It’s spring and we have festival fever at the MFW offices! May is always a busy month for music festivals around the world, with the United States and the United Kingdom both celebrating major holiday weekends. We pulled together as many music festival lineups as we could to inspire your pre-summer festing plans.
Beachlife Festival 2023
When: May 5-7, 2023
Where: Redondo Beach, CA
The Scene: Dip your toes into the sand and enjoy that Beachlife! This festival in Redondo Beach, California, puts out a chill festival vibe with classic rock, reggae, and Americana artists.
The Lineup: Band of Horses, Caamp, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Modest Mouse, Pixies, Sublime with Rome, The Black Crowes, The Black Keys, The Head and the Heart, The Wailers, Trampled By Turtles
More Info: Beachlife Festival 2023 Guide
New Orleans Jazz Festival 2023
When: April 28-May 7, 2023
Where: New Orleans, LA
The Scene: When you have a festival that stretches over two weekends, it's going to have a massive lineup, and the New Orleans Jazz Festival is no exception. With 12 stages of music and an alumni list that stretches past 22,000 performers since 1970, Jazz Fest has hosted some of the greatest artists of the last half century.
The Lineup: Anders Osborne, Big Freedia, Ed Sheeran, Farruko, Gary Clark Jr, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Kenny Loggins, Leon Bridges, Lizzo, Los Lobos, Ludacris, Mumford & Sons, Rebirth Brass Band, Santana, Steve Miller Band, Tank and the Bangas, The Lumineers, The Revivalists, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
More Info: New Orleans Jazz Festival 2023 Guide
Bamboozle Festival 2023
When: May 5-7, 2023
Where: Atlantic City, NJ
The Scene: Bamboozle returns after a 10-year hiatus to celebrate thier 20th anniversary in New Jersey.
The Lineup: Boys Like Girls, Limp Bizkit, Mayday Parade, Rick Ross, Steve Aoki
More Info: Bamboozle Festival 2023 Guide
Shaky Knees Festival 2023
When: May 5-7, 2023
Where: Atlanta, GA
The Scene: Drawing in nearly 40,000 attendees, Shaky Knees Festival brings a highly desired indie scene to the streets of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. In an era where most festival headliners feature a variation of EDM/DJ acts, Shaky Knees lives to show another side of modern day music.
The Lineup: 311, Cypress Hill, Fidlar, Future Islands, Greta Van Fleet, Grouplove, Hozier, Muse, Phantogram, Placebo, Pond, Shame, Snail Mail, The Black Angels, The Flaming Lips, The Killers, The Lumineers, The Walkmen, Yeah Yeah Yeahs
More Info: Shaky Knees Festival 2023 Guide
Desertfest London 2023
When: May 5-7, 2023
Where: London, UK
The Scene: Spanning across 6 major venues in the heart of London's heavy metal scene, Camden. Desertfest plays host to not only the biggest, but the best underground talent, from the worlds stoner rock, doom, psych, heavy metal and sludge scenes.
More Info: Desertfest London 2023 Guide
M3 Rock Festival 2023
When: May 6-7, 2023
Where: Columbia, MD
The Scene: Celebrating times when rock was decadent and flashy, M3 Rock Festival features the best of the 80's metal and rock scene. Over the span of three days, attendees are transported back to the age of 80’s arena rock. Fans, usually those who grew up in the 80’s, come from all over to party and revel in the past.
More Info: M3 Rock Festival 2023 Guide
Lovers & Friends Fest 2023
When: May 6, 2023
Where: Las Vegas, NV
The Scene: Lovers & Friends is a single day festival taking place in downtown Las Vegas!
The Lineup: 50 Cent, Blackstreet, Boyz II Men, Busta Rhymes, Christina Aguilera, Ginuwine, Nelly, Pitbull, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Usher
More Info: Lovers & Friends Fest 2023 Guide
The Great Escape Festival 2023
When: May 10-13, 2023
Where: Brighton, UK
The Scene: This Brighton showcase extravaganza, founded in 2016, brings in 400+ artists to 30+ venues for a weekend of musical discovery. Spotlight shows, secret gigs, club nights and spontaneous collaborations are just a part of a packed weekend of new music.
More Info: The Great Escape Festival 2023 Guide
Echoland Festival 2023
When: May 11-13, 2023
Where: Live Oak, FL
The Scene: Friends are made here, love is found here, and magic is around every corner. Echoland is a new three-day camping festival taking place in Live Oak, Florida at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and Campground.
More Info: Echoland Festival 2023 Guide
Kilby Block Party 2023
When: May 12-14, 2023
Where: Salt Lake City, UT
The Scene: Kilby Court's flagship music festival in downtown SLC celebrates by bringing together incredible local music community, internationally renowned artists, and a variety of local greats.
The Lineup: Japanese Breakfast, Parquet Courts, Pavement, Pixies, Run The Jewels, The Strokes, The Walkmen, Yeah Yeah Yeahs
More Info: Kilby Block Party 2023 Guide
Just Like Heaven Fest 2023
When: May 13, 2023
Where: Pasadena, CA
The Scene: You will ascend to the heights of indie rock nirvana at the Just Like Heaven Festival. This single day fest takes place at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.
The Lineup: Azealia Banks, Caribou, Empire of the Sun, Future Islands, Hot Chip, M83, Metronomy, MGMT, STRFKR, The Walkmen, Yeah Yeah Yeahs
More Info: Just Like Heaven Fest 2023 Guide
Sick New World 2023
When: May 13, 2023
Where: Las Vegas, NV
The Scene: It's a 12-hour marathon of non-stop music taking place this spring in downtown Las Vegas.
The Lineup: 100 Gecs, Body Count, Chevelle, Death Grips, Deftones, Evanescence, Hoobastank, Incubus, Korn, Placebo, System of a Down, Turnstile
More Info: Sick New World 2023 Guide
Nuits Sonores 2023
When: May 16-21, 2023
Where: Lyon, France
The Scene: Nuits Sonores, a boutique electronic festival, is held in the in the historical city of Lyons. Spread out over five days, be prepared for unique performances, events, and workshops, taking place 40 different venues across the city. There's both a day and night program here so be prepared for delights throughout the event.
The Lineup: Maceo Plex, Moderat, The Blessed Madonna
More Info: Nuits Sonores 2023 Guide
Welcome to Rockville 2023
When: May 18-21, 2023
Where: Daytona Beach, FL
The Scene: Welcome to Rockville roars into Daytona Beach, Florida, every spring with a powerful rock and metal lineup. Part of the World's Loudest Month, more than 50,000 fans show up for a monster weekend of nonstop rock with 45 bands on 3 stages.
The Lineup: Alice Cooper, Asking Alexandria, Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet For My Valentine, Chevelle, Deafheaven, Deftones, Evanescence, Godsmack, Incubus, Kreator, Motionless in White, Pennywise, Queens of the Stone Age, Rival Sons, Rob Zombie, Sepultura, Sleeping With Sirens, Slipknot, Starcrawler, Suicidal Tendencies, Tool
More Info: Welcome to Rockville 2023 Guide
Hangout Fest 2023
When: May 19-21, 2023
Where: Gulf Shores, AL
The Scene: Hangout takes music festivalling to the beach with this springtime party held mid-May on the golden sands of Gulf Shores, Alabama. The huge lineup of just about every genre frequently gives a sneak peek to what's coming this summer in the United States. As far as we know, this is the only festival in the world where you can watch the main stage from a hot tub.
The Lineup: AJR, Alison Wonderland, Big Wild, Calvin Harris, Flume, Kevin Gates, Mayday Parade, Paramore, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rezz, Russ, Skrillex, Thundercat, Tove Lo
More Info: Hangout Fest 2023 Guide
Lightning in a Bottle 2023
When: May 24-29, 2023
Where: Bakersfield, CA
The Scene: The dedicated fans of this transformational festival have kept LiB at the top of its game for over ten years. It has changed venues more than a few times, but the incredible art, enthusiastic attendees, and top notch lineup at this boutique fest is a steady constant.
The Lineup: 070 Shake, Beats Antique, Caribou, Diplo, Drama, Liquid Stranger, Phantogram, Rezz, Sofi Tukker, Tale of Us, The Floozies, The Polish Ambassador, Tokimonsta, ZHU
More Info: Lightning in a Bottle 2023 Guide
California Roots 2023
When: May 25-28, 2023
Where: Monterey, CA
The Scene: One of the largest reggae festivals in the country, Calforinia Roots delivers a cosmic blend of good vibes, true happiness, family, peace, love and joy to all who enter. The three-day festival takes place at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, where Jimi Hendrix famously lit his guitar on fire in 1967.
The Lineup: Atmosphere, Cypress Hill, Matisyahu, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Shaggy, Sublime with Rome, Wu-Tang Clan
More Info: California Roots 2023 Guide
Rooster Walk 2023
When: May 25-28, 2023
Where: Axton, VA
The Scene: Making the most out of tragedy, Rooster Walk was started to celebrate the lives of two childhood friends that passed away. With a mission to create a festival that could fund a scholarship, the Rooster Walk Music and Arts was born. A decade later, this festival for charity has become a centerpiece event of the region.
The Lineup: Greensky Bluegrass
More Info: Rooster Walk 2023 Guide
Sonic Temple Festival 2023
When: May 25-28, 2023
Where: Columbus, OH
The Scene: America's largest rock festival tears up the Midwest every May in the most metal of cities -- Columbus, Ohio. 60 bands across three stages over four days makes this a must-stop festival for fans of rock and metal.
The Lineup: Avenged Sevenfold, Awolnation, Bad Omens, Badflower, Beartooth, Black Veil Brides, Bullet For My Valentine, Chevelle, Converge, Deftones, Falling In Reverse, Foo Fighters, Godsmack, I Prevail, Jawbreaker, Kiss, Knocked Loose, Lilith Czar, Pennywise, Puscifer, Queens of the Stone Age, Rival Sons, Rob Zombie, Sleeping With Sirens, Starcrawler, Sublime with Rome, Suicidal Tendencies, The Bronx, The Pretty Reckless, Tool, Trivium
More Info: Sonic Temple Festival 2023 Guide
Punk Rock Bowling 2023
When: May 26-29, 2023
Where: Las Vegas, NV
The Scene: Combining mankind's three greatest creations (punk rock, bowling, and Las Vegas), this annual festival has grown popular enough to spin off editions across the country. But nothing compares to the flagship festival of Punk Rock Bowling in its downtown Las Vegas home over Memorial Day Weekend. 100 bands, 1000 bowlers, poker tournaments, movie screenings, and plenty of booze - sounds like the perfect weekend.
The Lineup: Bad Religion, Dropkick Murphys, Me First and The Gimme Gimmes, Rancid, Suicidal Tendencies
More Info: Punk Rock Bowling 2023 Guide
Boston Calling 2023
When: May 26-28, 2023
Where: Allston, MA
The Scene: Boston's signature music festival takes place for three days over Memorial Day Weekend at the Harvard Athletic Complex. Over the years, Boston Calling has transformed into one of the premier music festivals of New England with a strong mix of indie rock, hip-hop, and legendary artists.
The Lineup: Alanis Morissette, Bleachers, Foo Fighters, Maren Morris, Paramore, Queens of the Stone Age, The Flaming Lips, The Linda Lindas, The Lumineers, The National, The Walkmen, Yeah Yeah Yeahs
More Info: Boston Calling 2023 Guide
Bottlerock Napa Valley 2023
When: May 26-28, 2023
Where: Napa, CA
The Scene: Wine meets music when artists from around the world descend on Napa Valley just north of San Francisco. The internationally renown wine region lets it all hang out during this Memorial Day Weekend Festival, putting out one of the best West Coast lineups of the season.
The Lineup: Bastille, Billy Strings, Caamp, Carly Rae Jepsen, Duran Duran, Japanese Breakfast, Leon Bridges, Lil Nas X, Lizzo, Los Lobos, Lupe Fiasco, Phantogram, Post Malone, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sheryl Crow, Starcrawler, The National, The Smashing Pumpkins, Thievery Corporation, Tom Odell, Tove Lo, Wu-Tang Clan
More Info: Bottlerock Napa Valley 2023 Guide
Summer Camp Festival 2023
When: May 26-28, 2023
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: Excision, Girl Talk, Lotus, moe., Papadosio, The Disco Biscuits, The Floozies, The Funk Hunters, The Wailers, Umphrey's McGee, Yonder Mountain String Band
More Info: Summer Camp Festival 2023 Guide
In It Together Festival 2023
When: May 26-28, 2023
Where: Port Talbot, Wales
The Scene: Born out of a love of music, for Wales and the community, In It Together will celebrate it all on the Jubilee Weekend in June 2022. In the heart of the Welsh valley, In it Together will bring international names, local emerging talent, festival-goers, performers, and the community.
The Lineup: Anne-Marie, Chase & Status, Groove Armada, Jake Bugg, James, James Bay, Kelis, Mark Knight, The Joy Formidable, The Kooks, UB40
More Info: In It Together Festival 2023 Guide
Sunset Music Festival 2023
When: May 27-28, 2023
Where: Tampa, FL
The Scene: As a key player in the Florida electronic scene, Sunset Music Festival brings big name artists to Raymond James Stadium each Memorial Day weekend. As one of the largest events in Tampa Bay, Sunset brings in crowds of over 50,000 attendees to the area. With costumed-clad performing artists and colorful stages, Sunset Music Festival basks in the Florida sunshine.
The Lineup: Adventure Club, Zomboy
More Info: Sunset Music Festival 2023 Guide
Neighbourhood Weekender 2023
When: May 27-28, 2023
Where: Warrington, UK
The Scene: This two-day indie music festival will take place in Victoria Park this spring. Produced by the same folks who put on Manchester’s Neighbourhood Festival, expect plenty of the biggest bands along with the hottest new talent.
The Lineup: Anne-Marie, Everything Everything, The Kooks, The Wombats
More Info: Neighbourhood Weekender 2023 Guide
Live at Leeds in the Park 2023
When: May 27, 2023
Where: Leeds, UK
The Scene: Live at Leeds is holding a brand-new outdoor festival this summer!
The Lineup: Everything Everything, Two Door Cinema Club
More Info: Live at Leeds in the Park 2023 Guide
Slam Dunk Festival 2023
When: May 27-28, 2023
Where: Leeds/Hatfield, UK
The Scene: Slam Dunk started out as a pop-punk club night at The Cockpit, Leeds in the early 00's. Out of the success of the club night Slam Dunk started putting on international touring artists from the genre like Fallout Boy, Paramore and Panic! at The Disco in Leeds, before developing Slam Dunk Festival. Slam Dunk Festival is now the number one pop-punk, rock and alternative festival in the UK held over 2 fully outdoor sites in Hatfield Park and Temple Newsam Park in Leeds to over 50,000 rock fans.
The Lineup: Billy Talent, Bowling for Soup, Enter Shikari, Less Than Jake, The Offspring
More Info: Slam Dunk Festival 2023 Guide
Adjacent Music Festival 2023
When: May 27-28, 2023
Where: Atlantic City, NJ
The Scene: The all-new Adjacent Music Festival is coming to the beach in Atlantic City this Memorial Day Weekend.
The Lineup: Bleachers, Coheed and Cambria, IDLES, Japanese Breakfast, Jimmy Eat World, Paramore, The Linda Lindas, Turnstile
More Info: Adjacent Music Festival 2023 Guide