Festivals in United States in September
69 festivals waiting for you
Curated by Sarah Pagel · Last verified 2 April 2026
The United States offers a vast geographical canvas for music festivals, ranging from the rugged beauty of the New River Gorge in West Virginia to the coastal breeze of Monterey County. This diverse landscape fosters a culture where massive electronic gatherings coexist with intimate bluegrass and Americana retreats. Whether it is the wooded surroundings of Electric Forest or the beachfront stages of Barefoot Country, American events capitalize on the country's varied terrain to create distinct atmospheres. The scene is defined by its sheer scale and the tradition of the multi-day outdoor experience, drawing crowds to iconic locations like Chicago’s Union Park or the high-altitude settings of the Colorado mountains.
Musically, the American circuit reflects a rich heritage of rock, hip hop, and country while embracing the global evolution of house and techno. Major urban centers like Columbus and Boston serve as hubs for genre-defying lineups, while festivals like California Roots and ARC Music Festival highlight the nation's deep-rooted appreciation for reggae and underground electronic music. Beyond the sound, the culture emphasizes community and artistic expression, blending jam band traditions with cutting-edge production. From the historic Monterey Fairgrounds to the industrial backdrops of the Midwest, these gatherings remain a central pillar of American entertainment, showcasing a relentless passion for live performances across every imaginable soundscape.
September Festivals
DC Jazz Festival 2026
Sep 2, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
The DC Jazz Festival is a music event that occurs across multiple venues in Washington, D.C. It celebrates jazz music as a reflection of American history and its future, and spotlights both renowned and emerging artists.
Karnival of the Arts 2026
Sep 3, 2026 - Sep 7, 2026
Karnival of the Arts is a multi-day Pennsylvania festival that blends live music, visionary art, and circus performances into an immersive community experience. The event features triple stages of diverse musical acts alongside live painting, interactive workshops, and carnival-themed attractions.
Secret Dreams Festival 2026
Sep 3, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
Secret Dreams is an immersive music and arts festival held at Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio, featuring a diverse blend of electronic, jam, and bass music. The event showcases large-scale visual art installations alongside interactive workshops and performances in a community-driven atmosphere.
Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival 2026
Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
The Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival is a premier Labor Day weekend event in Woodstown, New Jersey, showcasing legendary and emerging artists in bluegrass and traditional music. Founded in 1972 by Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley, the festival features world-class performances, workshops, and a family-friendly camping environment.
North Coast Music Festival 2026
Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
North Coast Music Festival is an annual electronic dance music and arts event held over Labor Day Weekend at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. The festival features a diverse lineup of major EDM artists alongside immersive art installations and multiple stages designed to create a unique multisensory experience.
Adirondack Independence Music Festival 2026
Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
The Adirondack Independence Music Festival is a multi-day event held annually over Labor Day weekend at Charles R. Wood Park in Lake George, New York. It features a premier lineup of jam bands and rock artists performing across two side-by-side stages in a scenic mountain setting.
ARC Music Festival 2026
Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
ARC Music Festival is a premier house and techno event held annually over Labor Day weekend at Union Park in Chicago, the historic birthplace of house music. The festival features a curated global lineup and immersive stage designs that celebrate the city's rich musical heritage and the evolution of electronic dance music.
Shoe Fest 2026
Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
Shoe Fest is an annual three-day music and camping festival held at Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See in Manteno, Illinois, featuring roots, bluegrass, and jam band performances. The family-friendly event emphasizes community and outdoor adventure with multiple stages and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
Rhythm and Roots 2026
Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
The Rhythm and Roots Festival is an annual Labor Day weekend event in Charlestown, Rhode Island, celebrating American roots music through a diverse lineup of Cajun, Zydeco, blues, and bluegrass performances. Held at Ninigret Park, the festival offers an immersive cultural experience featuring multiple stages, on-site camping, regional cuisine, and professional dance instruction.
Caveman Music Festival 2026
Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
The Caveman Music Festival is a three-day Americana and rock event held at the scenic Monument Lake Resort in Weston, Colorado. It combines a diverse lineup of singer-songwriters with outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and hiking in the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Basscon Wasteland Festival 2026
Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 5, 2026
Basscon Wasteland is Southern California's premier hard dance festival, showcasing high-energy genres like hardstyle and hardcore within a massive post-apocalyptic themed environment. Organized by Insomniac, the event features world-class production and top international DJs, serving as the ultimate stronghold for the hardest sounds in electronic music.
FarmJam Music Festival 2026
Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
FarmJam is an independent music and camping festival in Colville, Washington, featuring a blend of country, Americana, and rock performances. The all-ages event promotes local agriculture and community by hosting indie artists, food vendors, and a farmer's market on a scenic rural farm.
Peoria Blues And Heritage Festival 2026
Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 5, 2026
The Peoria Blues and Heritage Music Festival is an annual Labor Day weekend event held at the scenic Peoria Riverfront in Illinois. It celebrates world-class blues, soul, and roots music through live performances, workshops, and community events.
Rocklahoma 2026
Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
Rocklahoma is an annual three-day hard rock and heavy metal music festival held in Pryor, Oklahoma, every Labor Day weekend. Often called "America's Biggest Labor Day Weekend Party," the event features dozens of bands across multiple stages and is renowned for its vibrant campground culture.
Earl Scruggs Music Festival 2026
Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival is an annual celebration of bluegrass, Americana, and roots music held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina. The event honors the legendary banjo pioneer’s legacy by bringing together premier musicians and fans to celebrate the region's rich musical heritage.
Deep Tropics 2026
Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
Deep Tropics is a sustainable electronic music and art festival held in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring a curated lineup of house, techno, and bass artists. The event is recognized as North America's greenest festival, combining immersive tropical production with a deep commitment to climate positivity and zero-waste initiatives.
Bumbershoot 2026
Sep 5, 2026 - Sep 6, 2026
Bumbershoot is an annual international music and arts festival held in Seattle, Washington, during Labor Day weekend. It features a diverse lineup of live music, comedy, visual arts, and performance pieces across the Seattle Center campus.
Dancefestopia 2026
Sep 7, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Dancefestopia is a high-energy electronic dance music and camping festival held annually near Kansas City, Missouri. It features an immersive forest camping experience alongside world-class production, diverse art installations, and a lineup focused on bass and electronic genres.
ProgPower USA 2026
Sep 9, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
ProgPower USA is North America’s premier music festival dedicated to progressive and power metal, held annually at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. Since 2001, the event has featured a curated lineup of international acts and is renowned for its intimate atmosphere and high production standards.
Levitation 2026
Sep 10, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Levitation is an independent music and arts festival held annually in Austin, Texas, specializing in psychedelic rock, electronic, and experimental genres. Originally founded as Austin Psych Fest in 2008, the event showcases a diverse lineup of international artists and immersive visual art across various downtown venues.
McHenry Music Festival 2026
Sep 10, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
The McHenry Music Festival is a three-day lakeside event in McHenry, Illinois, featuring a diverse lineup of over a dozen national musical acts across various genres. It serves as a major community fundraiser, with proceeds supporting local infrastructure and development projects such as public parks and splash pads.
Unbroken Circle Festival 2026
Sep 10, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
The Unbroken Circle Music Festival is a roots-music celebration held along the Ohio River in Madison, Indiana, featuring a premier lineup of Americana, country, and bluegrass artists. This intimate, multi-day event focuses on a single-stage experience with zero overlapping sets to foster a welcoming, artist-centric community atmosphere.
Music At The Intersection 2026
Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Music At The Intersection is a multi-genre festival in St. Louis that celebrates the city's rich musical heritage by blending jazz, blues, soul, and hip-hop across multiple stages. The event showcases a mix of legendary national acts and local talent within the vibrant Grand Center Arts District.
Sacred Acre Festival 2026
Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Sacred Acre Festival is an immersive electronic music and arts event held in Ninilchik, Alaska, that combines world-class EDM performances with a strong focus on ocean conservation. The multi-day experience features large-scale laser displays, digital art, and educational workshops aimed at protecting marine habitats from destructive industrial practices.
Wheatland Music Festival 2026
Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
The Wheatland Music Festival is an annual celebration of traditional arts and music held in Remus, Michigan, featuring folk, bluegrass, and Americana performances. This family-oriented event offers workshops, juried arts and crafts, and community dancing across its sprawling 160-acre site.
Bristol Rhythm and Roots 2026
Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion is an annual three-day music festival in downtown Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia, that celebrates the city's heritage as the birthplace of country music. The event features a diverse lineup of Americana, bluegrass, and roots music performed across multiple stages spanning the historic state line.
Black Swamp Arts Festival 2026
Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
The Black Swamp Arts Festival is a free three-day celebration of arts and music held annually in downtown Bowling Green, Ohio. It features juried art shows, multiple live music stages, and interactive youth activities, making it one of the state's premier community events.
Goldrush Fest 2026
Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
Goldrush Music Festival is a premier Wild West-themed electronic dance music and hip-hop event held annually in Arizona. The multi-day festival features world-class DJs and urban artists across several stages, all centered around an immersive frontier experience.
Breakaway Festival Philadelphia 2026
Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
Breakaway Music Festival Philadelphia is a high-energy two-day event featuring a diverse lineup of top-tier electronic and dance music artists at the Subaru Park Festival Grounds. Part of a premier multi-city touring brand, the festival offers an immersive experience with massive stage productions, local food vendors, and silent discos.
Denton Arts and Jazz Festival 2026
Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
The Denton Arts and Jazz Festival is a free event held annually in Quakertown Park in Denton, Texas. The festival distinguishes itself by showcasing diverse musical genres beyond jazz and by incorporating art, crafts, and family activities.
Festival for the Eno 2026
Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
Festival for the Eno is an annual music and arts festival held in downtown Durham. It is known for its focus on the culture, history and environment of the Eno River basin, with proceeds supporting conservation work.
Evanston Folk Festival 2026
Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
The Evanston Folk Festival is an annual music event held at Dawes Park along the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline in Evanston, Illinois. Produced by the local venue SPACE, the festival showcases a diverse lineup of folk and Americana artists alongside educational panels, local food, and artisan markets.
Anjunadeep Open Air at The Gorge 2026
Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Anjunadeep Open Air at The Gorge is a music festival that takes place at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington. The festival is known for its stunning natural backdrop overlooking the Columbia River.
Americanafest 2026
Sep 15, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
Americanafest is an annual five-day music festival and conference held in Nashville, Tennessee, that celebrates the roots-based Americana genre including folk, country, blues, and soul. The event features hundreds of live showcases across multiple venues, industry panels, and the prestigious Americana Honors & Awards ceremony at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
Born And Raised Festival 2026
Sep 17, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
Born And Raised is an annual outlaw country and red dirt music festival held at the Rockin' Red Dirt Ranch in Pryor, Oklahoma. The event features a diverse lineup of authentic country, rock, and Americana artists alongside a dedicated camping experience designed for fans with a rebellious spirit.
Bear Music Festival 2026
Sep 17, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
Bear Music Festival is an all-inclusive music and nature experience held at the Lair of the Golden Bear in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. The event features intimate performances from a diverse lineup of independent artists, combined with communal meals and outdoor activities in a rustic summer camp setting.
Frankenmuth Oktoberfest 2026
Sep 17, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
Frankenmuth Oktoberfest is the first festival outside Munich to be officially sanctioned by the original German event and the world-renowned Hofbräuhaus. Located in Michigan’s Little Bavaria, the celebration features authentic German food, beer, traditional music, and the popular Wiener Dog races.
Louder Than Life Festival 2026
Sep 17, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
Louder Than Life is a premier rock and heavy metal music festival held annually at the Highland Festival Grounds in Louisville, Kentucky. Known as the 'World's Largest Rock 'N' Roll Whiskey Festival,' it features a massive lineup of world-class performers alongside a unique celebration of regional bourbon and gourmet cuisine.
Cascade Equinox Festival 2026
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
Cascade Equinox Festival is a multi-genre music and arts gathering held at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon. The event features a diverse musical lineup alongside immersive art installations, workshops, and family-friendly activities within a scenic high desert environment.
Borderland Festival 2026
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
The Borderland Music + Arts Festival is a three-day annual event held at Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora, New York, featuring a diverse lineup of Americana, rock, and bluegrass music. The festival celebrates regional culture and community through craft beer, local food vendors, and a curated artisan market in a scenic historic setting.
iHeartRadio Festival 2026
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
The iHeartRadio Music Festival is an annual two-day event in Las Vegas featuring a diverse, multi-genre lineup of the world's biggest musical acts. Hosted by iHeartMedia, the festival showcases top-tier performances from stars across pop, rock, country, and hip-hop on its main stage and daytime village.
Pickin' in the Pines 2026
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
Pickin’ in the Pines is an award-winning bluegrass and acoustic music festival held annually at the Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, Arizona. The event features a diverse lineup of national and local performers alongside instrument workshops, community jam sessions, and camping in a scenic mountain setting.
Riot Fest Chicago 2026
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
Riot Fest is an annual three-day music festival in Chicago specializing in punk, rock, alternative, and hip-hop. It is distinguished by its high-profile band reunions, full-album performances, and vibrant carnival-style atmosphere.
Lost Lands 2026
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
Lost Lands is an annual prehistoric-themed electronic music festival founded by Excision and held at Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio. The event is renowned for its immersive dinosaur-themed production and a lineup dedicated to the heaviest artists in the bass music scene.
Denver Oktoberfest 2026
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
The Denver Oktoberfest is one of the United States' largest and longest-running German heritage festivals, held annually since 1969 in the city's historic Ballpark District. This two-weekend celebration features traditional beer and food alongside unique attractions like keg bowling, stein hoisting competitions, and the popular long dog derby.
Shaky Knees Festival 2026
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
Shaky Knees Music Festival is an annual multi-day event in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to showcasing a premier lineup of indie, rock, and alternative artists. Founded in 2013, the festival has become a staple of the city's music scene, drawing thousands of fans to experience world-renowned headliners and emerging acts in a vibrant urban park setting.
XPoNential Festival 2026
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
The XPoNential Music Festival is an annual three-day event produced by Philadelphia's WXPN public radio station, featuring a diverse lineup of established and emerging artists. Held along the Camden waterfront, the festival showcases a wide range of genres including indie rock, folk, and blues in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Sea.Hear.Now Festival 2026
Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
Sea.Hear.Now Festival is an annual celebration of music, surfing, and art held on the iconic beaches and boardwalk of Asbury Park, New Jersey. The event features world-class musical performances across multiple stages alongside professional surfing competitions and immersive art installations.
Summer's Last Dance 2026
Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
Summer’s Last Dance is a high-energy music and arts festival held annually near Chicago that features a diverse lineup of EDM, house, and hip-hop artists. The event serves as a vibrant end-of-summer celebration, combining multiple stages of live performances with immersive art installations and charitable support.
Experts Only Festival 2026
Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
Experts Only Festival is a premier electronic music event series curated by DJ John Summit, featuring house and techno artists in unique locations like New York City’s Randall's Island and various mountain resorts. These high-energy events blend cutting-edge stage production with diverse settings, including winter ski weekenders in Vail and large-scale urban summer festivals.
One Mind Music Festival 2026
Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
The One Mind Music Festival is an annual event held in Napa Valley. It is unique because it combines music with mental health advocacy, raising funds and awareness for brain health research.
Annapolis Baygrass Festival 2026
Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
The Annapolis Baygrass Festival is a conservation-focused music event at Sandy Point State Park featuring top-tier bluegrass, jamgrass, and Americana artists. This eco-conscious festival combines a scenic waterfront experience with a mission to support Chesapeake Bay restoration and mental health awareness.
Nocturnal Wonderland 2026
Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
Nocturnal Wonderland is the longest-running electronic dance music festival in the United States, renowned for its immersive neon-lit environments and diverse DJ lineups. Held annually in Southern California, the event combines world-class production with a unique camping experience that celebrates the spirit of old-school rave culture.
Cold Waves 2026
Sep 24, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
Cold Waves is an annual industrial music festival founded in Chicago in 2012 as a memorial tribute to musician Jamie Duffy. The event showcases industrial, EBM, and darkwave acts while raising funds and awareness for suicide prevention and mental health charities.
Bourbon & Beyond 2026
Sep 24, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
Bourbon & Beyond is an annual four-day event in Louisville, Kentucky, recognized as the world's largest bourbon-inspired music and food festival. It combines performances from legendary musical artists with curated culinary experiences and workshops led by master distillers and celebrity chefs.
Rock the Locks 2026
Sep 25, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
Rock the Locks is an annual three-day music festival held in Umatilla, Oregon, featuring a diverse lineup of over 25 classic and modern rock bands across two stages. The event offers a comprehensive experience with onsite camping, beer gardens, and local food vendors for fans of all ages.
Camp Deep End 2026
Sep 25, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
Camp Deep End is a boutique, family-friendly music festival hosted by the band ALO and set within the redwood forests of Camp Navarro in Northern California. The event offers an immersive camping experience that combines live jam and rock music with outdoor activities like hiking, archery, and community campfires.
Horseshoe Music Festival 2026
Sep 25, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
The Horseshoe Music Festival is a micro-boutique event in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, that celebrates the intersection of music, fashion, culinary arts, and wellness. Founded by Duane Betts and Lisa Hadley Betts, the festival features themed musical performances, an artisan market, and a curated retreat program in a scenic outdoor setting.
Same Same But Different 2026
Sep 25, 2026 - Sep 28, 2026
Same Same But Different is an intimate multi-genre arts and music festival held at Lake Perris State Park, California, featuring a diverse lineup of electronic, funk, and jam bands. The beachfront event emphasizes community and wellness through interactive art installations, over 75 workshops, and unique lakeside activities like Floatopia parties.
Breckenridge Oktoberfest 2026
Sep 25, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
Breckenridge Oktoberfest transforms the historic Main Street into a vibrant Bavarian-style street party featuring traditional German cuisine, local craft beers, and live polka music. Set against the backdrop of peak fall foliage, this family-friendly celebration is one of the largest and most iconic autumn festivals in the Rocky Mountains.
Monterey Jazz Festival 2026
Sep 25, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
The Monterey Jazz Festival is one of the world's longest-running jazz events, held annually since 1958 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds in California. It features hundreds of premier artists performing across multiple stages, celebrating both the legacy and the future of jazz music.
Breakaway Festival Carolina 2026
Sep 25, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
Breakaway Festival Carolina is a premier two-day music event held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway that showcases a high-energy lineup of electronic, house, and pop music. The festival provides an immersive experience for the local community, featuring massive stage productions, silent discos, and a variety of local vendors.
Big Fam Festival 2026
Sep 25, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
Big Fam Music & Arts Festival is an immersive electronic music and camping gathering held in Brooklyn, Michigan, that emphasizes community and creative expression. The event features diverse bass music lineups alongside live visionary art, workshops, and performance art in a forest setting.
Ohana Festival 2026
Sep 25, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
Ohana Festival is an annual three-day music event founded by Eddie Vedder and held at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California. The festival features a diverse lineup of rock, indie, and alternative artists while emphasizing ocean conservation through environmental exhibits and panels.
Oceans Calling Festival 2026
Sep 25, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
Oceans Calling Festival is a three-day music event held on the iconic boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland, featuring over 40 performances across multiple stages in partnership with the band O.A.R. The festival offers a unique beachside experience that combines world-class musical acts with culinary demonstrations by celebrity chefs and access to local amusement park rides.
Black Mountain Blues 2026
Sep 25, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
Black Mountain Blues is an annual music festival in North Carolina that celebrates the genre's cultural heritage with a vibrant mix of national and regional blues artists. The multi-day event takes place across several walkable downtown venues, offering live performances, educational workshops, and community-focused storytelling sessions.
Holo Holo Sacramento 2026
Sep 26, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
Holo Holo Sacramento is a premier music festival that celebrates Polynesian culture and island vibes through a lineup of renowned reggae and island-inspired artists. The event features live performances, authentic Hawaiian cuisine, and local craft vendors, offering a family-friendly atmosphere at Heart Health Park.
Pilgrimage Music Festival 2026
Sep 26, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
The Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival is an annual multi-genre event held at the historic Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee. It celebrates a diverse range of music and art by featuring world-class performances alongside local artisans and culinary experiences.
Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend 2026
Sep 30, 2026 - Oct 4, 2026
Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend is a music festival that is held over five days in Palm Springs, California. It is known as the largest event in the world catering to queer women, non-binary people and lesbians.
Explore Festivals in United States in October (33 festivals)
An independent electronic music & festival researcher with 10+ years in the global dance scene.
Last verified 2 April 2026