A Guide To The 2023 Music Festival Season

As countries across the world continue to re-open after the year-plus toll of the pandemic, music festivals have been roaring back, with promoters, organizers, and ticket organizations eager to bring live music back to audiences. Many of the biggest festivals in the US ― Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, This is Tomorrow, Latitude Festival, and Outside Lands ― have returned with events scheduled for the summer or fall, while others like Coachella have announced 2022 dates. Artists, too, are eager to welcome back the fruitful touring alternative that is the festival slot, with stars like Post Malone, A$AP Rocky, and Billie Eilish, playing dates across the country.

With the massive proliferation of classic fests and upstart events taking up space on the calendar, we’ve collected (and will be updating each week) a list of the biggest music festival gatherings across the globe. If you’re a music lover looking for a great upcoming event to attend, this list is for you.

A Guide To The Best 2023 Music Festivals

1234FEST

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Denver, CO

Dates: 9/9, 9/23

Headliners: Rise Against, Rancid, Jawbreaker, The Descendents

Legendary punk outfits Rise Against, Rancid, Jawbreaker, and The Descendents are set to headline the inaugural “1234FEST”: a one-day live music experience coming to Denver, CO and Philadelphia, PA in the fall of 2023.

“1234FEST”, which was conceived and curated by the members of Jawbreaker and their team, is scheduled for Saturday, September 9 at The JunkYard in Denver and on Sunday, September 23 at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Philadelphia, with the two days boasting identical lineups. The event will also includes performances from Joyce Manor, Pussy Riot, and Dilinger Four.

Bourbon & Beyond Festival

Louisville, Kentucky

Dates: 9/14-9/17

Headliners: Brandi Carlile, The Killers, The Black Keys, Blondie, Bruno Mars

The popular 2023 Bourbon & Beyond Festival at the Highland Festival Grounds in Louisville, Kentucky will host headliners Brandi Carlile, The Killers, The Black Keys, Blondie and Bruno Mars atop an eclectic lineup of rock, pop, folk, blues and country acts across September 14-17, 2023. The four-day event’s roster announced on Wednesday (March 8) will also feature performances from Billy Strings, Train, Midland, Buddy Guy, Mavis Staples, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors and The Lone Bellow on the first night, which will be topped by Carlile.

Music Midtown

Atlanta, Georgia

Dates: 9/15-9/17

Headliners: Foo Fighters, The Cure, Queens Of The Stone Age

Music Midtown returns in 2023 with headliners Billie Eilish, P!nk, Guns N’ Roses, Flume, The 1975, and Lil Baby along with performances from JID, Pitbull, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Incubus, Niall Horan, and many more. Taking place September 15-17 at Atlanta’s Piedmont Park, Music Midtown will feature more than 40 artists across four stages to bring three days of music spanning across generations and genres. Fans can sign up now for the presale featuring three-day tickets and for the first time ever, a limited number of one-day tickets, beginning Thursday, May 18 at 10am ET. A general on sale will follow if tickets are still available. New in 2023: Ticket prices include all fees and taxes.

Rifflandia Festival

Victoria, British Columbia

Dates: 9/7-9/9, 9/15-9/17

Headliners: Iggy Pop, Herbie Hancock, Stephen Marley, Salt-N-Pepa

Legendary rocker Iggy Pop, iconic jazz musician Herbie Hancock, reggae star Stephen Marley and groundbreaking Queens rap duo Salt-N-Pepa are among the big names confirmed to perform at British Columbia’s Rifflandia Festival 2023.

Other acts confirmed to appear at the event include Grammy-nominated hip-hop duo Run The Jewels; funk outfit Chromeo; thrash metal trailblazers Suicidal Tendencies; Australian singer-songwriter Chet Faker; chart-topping DJ Chris Lake; viral improv star Marc Rebillet. The lineup also includes soul singer Mavis Staples; indie-pop act U.S. Girls and influential UK DJ and producer Paul Oakenfold. Paris Hilton – now enjoying high profile status as a DJ – has also been announced as a Rifflandia headliner.

Riot Fest

Chicago, Illinois

Dates: 9/15-9/17

Headliners: Foo Fighters, The Cure, Queens Of The Stone Age

Foo Fighters, The Cure, and Queens Of The Stone Age have been confirmed as three of the headliners for Riot Fest 2023. The annual punk festival will return to Chicago’s Douglass Park from September 15-17 and will also bring Turnstile, The Postal Service, and Death Cab For Cutie as part of its top billing. Foo Fighters and Turnstile will close out the first day of music, while Queens Of The Stone Age will headline night two. The second night will also be topped by Ben Gibbard pulling double duty as he brings The Postal Service and Death Cab For Cutie’s 20th-anniversary tour to the event.

Sweet Relief Festival

Brisbane, Australia

Dates: 9/16

Headliners: The Avalanches, Groove Armada

The Avalanches and Groove Armada will be performing exclusive headlining sets at Sweet Relief: a unique one-day party and springtime getaway in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, on September 16, 2023. Alongside musical acts, the new one-day event promises carnival rides, market stalls and more.

Sea.Hear.Now

Asbury Park, New Jersey

Dates: 9/16-9/17

Headliners: Foo Fighters, The Killers, Greta Van Fleet

Sea.Hear.Now’s2023 edition features Foo Fighters, The Killers, Greta Van Fleet, and more. Other bands set to appear include Weezer, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Mt. Joy, Sheryl Crow, The Beach Boys, and more. The festival will return to North Beach Asbury Park and Bradley Park in Ashbury Park, NJ on September 16-17, with over 25 artists, three stages, a surf contest, and celebration of the arts.

Louder Than Life Festival

Louisville, Kentucky

Dates: 9/21-9/24

Headliners: Foo Fighters, Green Day, Tool, Avenged Sevenfold

Louder Than Life returns on September 21-24 to Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. One of the top music events of the year, Louder Than Life will feature performances from artists including: Foo Fighters, Green Day (making their DWP festival debut), Tool, Avenged Sevenfold, Godsmack, Pantera, Queens of the Stone Age, Weezer, Limp Bizkit, Megadeth, Turnstile, Rancid, Falling In Reverse, 311, Pierce The Veil, Run The Jewels, Corey Taylor, Coheed and Cambria, Royal Blood, Parkway Drive, Bad Omens, BABYMETAL, and many more.

Life is Beautiful

Las Vegas, Nevada

Dates: 9/22-9/24

Headliners: Kendrick Lamar, The Killers, Odesza

Kendrick Lamar, The Killers, and Odesza have been confirmed to headline Las Vegas’ Life Is Beautiful 2023. The Nevada festival will return to the city’s downtown area this September to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Vegas’ own The Killers will come circle from the festival’s first edition – which it also headlined – and top the bill on the opening day on September 22, closing out a day of performances from the likes of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Inhaler, Slayyyter, Raye, and more. Lamar will then headline on the Saturday (September 23), following sets from The 1975, Reneé Rapp, The Rose, and others. He last performed at the festival in 2015, when he also headlined.

Farm Aid

Indianapolis, Indiana

Dates: 9/23

Headliners: Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Willie Nelson

Farm Aid is bringing the annual concert to Indianapolis, Indiana on September 23. Neil Young, John Mellencamp, and Willie Nelson announced that the event will return to the city for the third time in the event’s 38-year history.

Other performers this year include: Farm Aid board member Margo Price, fellow board member Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds, the Grateful Dead’s Bobby Weir & the Wolf Bros. featuring the Wolfpack, Lukas Nelson, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Allison Russell, The String Cheese Incident, Particle Kid, and more acts to be announced later.

Global Citizen Festival

New York, New York

Dates: 9/23

Headliners: Ms. Lauryn Hill, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Megan Thee Stallion

The Global Citizen Festival will return to Central Park on September 23, with headliners including Ms. Lauryn Hill, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Megan Thee Stallion. Conan Gray and Stray Kids are also on the day’s bill.

Tickets to the show on the Great Lawn are free, but require fulfilling a task as part of the international advocacy organization Global Citizen’s initiative to raise awareness about hunger, poverty, climate change, and inequities facing women around the world, among other related concerns.

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

Franklin, Tennessee

Dates: 9/23-9/24

Headliners: The Lumineers, The Black Crowes, Zach Bryan, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival has revealed the lineup for the 2023 edition of its annual festival. The event will return to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee on September 23 and 24. The Lumineers and The Black Crowes will headline on Saturday while Zach Bryan and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats are set to cement Sunday’s performances.

Oceans Calling Festival

Ocean City, Maryland

Dates: 9/29-10/1

Headliners: John Mayer, The Lumineers, Jack Johnson, Alanis Morissette

Oceans Calling Festival has announced that John Mayer, The Lumineers, Jack Johnson, and Alanis Morissette will headline the event, which takes place September 29-October 1 on the iconic Ocean City, Maryland Boardwalk at Ocean City Inlet Beach. The festival’s second installment brings fans over 40 artists across three stages, featuring festival co-founders, partners, and local legends O.A.R. alongside performances by Weezer, Incubus, Noah Kahan, Sheryl Crow, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Dirty Heads, and many more.

Ohana Festival

Dana Point, California

Dates: 9/29-10/1

Headliners: Eddie Vedder, Foo Fighters, HAIM, The Killers

Eddie Vedder, Foo Fighters, and The Killers will headline Ohana Festival 2023. The festival will return to the picturesque Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California, between September 29 and October 1. The Killers will top the bill on the opening night, closing out the festival’s first day following sets from HAIM, Father John Misty, Japanese Breakfast, and more. Eddie Vedder – the festival’s founder – will headline on the second day, alongside appearances from The Chicks, The War On Drugs, Goose, and others.

All Things Go Festival

Columbia, Maryland

Dates: 9/30-10/1

Headliners: Lana Del Rey, Maggie Rogers, Boygenius

Lana Del Rey, Maggie Rogers, boygenius, and Carly Rae Jepsen are set to headline All Things Go festival, the ninth edition of which will take place September 30 and October 1 at Merriweather Post Pavilion outside Washington, D.C. Mt. Joy, MUNA, Arlo Parks, Tegan and Sara, Beabadoobee, Alex G, Ethel Cain, Alvvays, Lizzy McAlpine, Peach Pit, Sudan Archives, Suki Waterhouse, and FLETCHER are also on the bill for the event.

Aftershock Festival

Sacramento, California

Dates: 10/5-10/8

Headliners: Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Avenged Sevenfold, Korn

Aftershock has announced the lineup for the 2023 edition of its festival, featuring headliners Guns N’ Roses, Tool, Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Megadeth, and more. The destination event, held at Discovery Park in Sacramento, CA on October 5-8, builds on last year’s record-setting success including an audience of 160,000 music fans and bringing in nearly $30 million to the region.

National Celebration Of Hip-Hop

Washington, D.C.

Dates: 10/6-10/7

Headliners: Public Enemy, Ice-T

In celebration of Hip-Hop’s 50th year, Public Enemy and Ice-T will headline The National Celebration of Hip-Hop, a concert event taking place on Friday, October 6 and Saturday, October 7 at West Potomac Park on the National Mall in Washington D.C. General admission to the event will be free with registration.

The definitive celebration of hip hop will feature a special DJ Hurricane Beastie Boys Tribute Set w/ Special Guests and performances from legendary artists including Kurtis Blow, Kid ‘n Play, Soulsonic Force, Roxanne Shante, CL Smooth, Melle Mel and Scorpio, The Sugarhill Gang, Peter Gunz, DJ Kevie Kev Rockwell, Mad Skillz, MC Sha-Rock, Busy Bee, Joe Ski Love, Positive K, Boogie Black, Mick Benzo, Gumbo, and Donald D with many more additional artists to be announced soon.

Power Trip Festival

Indio, California

Dates: 10/6-10/8

Headliners: Guns N’ Roses, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Tool

Power Trip festival has announced the lineup for its 2023 event and it’s a certified who’s-who of hard rock. Taking place at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California this October, the three-day event will be headlined by Guns N’ Roses and Iron Maiden on Friday, October 6, AC/DC and Ozzy Osbourne on Saturday, October 7, and Metallica and Tool on Sunday, October 8.

Austin City Limits

Austin, Texas

Dates: 10/6-10/8, 10/13-10/15

Headliners: Kendrick Lamar, Shania Twain, Foo Fighters

The legendary Austin City Limits Music Festival returns in 2023 with a lineup featuring headliners Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, Mumford & Sons, Shania Twain (Weekend One only), The Lumineers, ODESZA, Alanis Morissette and The 1975 (Weekend Two only). Other artists set to appear include Hozier, Kali Uchis, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Maggie Rogers, Labrinth, Cigarettes After Sex, Niall Horan, Tove Lo, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and many more.

Roundhouse Rising Festival

London, England

Dates: 10/12-10/14

Headliners: Easy Life, Poppy Daniels Collective, COLECTIVA

London’s Roundhouse Rising Festival is to partner with Easy Life who will take on the role of guest curator, programming a full takeover knowns as ‘Roundhouse Rising Festival x Easy Life’, with their favorite new artists on Saturday, October 14, in addition to playing a headline show in the venue’s iconic main hall. The world-renowned concert venue in London’s Chalk Farm, The Roundhouse’s Rising Festival 2023 is a three-day flagship event running from October 12-14.

III Points Festival

Miami, FL

Dates: 10/20-10/21

Headliners: Iggy Pop, Fred again.., Skrillex, Grimes, Black Coffee

Miami, FL festival III Points has revealed the full lineup for its 2023 edition, running across October 20-21 at Mana Wynwood Convention Center. The festival headliners are Iggy Pop and Fred again.. and they will be joined by Skrillex, Grimes and Black Coffee.

Other artists of note set to appear at III Points include Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Caribou, Jeff Mills, Âme b2b Dixon, THSA, Gorgon City, John Summit b2b Green Velvet, Dom Dolla, Explosions in the Sky (performing The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place), Hudson Mohawke b2b Tiga, Alice Glass, Aluna, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, The Dare, Jockstrap, Nia Archives, Tirzah, Two Shell, and more. They join previously announced artists, including Caroline Polachek, SBTRK, Jamie Jones, Keinemusik, Lane, The Blaze, Tokischa, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and VTSS.

When We Were Young

Las Vegas, Nevada

Dates: 10/21

Headliners: Blink-182, Green Day, 30 Seconds To Mars

With an epic pop-punk twist, next year’s bill of the When We Were Young festival has announced a colossal collection of all-star bands that have perfected the genre, including headliners Blink-182 and Green Day. The lineup also features 30 Seconds To Mars, The Offspring, Good Charlotte, 5 Seconds of Summer and All Time Low, Yellowcard, Sum 41, Pierce the Veil, Gym Class Heroes, Michelle Branch, Rise Against, Thrice, Simple Plan, New Found Glory, and many more.

Guinness Cork Jazz Fest

Cork, Ireland

Dates: 10/26-10/30

Headliners: Corinne Bailey Rae, The Charlatans, Pillow Queens

Corinne Bailey Rae and The Charlatans have been announced for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, running over the Irish October bank holiday weekend, from Thursday, October 26 to Monday, October 30.

Bailey Rae will headline at the Cork Opera House on the evening of October 29, while the rapidly rising Irish indie-rock quartet Pillow Queens will join The Charlatans at Cork City Hall on October 27. Macy Gray, Morcheeba, Matthew Halsall and Grammy award winning Kurt Elling are also among the headline acts to perform at this year’s festival.

ONE Musicfest

Atlanta, Georgia

Dates: 10/28-10/29

Headliners: Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, Brent Faiyaz, Megan Thee Stallion

ONE Musicfest has announced the lineup for this year’s festivities at the historic Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia. The festival will be headlined by Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, Brent Faiyaz, and Megan Thee Stallion. The two-day festival is set to take place on Saturday, October 28, and Sunday, October 29, promising an unforgettable weekend of music, culture, and celebration.

Honeyland Festival

Sugar Land, Texas

Dates: 11/11-11/12

Headliners: Mary J. Blige, Jazmine Sullivan, Miguel

Mary J. Blige, Jazmine Sullivan and Miguel top the bill for the 2023 Honeyland Festival. Presented by IMG and Live Nation Urban, the inaugural, two-day music and culinary event will take place at Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Texas, just outside Houston, on November 11-12.

The lineup will also feature Chlöe, Coco Jones, DJ Mr. Rogers, Spinall, Dende, Inayah, Jae Murphy, Kiotti & Keisha Nicole, Lenora, Lucky Daye, Tay Powers, Tems and Tobe Nwigwe. In a nod to this year’s celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, the Houston All-Stars — Scarface, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Z-Ro and Lil Keke — will also perform. Nwigwe will serve as Honeyland Festival’s Houston Ambassador, exploring the immersive experience presented by the national and local restauranteurs and culinary talent that will be on hand at the event.

Rock The Bells Cruise

Miami, Florida to the Bahamas

Dates: 11/13-11/17

Headliners: Rick Ross, Lil Jon, Big Boi, DJ Jazzy Jeff

Rock The Bells (RTB), the global platform dedicated to elevating hip-hop culture from its roots to the modern day, has announced the lineup for “Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience” in partnership with Sixthman, the industry leader in music and lifestyle festivals at sea. The lineup features hip-hop’s most notable icons including Rick Ross, Lil Jon, Big Boi, DJ Jazzy Jeff, MC Lyte, Ghostface Killah, Trina & Trick Daddy, Just Blaze, Big Daddy Kane, Too $hort, Slick Rick, DJ Spinderella, Mannie Fresh, Pete Rock, DJ Quik, Rah Digga, EPMD, Bun B, Bahamadia, Grandmaster Caz, DJ Scratch, The Finisher Mister Cee, DJ EPPS, DJ Nina 9, Grandmaster Dee, Technician The DJ, and DJ Critical Hype. Hosted by Roxanne Shanté and Torae, attendees will also experience a pool deck party series presented by world-renowned party rocker Kid Capri.

ESG London Jazz Festival

London, UK

Dates: 11-10/11-19

Headliners: Ravi Coltrane, Esperanza Spalding, Danilo Pérez

The news of Wayne Shorter’s death adds much poignancy to an all-star celebration of his music at the ESG London Jazz Festival. The event comes after what would have been his 90th birthday on August 25 this year, with a stellar line-up of collaborators and friends including saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding, pianist Danilo Pérez, electric/acoustic bassist John Patitucci and drummer/producer Terri Lyne Carrington and the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Clark Rundell.

All will appear under the banner of ‘The Symphonic Music of Wayne Shorter’ at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre on November 19 for what will be the central concert of the program.

Camp Flog Naw Carnival

Los Angeles, CA

Dates: 11-11/11-12

Headliners: Tyler, The Creator, The Hillbillies, SZA, Lil Yachty

Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival has unveiled the full lineup for its ninth edition. The brainchild of Tyler, The Creator, the Los Angeles-based music festival will feature nearly 40 performances from artists including Clipse, Kali Uchis, Lil Yachty, Dominic Fike, Ice Spice, Rex Orange County, Teezo Touchdown, Kevin Abstract, PinkPantheress, beabadoobee, Earl Sweatshirt, Toro y Moi, d4vd, Balming Tiger, and more.

The festival will also include headline performances from The Hillbillies, SZA, and Tyler, The Creator himself. Produced in collaboration with Goldenvoice, the carnival will take place from November 11-12. All available passes for the festival are already sold out.

Darker Waves Festival

Huntington Beach, CA

Dates: 11/18

Headliners: New Order, Tears For Fears, The B-52’s, Soft Cell

New Order and Tears For Fears will headline the inaugural Darker Waves Festival on November 18 in Huntington Beach, CA. Taking place oceanside at Huntington Beach City Beach at Huntington Street and Pacific Coast Highway, the brand-new festival will debut with legendary new wave performances from over 30 bands across three stages including The B-52’s, Echo and the Bunnymen, Soft Cell, Devo, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, The Psychedelic Furs, The Cardigans, X, Violent Femmes, Molchat Doma, The English Beat, She Wants Revenge, and more.