The South has a longstanding musical legacy covering most styles of music, from R&B to rock to bluegrass. All trace their heritage to the region. It has also produced some of the country’s most famous artists, such as Elvis Presley and the Allman Brothers Band, to name a few.
So it makes sense that music festivals would thrive here. Here are our picks for the best Southern music festivals, covering every genre of music. And don’t forget to pack the essentials!
Jazz Fest
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is one of the city’s most well-known and regularly brings in acts like Billy Joel, John Mayer, Ben Harper, and Band of Horses. The festival also celebrates the best of regional food, crafts, and culture.
- Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
- When: April/May
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
Held on a farm in rural Tennessee, Bonnaroo is like its own village of fellow music lovers. It brings eclectic acts like Paul McCartney, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and The Lumineers. “The Roo” also hosts comedy acts like Bob Saget and screens independent films.
- Where: Manchester, Tennessee
- When: June
Hangout Music Fest
It doesn’t get much better than Hangout, which is held annually on the stretch of sugar-white beach. Past performers have included Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Stevie Wonder, and Bassnectar, covering nearly every genre of popular music. Attendees stay in condos and hotels right on the beach for ease of access to the festival.
- Where: Gulf Shores, Alabama
- When: May
Music Midtown
What started as a small local weekend music festival in 1994 has become known throughout the region for bringing in well-known acts. Music Midtown‘s past performances have included locals Ludacris and T.I. as well as top bills Coldplay, Florence + the Machine, and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. It went on hiatus from 2006 to 2011 but is back and bigger than ever.
- Where: Atlanta, Georgia
- When: September
Beale Street Music Festival
It’s no longer just blues at Beale Street Music Festival, held on Memphis’ most famous street since 1977. It is the first event in a month-long festival called Memphis in May. Past acts include Herbie Hancock, Wiz Khalifa, Alison Krauss and Union Station, and the Smashing Pumpkins.
- Where: Memphis, Tennessee
- When: May
Forecastle Festival
Founded in 2002 as a music, arts and activism festival, Forecastle Festival has become one of Kentucky’s largest music events, held in Louisville Waterfront Park. Past artists have included Big Boi, Old Crow Medicine Show, Widespread Panic, and My Morning Jacket. Activist groups like Greenpeace and The Sierra Club are always in attendance.
- Where: Louisville, Kentucky
- When: July
Merlefest
Named for Eddy Merle Watson by his father musician Doc Watson, Merlefest is an annual celebration of “traditional plus” music, which includes bluegrass, acoustic, blues, folk, Cajun, jazz and everything in between. Held on the campus of Wilkes Community College, the festival has hosted Dolly Parton, Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, and Steve Martin.
- Where: Wilkesboro, North Carolina
- When: April
Pilgrimage Festival
Located not far from the “Music City” of Nashville, Pilgrimage Festival brings together a diverse lineup of musicians including country, rock, jazz, and bluegrass like Justin Timberlake, Willie Nelson, and Beck. It’s been held since 2016 on an over 200-acre horse farm and includes a maker’s village, food tents, kids activities, and information on local music history.
- Where: Franklin, Tennessee
- When: September
High Water
Created by the band Shovels and Rope, who are natives of Charleston, High Water brings together similar acts like Brandi Carlisle, Butch Walker, and Jenny Lewis. In addition to the music, held at North Charleston’s Waterfront Park, there are curated events like chefs dinners, an oyster roast, beer garden, and a makers area.
- Where: Charleston, South Carolina
- When: April
Juke Joint Festival
The Juke Joint Festival celebrates the musical traditions of the Mississippi Delta with performances by well-known and under-the-radar artists at various venues. Some are theaters and bars while others are street corners with tents.
- Where: Clarksdale, Mississippi
- When: April
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