With Lollapalooza happening at the end of July, it seems like we are going to have a festival season this year. Below is our rundown of select events happening around the world this August. The COVID-19 pandemic is still happening, so this list is smaller than usual with most festivals opting to skip 2021.
Note: This article was last updated on August 4, 2021. Dates, cancellations, and postponements are happening at a rapid pace so check the official website and socials of festivals for the latest news.
Header Photo Credit – Lovefest/Vito Valentinetti
Hinterland Festival 2021
When: August 6-8, 2021
Where: Des Moines, IA
The Scene: Strike out for the uncharted regions of central Iowa and the two-day Hinterland Festival. Located along the scenic Raccoon River, this newcomer to the festival scene has already hosted a number of world class bands including San Fermin, TV on the Radio, Future Islands, Shakey Graves, Dwight Yoakam, and Ryan Adams.
The Lineup: Old Crow Medicine Show, The Avett Brothers
More Info: Hinterland Festival 2021 Guide
Wilderness Festival 2021
When: August 5-8, 2021
Where: Oxfordshire, UK
The Scene: The inspired Wilderness Festival welcomes festies to a British boutique experience in a stunning nature reserve. Everyone is invited to be part of a community and a celebration with a 'vast and unique program that celebrates each art with equal significance.' A truly unique summer festival in Oxfordshire.
The Lineup: Bicep, Jamie XX, Rudimental
More Info: Wilderness Festival 2021 Guide
HIVE Music Festival 2021
When: August 6-7, 2021
Where: Salt Lake City, UT
The Scene: HIVE is a two-day hip-hop music festival taking place in Salt Lake City at the Utah State Fairpark.
The Lineup: Post Malone, Trippie Redd
More Info: HIVE Music Festival 2021 Guide
Secret Stages Festival 2021
When: August 6-7, 2021
Where: Birmingham, AL
The Scene: 'Secret Stages is a two-day walking music festival that takes place in downtown Birmingham, AL on the first weekend of August. For two nights a diverse group of music enthusiasts are treated to around 60 bands performing on the stages of neighborhood establishments.'
More Info: Secret Stages Festival 2021 Guide
Defected Croatia 2022
When: August 4-10, 2022
Where: Tisno, Croatia
The Scene: It's house music heaven when the UK Defected label takes over The Garden at Tisno. Beachside camping, boat parties, special shows, and lots of surprises makes this an ideal island getaway. Need a break from the bumping beats? Explore the lovely Croatian seaside city of Tisno in between sets.
The Lineup: A-Trak, Boys Noize, Gorgon City, Honey Dijon, Vintage Culture
More Info: Defected Croatia 2022 Guide
CRSSD Festival Fall 2021
When: September 25-26, 2021
Where: San Diego, CA
The Scene: CRSSD Festival returns to Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego with this now annual springtime event. The electronic heavy festival has introduced indie rock into the lineup over the last few editions as well as some incredible underground DJs. Leave the hula hoops, LED gloves, and totems at home -- they're prohibited at CRSSD.
The Lineup: Boys Noize, Carl Craig, Flying Lotus, Jamie Jones, John Digweed, Kaytranada, Seth Troxler
More Info: CRSSD Festival Fall 2021 Guide
Splash House 2021
When: August 13-22, 2021
Where: Palm Springs, CA
The Scene: Splash House is a summer festival series held in southern California and your ticket to a house and disco escape with great people and great fun. Held over two weekends in sunny Palm Springs, the party takes place across three hotel resorts.
The Lineup: Gojira, Gorgon City, San Holo, Tokimonsta, Tycho
More Info: Splash House 2021 Guide
Hoxeyville 2021
When: August 13-15, 2021
Where: Wellston, MI
The Scene: This peaceful fest makes its home in the gentle north country of Michigan. Surrounded by the Manistee National Forest, Hoxeyville is the Midwest’s premier Americana and roots festival. The family-friendly event also has camping, kid’s programming, and plenty of outdoor diversions in between the tunes.
More Info: Hoxeyville 2021 Guide
Lovefest 2021
When: August 5-7, 2021
Where: Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia
The Scene: 'The extremely budget-friendly Lovefest is a solid addition to the quickly growing Balkan electronic music festival circuit. In the United States and England, we have all these archaic laws about noise past midnight, but Serbia has no such qualms, and the music stays bumping literally into the dawn. The gates don’t open until sunset, and it’s empty until around midnight, at which point you can barely move until sunrise.' - 100nightsofsummer.com
The Lineup: Jamie Jones, Loco Dice, Seth Troxler
More Info: Lovefest 2021 Guide
Das Energi Festival 2021
When: August 13-14, 2021
Where: Salt Lake City, UT
The Scene: This small EDM-centric Utah festival has stepped up to the next level in recent years, gaining national recognition for its production and lineup. Not many venues can match the atmosphere of The Great Saltair, a historical Utah icon that overlooks the stark beauty of the Great Salt Lake and the sharp backdrop of the Wasatch Range mountains.
More Info: Das Energi Festival 2021 Guide
Interstellar Festival 2021
When: August 13-15, 2021
Where: Cincinnati, OH
The Scene: Interstellar is Cincinnati's first all electronic music festival. This three day experience features a stacked lineup with some of EDM/dubstep's best talent.
The Lineup: Adventure Club
More Info: Interstellar Festival 2021 Guide
Telluride Jazz Festival 2021
When: August 13-15, 2021
Where: Telluride, CO
The Scene: Laid back showcase of the best in jazz, funk, soul and eclectic world music with the beautiful Telluride aesthetic as the background.
More Info: Telluride Jazz Festival 2021 Guide
4 Peaks Music Festival 2021
When: August 19-22, 2021
Where: Bend, OR
The Scene: 'The 4 Peaks Music Festival was born as a musical vision of 5 friends who had the desire to bring great music and a festival vibe to Oregon…and it worked! This festival strives to bring great acts to Central Oregon and create a community of artists and attendees that will last throughout the years.'
More Info: 4 Peaks Music Festival 2021 Guide
Bloodstock 2021
When: August 11-15, 2021
Where: Derbyshire, UK
The Scene: Over 100 international rock and metal acts descend on the peaceful village of Walton on Trent in Derbyshire for four days of mayhem. Bloodstock has earned a fan favorite reputation 'by consistently showcasing the strongest metal line up on UK soil.'
The Lineup: Jinjer, Judas Priest, Kreator
More Info: Bloodstock 2021 Guide
Blue Ox Music Festival 2021
When: June 19-21, 2021
Where: Eau Claire, WI
The Scene: Bluegrass band, Pert Near Sandstone, hosts the Blue Ox Music Festival just outside of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The Whispering Pines Campground brings back festies each year with its hammock-handy shade trees and the peace of the central pond. This small sized festival is beloved for its cozy size and excellent bluegrass lineup.
The Lineup: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Leftover Salmon, Sam Bush Band
More Info: Blue Ox Music Festival 2021 Guide
Boardmasters 2021
When: August 11-15, 2021
Where: Newquay, UK
The Scene: It's a magical combination when competitive surfing joins up with a music festival on the beaches of Cornwall, the surfing mecca of the UK. Boardmasters mixes professional surfers with 50,000 festies a day along with an electronic and rock lineup.
The Lineup: Basement Jaxx, Foals, Gorillaz, Honey Dijon, Jamie XX
More Info: Boardmasters 2021 Guide
Summer Smash Festival 2021
When: August 20-22, 2021
Where: Chicago, IL
The Scene: The premier hip-hop music festival in the Midwest returns this August to Chicago with over 75 artists, 3 stages, and more installations than ever before.<br />
The Lineup: A$AP Rocky
More Info: Summer Smash Festival 2021 Guide
Summer Camp 2021
When: August 20-22, 2021
Where: Chillicothe, IL
The Scene: From chilled out late night campfire jams to beat busting dance shows, the party at Summer Camp goes long past the end of scheduled performances. 'Scampers' can apply to become camp counselors which means free tickets, free camping, and free beer in exchange for being an official party ambassador to the other attendees. Our resident festival expert calls Summer Camp — 'the best festival of the Memorial Day Weekend.'
The Lineup: EOTO, Griz, Keller Williams, Lettuce, Rezz, Shpongle, The Werks, Umphrey's McGee, Ween
More Info: Summer Camp 2021 Guide
Bass Canyon 2021
When: August 20-22, 2021
Where: George, WA
The Scene: After throwing a successful dinosaur-themed festival in Ohio (just roll with it), superstar DJ, Excision, takes the basshead party to the legendary Gorge Amphitheater in Washington State for this new late summer show. Bass Canyon promises 3 days and nights of non-stop bass music with no stage conflicts, and of course, lots of Excision sets.
The Lineup: Excision
More Info: Bass Canyon 2021 Guide
Psycho Las Vegas 2021
When: August 20-22, 2021
Where: Las Vegas, NV
The Scene: Growing larger in production, budget and size each year, Psycho Las Vegas proves its position as a premier festival for heavy metal and rock fans. Already benefiting from its location in Sin City, Psycho Las Vegas features an expansive lineup for every sort of headbanging metal fan. Although the festival is rooted in its heavy metal and rock core, the lineup scope continues to see more diversity each year.
The Lineup: GZA, Red Fang, The Flaming Lips, Thievery Corporation, Ty Segall, Zola Jesus
More Info: Psycho Las Vegas 2021 Guide
Summer Well 2021
When: August 13-15, 2021
Where: Buftea, Romania
The Scene: This annual three-day festival celebrates 10 years as the premier festival of Bucharest in Romania. It takes place in the Stirbey Domain a 25 hectare park with old trees, an inner lake, and beautiful buildings.
The Lineup: Princess Nokia
More Info: Summer Well 2021 Guide
Backwoods Music Festival 2021
When: August 26-29, 2021
Where: Ozark, AR
The Scene: The Backwoods Festival is back! Moving to the fabled Ozark Mountains, Backwoods now takes up residence on Mulberry Mountain, an iconic festival venue. The lineup features some of the best of jam and electronic music currently touring the United States along with cozy camping atmosphere. <br />
The Lineup: Greensky Bluegrass, Keller Williams, Lotus, Papadosio, Shpongle, The Disco Biscuits
More Info: Backwoods Music Festival 2021 Guide
Lost Village 2021
When: August 26-28, 2021
Where: Lincolnshire, UK
The Scene: Deep in an abandoned woodland village, this intimate festival reveals a world-class lineup, tasty food, gut-busting comedy, creative workshops, and lakeside chilling. The immersive festival experience draws festies in with an event-wide narrative that features structured around an interactive theater performance.
The Lineup: Bombay Bicycle Club, Dixon, Honey Dijon
More Info: Lost Village 2021 Guide
Deep Tropics 2021
When: August 27-28, 2021
Where: Nashville, TN
The Scene: Deep Tropics is a music, art, and style festival that takes in downtown Nashville.
More Info: Deep Tropics 2021 Guide
The Big Feastival 2021
When: August 27-29, 2021
Where: Chipping Norton, UK
The Scene: Are you starving for an end of summer feast? The Big Feastival lineup boasts the best of UK music alongside rockstar chefs at Alex James' Farm in The Cotswolds.
More Info: The Big Feastival 2021 Guide
Kosmic Kingdom 2021
When: August 27-28, 2021
Where: Des Moines, IA
The Scene: 2 days of music, camping, and art in a medieval kingdom.
More Info: Kosmic Kingdom 2021 Guide
Green River Music Festival 2021
When: August 27-29, 2021
Where: Greenfield, MA
The Scene: 'The Green River Festival is Western Massachusetts' signature summer event. For one weekend every July, Greenfield Community College hosts an outrageous celebration of world class music, great local food, beer & wine, a handmade craft fair, and lots of family games and activities. We top it all off with a spectacular Saturday night balloon glow.'
The Lineup: Drive By Truckers, Rebirth Brass Band
More Info: Green River Music Festival 2021 Guide
Beyond Wonderland 2021
When: August 27-28, 2021
Where: San Bernardino, CA
The Scene: It's time to journey back down the rabbit hole for this Alice in Wonderland themed fest. Insomniac's springtime EDM festival in southern California, the sister festival of Nocturnal Wonderland, features everything from house to trance to dubstep to drum and bass. We'll see you at the Mad Hatter's Castle.
The Lineup: Alison Wonderland, Carl Craig, Dillon Francis, Diplo, Flosstradamus, Modestep, Tiesto
More Info: Beyond Wonderland 2021 Guide
Paradise City 2021
When: August 13-15, 2021
Where: Perk, Belgium
The Scene: This Paradise City takes you down to the historic setting of Kasteel de Ribaucourt in Belgium for a weekend of underground electronic beats. The venue, a beautiful 15th century castle in the city of Perk, is located just outside Brussels (and right next door to the international airport!).
More Info: Paradise City 2021 Guide
Breakaway Festival Michagan 2021
When: August 27-28, 2021
Where: Grand Rapids, MI
The Scene: Breakaway is the fastest growing multi-city music festival with events in the Midwest including Ohio, Michigan, the Carolinas and Tennessee.
More Info: Breakaway Festival Michagan 2021 Guide
Railbird Festival 2021
When: August 28-29, 2021
Where: Lexington, KY
The Scene: Music. Bourbon. Equine. The Railbird Festival happens this August in Lexington, Kentucky.
The Lineup: Band of Horses, Billy Strings, Dave Matthews Band, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, My Morning Jacket
More Info: Railbird Festival 2021 Guide
Reading Festival 2021
When: August 27-29, 2021
Where: Reading, UK
The Scene: The infamous Reading & Leeds Festival is heralded as the best music show on the planet. With the most revered artists from across the globe playing each year across the August Bank Holiday weekend, it is a genuine rite of passage for discerning music lovers everywhere.
The Lineup: Charli XCX, Disclosure, Lewis Capaldi, Liam Gallagher, Machine Gun Kelly, Nothing But Thieves, Post Malone, Queens of the Stone Age, Sofi Tukker, Stormzy, The Wombats, Two Door Cinema Club, Wolf Alice
More Info: Reading Festival 2021 Guide
WonderBus Festival 2021
When: August 28-29, 2021
Where: Columbus, OH
The Scene: Elevation Festivals will present WonderBus, Ohio’s biggest live concert event in more than a year on The Lawn at CAS.
More Info: WonderBus Festival 2021 Guide
Outlaw Music Festival 2021
When: August 22-October 24, 2021
Where: North America Tour
The Scene: Willie Nelson and friends hit the road each summer on this American festival tour. With 15+ stops around the country, Willie brings that outlaw attitude and a varied lineup to cities across the Northeast and Midwest. Each mini-festival features an Outlaw Village with local cuisine, craft beers, and local artists showing off the unique vibe of the host city.
The Lineup: Chris Stapleton, Gov't Mule, Nathaniel Rateliff, The Avett Brothers, Willie Nelson
More Info: Outlaw Music Festival 2021 Guide
Ostend Beach Festival 2021
When: August 20-22, 2021
Where: Ostend, Belgium
The Scene: Celebrating ten years as one of Belgium's premier electronic festivals, Ostend Beach is set against the coastline with plenty of sandy space for dancing your face off. Nearly 80 acts will compete for your attention over this three day seaside festival.
More Info: Ostend Beach Festival 2021 Guide