Festival season is in full swing, and people across the region are eagerly arranging plans to see some of their favorite musical artists.
Some of you may be looking for an accessible, local festival that attracts some of the biggest names in music. In which case, the Cincinnati Music Festival or Cincy Blues Fest are great options.
But if you’re looking to plan a weekend getaway with your closest crew that involves music, food and maybe even some camping, then you’re in luck because we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best music festivals in the Midwest that are within driving distance of the Queen City. You’re welcome.
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So before you pack your bags and hit the road, check out our unofficial list of the best music festivals around. Don’t forget to leave us a comment or hit us up on Twitter @ENQThingsToDo telling us about your favorite festival experience.
10 best music festivals within driving distance of Cincinnati
A four-day music festival developed and produced by Superfly Presents and AC Entertainment includes a diverse lineup of over 150 musicians, over 10 performance stages, four campground party barns and night-long entertainment.
When: June 16-19
Where: Manchester, Tennessee
Drive from Cincinnati: ~5 hours
Lineup: Gryffin, Clozee, Sidepiece and Role Model on Thursday; J. Cole, the Chicks and Illenium on Friday; Tool, Flume and 21 Savage on Saturday; Stevie Nicks, Machine Gun Kelly and Roddy Rich on Sunday.
Info: bonnaroo.com
This premier three-day hip-hop festival features three stages, over 60 musical artists and immersive art experiences.
When: June 17-19
Where: Chicago, Illinois
Drive from Cincinnati: ~4.5 hours
Lineup: Lil Uzi Vert, Wiz Khalifa, Trippie Redd, Lil Skies and Rico Nasty on Friday; Post Malone, Polo G, Ski Mask the Slump God, Lil Tecca and G Herbo on Saturday; Playboi Carti, 2 Chainz, Lil Yachty, Key Glock and Flo Milli on Sunday.
Info: [email protected] or thesummersmash.com.
Electric Forest has given music lovers a diverse lineup of EDM, hip-hop, jam bands and up-and-coming indie rock since 2011. However, the festival’s main attraction is the forest, decorated with lights, art installations, etc.
When: June 23-26
Where: Rothbury, Michigan
Drive from Cincinnati: ~6 hours
Lineup: Disclosure and the Disco Biscuits on Thursday; Griz and Sylvan Esso on Friday; Porter Robinson, Slander and Fisher on Saturday; Louis the Child and Big Gigantic on Sunday.
Info: electricforestfestival.com.
Summerfest includes picturesque spaces on the lakefront, local eateries and shopping, and a new children’s area for little music lovers.
When: June 23-25, June 30-July 2, July 7-9
Where: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Drive from Cincinnati: ~6 hours
Lineup: Jason Aldean on June 23; Justin Bieber on June 24; Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa and Wu-Tang Clan on June 25; Disturbed and Lamb Of God on June 30; Machine Gun Kelly on July 1; Halsey on July 2; Rod Stewart on July 7; Backstreet Boys July 8; Thomas Rhett on July 9.
Info: summerfest.com.
Lollapalooza is a four-day music festival that includes a diverse lineup of alternative rock, heavy metal, punk rock, hip-hop and electronic dance music. The festival, held in Grant Park, hosts an estimated 400,000 people each year and sells out annually, so get your tickets ASAP.
When: July 28-31
Where: Chicago, Ilinois
Drive from Cincinnati: ~4.5 hours
Lineup: Metallica, Lil Baby, Jazmine Sullivan, Billy Strings and Zhu on Thursday; Dua Lipa, Machine Gun Kelly, Glass Animals, Don Toliver and Rezz on Friday; J.Cole, Kygo, Big Sean, Kaskade, Idles, Turnstile and Wallows on Saturday; Green Day, Doja Cat, Jane’s Addiction, the Kid Laroi and Charli XCX on Sunday.
Info: lollapalooza.com.
Breakaway Music Festival is a two-day, multi-city music festival with additional dates in Kansas City and Grand Rapids, Michigan.
When: Aug. 26-27
Where: Columbus, Ohio
Drive from Cincinnati: ~2 hours
Lineup: The Chainsmokers, Griz, Lane 8, Quinn XCII, 21 Savage, Moneybagg Yo, Cordae, Fivio Foreign and more. The daily schedule has yet to be released.
Info: breakawayfestival.com.
Looking for a place where you can get award-winning bourbons, listen to legendary and up-and-coming musicians and try the best food Louisville has to offer all in one weekend? The Bourbon & Beyond Festival is the place for you.
When: Sept. 15-18
Where: Louisville, Kentucky
Drive from Cincinnati: ~1.5 hours
Lineup: Jack White, Alanis Morrissette and Father John Misty on Thursday; Kings of Leon and Brandi Carlile on Friday; Pearl Jam, Greta Van Fleet, St. Vincent and Cold War Kings on Saturday; Chris Stapleton and the Doobie Brothers on Sunday.
Info: bourbonandbeyond.com.
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Founded in 2005, Riot Fest is a multi-day music festival specializing in punk, rock, alternative, metal and hip-hop. Carnival rides, food vendors and sideshow performers add to the atmosphere of this independent music fest.
When: Sept. 16-18
Where: Chicago, Illinois
Drive from Cincinnati: ~4.5 hours
Lineup: My Chemical Romance, Bleachers and Portugal the Man on Friday; the Original Misfits, Yellowcard and Bauhaus on Saturday; Nine Inch Nails, Ice Cube and Jimmy Eat World on Sunday.
Info: riotfest.org.
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival was inspired by friendship, history, experience and the desire to create an authentic music festival. The festival takes place during the day and offers a diverse yet renowned lineup of rock and roll, alt-country, bluegrass, jazz, indie, gospel and more. The family-friendly festival features a Lil’ Pilgrims area with Grammy award-winning producer Ralph Covert.
When: Sept. 24-25
Where: Franklin, Tennessee
Drive from Cincinnati: ~4.5 hours
Lineup: Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Jon Baptiste, the Avett Brothers, Elle King, Lakestreet Dive, Trampled by Turtles and more. The daily schedule has yet to be released.
Info: pilgrimagefestival.com.
Since 2006, the Pitchfork Music Festival has strived to showcase the best up-and-coming musicians from around the world and support local businesses while promoting the Chicago arts and food communities.
When: July 15-17
Where: Chicago, Illinois
Drive from Cincinnati: ~4.5 hours
Lineup: The National, Spiritualized and Parquet Courts on Friday; Mitski, Japanese Breakfast and Lucy Ducus on Saturday; the Roots, Toro y Moi and Earl Sweatshirt on Sunday.
Info: pitchforkmusicfestival.com.
