Music Festivals Every Fan Needs on Their Radar–And Why These Are My Top Picks

Summer’s here and in spite of the heatwaves and every other wild thing unraveling in America, what better time to be reminded of a season that actually brings good vibes and gives you an excuse to pull your homebody friends outside for some of the best outdoor celebrations and live music— festival season.

Ironically, the festival scene has evolved a lot over the years, with many of our favorites we once counted on, like Trillectro in DC– a scene focused on highlighting emerging talent and blending music genres (hence the “lectro” nodding to electronic), or Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago that gave space to alternative sounds across the board including hip-hop, are sadly long gone. These festivals opened up the doors for some of the newer events we see popping up today.  

The experience itself also seems to have shifted. Now it’s not just about the lineup anymore, festivals have become these sort of immersive playgrounds packed with interactive art, curated spaces, and plenty other creative outlets to keep thousands of music goers tapped in as they camp out waiting on their favorite acts to hit the stage. 

Yet, not all hope is lost. There’s actually a few festivals that have stayed true to their roots, and a few newer ones that are stepping up with just as much energy. Spaces like Afropunk continue to hold it down, especially for those who live within the alternative sound world, or Coachella still brings out the big names across the music scene. But beyond the giants, there are some shows that are putting their cities and homegrown talent on the map. 

Here are some of my favorite standouts to add to your calendar:

Broccoli City Festival | Location: Washington, D.C. 

Scene: Hip-Hop / R&B / Alternative

What started as a celebration to promote their clothing line and Earth Day in LA, Broccoli City Festival has turned into the marquee event for the DMV area since 2013. The move from LA to DC was intentional—meant to promote environmental awareness and health issues in the Black community, and over the years it has grown into something much bigger. They’ve teamed up with Live Nation Urban, booked some of the greats like Kendrick Lamar before he exploded and helped usher in the rise of other talent like Rae Sremmurd, Ari Lennox, and Don Toliver. What really puts Broccoli City in their own lane is the way they stay connected to the city. Alongside national names, you’ll see local DC faves like Fat Trel or Shy Glizzy hit the stage as homegrown talent. 

Nowadays the festival has evolved into a full weekend experience, packed with block parties and community events leading up the main stage. It’s easily one of my favorite summer events and a must if you’re in the DC area. 

One Music Festival | Location: Atlanta, GA.

Scene: Old School, Hip-Hop, R&B

One thing Atlanta will do is provide you with top tier live music experiences. The city’s stacked with talent, different outlets, and music creatives who have long been tastemakers in the music industry. The thing that stands out about One Music Festival though, it’s the ultimate blend of new school and old school, making the event feel like a big block party plopped right in the middle of Central Park where the blended generation of aunties and cousins can  all have a pleasurable experience. 

Since 2010, it’s brought together an eclectic mix of urban artists from Janet Jackson to Pharell, to the Isley Brothers. There’s also space carved out for local talent, small-businesses to sell their products, and activities that get fans excited for talent planning to hit the main stage. It feels like a true celebration of the culture and is a must-visit if you’re an emerging artist or just spending a weekend in ATL. 

Afropunk | Location: Various Locations

Scene: Alternative, Indie

Afropunk has always been more than a music festival, but a cultural movement. Born in Brooklyn and now hosted in cities like Atlanta, Johannesburg, and Paris, Afropunk creates space for Black artists, creatives, and fans who exist outside the mainstream. It’s the go-to for alternative sounds, experimental fashion, and non-judgy self-expression.

Musically, Afropunk is all over the map in the best way — pulling from punk, soul, hip-hop, Afrobeats, and everything else in between. Artists like Solange, Kaytranda, and Moses Sumney have all graced the stage, really proving the range of different sounds. Afropunk builds on community in its own way and it’s one of the most intentional and unconventional festival experiences out there. 

Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash | Location: Chicago, IL

Scene: Hip-Hop / Rap / Indie

Chicago has always been a city that births culture-shifting artists, Kanye West, Chance the Rapper, Lupe Fiasco, but it hasn’t always had a music festival for the city’s youth. That’s where Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash Festival comes into place. Launched by Lyrical Lemonade and Cole Bennett, it’s one of the fastest growing hip-hop festivals in the country, known for its visuals and lineups that mix big names with rising stars. 

Summer Smash fills a much-needed space in a city that’s often misunderstood in the media. This festival gives young music goers a safe space to connect and celebrate the culture and artists speaking directly to their generation. 

Rolling Loud | Location: Various Locations

Scene: Hip-Hop, Rap, R&B 

Rolling Loud is hard to ignore if we’re having a conversation about music festivals. What started in Miami has grown into a global force, with events across the U.S. and in places like Europe and Asia. It’s become the largest hip-hop festival in the world and one of the most anticipated music events of the year for fans across generations. 

The festival consistently pulls in the biggest names in rap, from Nicki Minaj to Travis Scott to Lil Baby, while also giving rising artists a major platform. It’s a place where fans discover what’s next and celebrate what’s already legendary, all in the same weekend. It’s a full on experience with art installations, weekend events, and energy that is sure to go viral online. Rolling Loud is sure to catch regardless of what city you’re able to catch them in.