camping at the festival is not for everyone. With thousands of people flooding into the area, hotels and accommodations book up fast, and it can be nearly impossible to find a place to stay. That’s where Hoken comes in – this hotel marketplace can help you find the best deals on sold-out hotels for these festivals. With its vast network of hotel partners and advanced search capabilities, Hoken can help you find a room that fits your budget and needs, even when it seems like everything is sold out. Don’t let sold-out hotels ruin your festival experience – let Hoken help you find the perfect place to stay.