What are the main music festivals in July in the United States?

The summertime is well and truly here, which means the music festival season has started to reach its peak. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of such events across the United States this July, which means there should be a little something for everyone out there.

We’ve taken the liberty to pick out the biggest and best ones that we like the look of, all of which will be taking place over the next few weeks.

If you happen to be a fan of Carli Rae Jepsen, then you’re in luck…

Main music festivals in the United States in July 2024 and how to get tickets

Summerfest, July 4-6

Henry Maier Festival Park in Milwaukee is the venue for Summerfest, which actually takes place over three weekends, the first two of which are in June.

If you’re around for the last of them, though, AJR with Carli Rae Jepsen (plenty more of her coming up), Maroon 5 (with special guests) and Lil Uzi Vert are your headliners. Ticket info.

Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic, July 4

Willie Nelson may be 91, but he’s still hosting a 4th of July picnic at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion outside of Philadelphia in Camden, New Jersey on...the 4th of July.

He won’t be alone, though, as Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Maren Morris, Mavis Staples and Celisse will be helping him out. Ticket info.

Essence Music Festival, 4-7 July

Part of New Orleans’ Essence Festival of Culture, the largest African-American culture and music event in the U.S. The Essence Music Festival takes place at Caesars Superdome in the evening on all four days, with Birdman & Friends, Janet Jackson, and Charlie Wilson the headliners. Ticket info.

Under the Big Sky Festival, July 12-14

Miranda Lambert, Billy Strings and Turnpike Troubadours headline the latest edition of the country music festival, which will be held at Big Mountain Ranch in Whitefish, Montana. Ticket info.

Day In Day Out, July 12-14

Carli Rae is back! Jepsen is one of three main eventers, alongside The Head and the Heart, and Bleachers, while Suki Waterhouse will also be performing at Seattle Center. Ticket info.

Minnesota Yacht Club Festival, July 19-20

If you’ve never heard of the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival, then there’s a good reason. The event will be held for the very first time in 2024, and it’s kicking off with a bang.

Gwen Stefani and Alanis Morissette are the star attractions on the Friday, when The Black Crowes and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts will also be in action. The Red Hot Chilli Peppers headline on the Saturday, ably supported by The Offspring, among others. The festival will be held at Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ticket info.

Pitchfork Music Festival, July 19-21

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Carli Rae Jepson completes her hat-trick. The “Call Me Maybe” singer is just one of a whole host of artists performing at Union Park in Chicago, along with Morissette, Black Pumas and Jamie XX. Ticket info.

Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival, July 25-28

This one might be especially for bikers, but there’ll be a strong musical lineup at Veterans Park in Milwaukee, with RHCP, Jelly Roll, The Offspring and Cypress Hill among the performers. Ticket info.