For live music fans, outdoor music festivals represent the ultimate in outdoor entertainment. And of course most audiophiles want to hit the big festivals: Coachella, SXSW, and the world-famous Burning Man.
But while these three festivals have the recognition to attract some of the biggest names in music, once you’ve attended, where do you go next? Do you just continue going back to the same festivals year after year, or do you seek out new bands, new sounds, and new experiences?
There are plenty of great festivals out there offering a variety of new types of good times. You might find good times on a level you weren’t expecting, and just might find a new favorite destination.
If these 10 festivals aren’t on your go-to list, you may want to expand your horizons and give them a shot:
Suwannee Hulaween – Live Oak, Florida
This fall festival, held in late-October in Live Oak, Florida, boasts four days of music at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the festival. Sporting between five and seven stages, attendees are encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes while they rock out.
Shambala – British Columbia, Canada
Known for its electronica, Shambala is four days of raging in British Columbia’s Salmo River Ranch, a farm in the West Kootenay Mountains. Shambala features reserved campsites just a short walk from the festival’s Riverside Zone private beach on the river.
Secret Dreams – Thornville, Ohio
Ohio’s Legend Valley, located in Thornville just outside of Columbus, is home to the Secret Dreams Music & Arts Festival in August. Secret Dreams mixes visual and performance arts on three unique stages — late-night performances, live painters, and interactive installations among their features.
Submersion – Hammontown, New Jersey
October in New Jersey doesn’t scream “perfect time for an outdoor music festival,” but the Submersion Festival, held in Hammontown the first weekend of October, doesn’t just pull it off, it makes it an experience. A fully immersive music-and-arts experience overlooking the spectacular views of Paradise Lakes. It will keep you rocking all autumn long.
Summer Camp – Chillicothe, Illinois
What better way to kick off summer than reliving the carefree fun of youth by hitting Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, Illinois for the Summer Camp Music Festival? For more than 20 years, dozens of bands have lit up the stage over three days of music, positive vibes, and a summer-camp experience that includes “camp counselors” and field-day activities including a tug-of-war, dodgeball, an eating contest, and more.
Infrasound – Clarks Grove, Minnesota
The Infrasound Music Festival mixes a dazzling display of art, light, and sound to create an unforgettable experience. Clarks Grove, Minnesota’s Harmony Park Music Garden is the venue, with a fantastic, free-spirited vibe and an ambience that creates lasting memories.
Peach – Scranton, Pennsylvania
Sitting atop Montage Mountain in Scranton, Pennsylvania is the Peach Music Festival. Billing itself as the first Allman Brothers-inspired music festival in northeastern Pennsylvania, Peach is known for its plentiful food and craft vendors and the Montage Mountain Ski Resort, which is converted to a large water park in the summer months. Don’t overlook this warm and wild time in the mountains in late-June!
Lightning in a Bottle – Bakersfield, California
LIB has rocked Memorial Day in Central California since 2006, bringing a new-age twist to their mix of music, art, and culture through visual and interactive art displays and guest speakers. Group meditation sessions and yoga will help you work on spiritual and physical fitness. And with Buena Vista Lake nearby, you’ll have all the makings of one heck of a party.
The Untz – Browns Valley, California
Dance music and laser lights are on the menu at the Untz Festival, held at the Mariposa Fairgrounds in Browns Valley, California. The Untz has been the stage for some of the best underground electronic artists since 2009, making an impact on the industry while it keeps festival-goers moving.
Sonic Bloom – Hummingbird Ranch, Colorado
June in Colorado is beautiful, and there’s no better way to experience it than heading to Hummingbird Ranch for the Sonic Bloom festival. Take in the sights and sounds among the awe-inspiring Spanish Peaks Country for three days of electronica-infused madness. Sonic Bloom is a nourishment to body and soul, mixing banging beats and inner peace, and emphasizing ecologically friendly practices while camping and shopping.
Remember that while you’re planning your escape to these tremendous festivals, your comfort is key. Each location has different setups for camping, so be sure you bring supplies to last you the entire festival. Of course, everyone knows the essentials: a tent, sleeping bags, food and water, and ear plugs.
But don’t forget one key area many people overlook: bathroom solutions. Music festival bathrooms can be crowded, dirty, or far from your campsite. Cleanwaste has a variety of portable toilets, privacy shelters, and other options for taking care of your business while out among a few thousand of your closest friends in peace and privacy. The GO Anywhere Total System provides the entire setup, and don’t forget the GO Anywhere Backpack for carrying efficiency.
Check out all of Cleanwaste’s bathroom solutions to see which is right for you before booking your next music festival adventure.
