What do Björk, Lizzo, and the Soul Queen of New Orleans all have in common? Lucky for us, all three of these musical powerhouses (along with so many others!) will be performing at our favorite music festivals all across the country this spring, summer, and fall. Which ones will you check out?
So many music festivals, so little time. (Photo Credit: Zeynep Emecikli)
French Quarter Fest – New Orleans, LA
April 13-16, 2023
Lineup highlights: The 2023 lineup includes Ani DiFranco, Irma Thomas – Soul Queen of New Orleans, Samantha Fish, The Soul Rebels featuring Big Freedia, and Rebirth Brass Band.
Looking for a jazz festival? Make your way to New Orleans this Spring for the French Quarter Fest. (Photo Credit: Zachary Nelson)
Billing itself as the “largest showcase of Louisiana music in the world,” French Quarter Fest stands out amongst NOLA’s numerous iconic celebrations with over 1,500 musicians and 20 stages at its heart. Amidst the notes of jazz, blues, and brass, food and culture are equally important here with many of the city’s best chefs commanding a spot to feed festival goers. We always make room for Shrimp Remoulade and Kingcake Bread Pudding with rum sauce. And the best part? The festival is completely free!
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Fontenot in downtown NOLA. Check in a day early for a clever cocktail at its sumptuous Peacock Room, the crown jewel of the hotel.
Coachella – Indio, CA (40 Minutes from Palm Springs)
April 14-16 & 21-23, 2023
Lineup highlights: The 2023 lineup includes Bad Bunny, Gorillaz, Sofi Tukker, BLACKPINK, boygenius, Frank Ocean, Björk, and Calvin Harris.
Coachella: The most famous music festival of them all. (Photo Credit: Aran Mtnez)
After a long day at Coachella, rest easy to the Kimpton Rowan. (Photo Credit: @misterplanb)
Because camping isn’t for everyone. (Photo Credit: @bruley)
Perhaps the most famous music festival of them all, Coachella is an experience not to be missed. Tucked far away in the Coachella Valley of southern California, this festival is surrounded by the stark contrast of flat desert and towering mountains while being witness to the most magical sunsets. Coachella is also so much more than just a music festival – there is an art studio, a playground (for adults – yes an actual playground), a wellness oasis, and that iconic giant Ferris wheel that are all spread throughout the grounds.
Where to stay: The Rowan Palm Springs is a short drive from the festival location. Because not everyone loves to camp, and everyone loves showers, a soft bed, and a great rooftop bar with epic desert views. (Did we mention the shower?)
BottleRock Napa Valley – Bay Area, CA
May 26-28, 2023
Lineup highlights: The 2023 lineup includes Post Malone, The Smashing Pumpkins, Bastille, Lizzo, Duran Duran, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the Wu-Tang Clan.
Not only does Napa have great wine, it has great music now too. (Photo Credit: Antoine J.)
As Napa’s first large scale music festival, BottleRock has been finding its groove. May is a gorgeous time to visit the Bay Area so with the weather on your side, it’s a unique way to experience the beauty of the valley. Its Little Rockers Zone will occupy the kiddos, silent disco is a temporary escape and there’s a spa and salon tent to spruce up during the day. The region’s most renowned growers and purveyors make up the culinary, wine and brew scene. Martha Stewart herself has stopped by the culinary stage and many chefs and cookbook authors have followed suit.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Enso in Japantown for a slice of local life or Kimpton Alton Hotel in Fisherman’s Wharf to be in the middle of the action and for those epic Bay views. BottleRock buses operate daily from San Francisco. For those carpooling with 4+ people, you’ll be eligible for a lotto to win a VIP upgrade!
Capitol Hill Block Party – Seattle, WA
July 21-23, 2023
Lineup highlights: The 2023 lineup hasn’t been announced yet. Past guests have included ODESZA, The Deadweather, Macklemore, Lizzo, Father John Misty, and CHVRCHES.
The Capital Hill Block Party in Seattle, Washington. (Photo Credit: Dominic Hampton)
The Public Market in Seattle never sleeps. (Photo Credit: Ryan Stone)
Capitol Hill is one of Seattle’s most dynamic neighborhoods and a refuge for the LGBTQ community and celebrates counterculture. Dating back to the late 90s, its eponymous Block Party is a beloved independently owned 3-day festival that celebrates Seattle’s restaurants, bars, retailers and artisans and focuses on uplifting musicians around the Pacific Northwest. Artist panels and skate competitions complete the scene and after dark, DJs continue to spin at bars throughout the neighborhood.
Where to stay: Kimpton hotels in Seattle. All are centrally located by waterfronts, Pike Place Market, and downtown with easy access to Capitol Hill.
Electric Zoo – New York City
September 1-3, 2023
Lineup highlights: The 2023 lineup hasn’t been announced yet. Past guests have included Alesso, Cosmic Gate, Joyride, Champagne Drip, Alan Walker, and Ace Aura.
The only EDM festival on the list: Electric Zoo. (Photo Credit: Andre Benz)
The Electric Zoo festival in NYC. (Photo Credit: Dre Nieto)
On Labor Day weekend, EDM fans flock to Randall’s Island for what becomes an electronic playground of techo, bass and percussive beats attracting artists from around the world. Here, attire is meant to be as eclectic, bold, neon, glittery, and intergalactic as they come. International versions have popped up from Shanghai to São Paulo. Although it’s grown over the years, it continues to have an exclusive feel with its unique urban island location.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Eventi in action packed Chelsea.
Made in America Festival – Philadelphia, PA
September 2-3, 2023
Lineup highlights: The 2023 lineup hasn’t been announced yet. Past guests have included Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar, FKA Twigs, Travis Scott, and Janelle Monae.
Historic Philadelphia, PA: Home to the Made In America Festival. (Photo Credit: Chris Henry)
When Jay-Z is at the helm, you know it’s going to be a stunner. The Philly-based festival spotlights hip-hop, rock, EDM and everything in between. It also has a strong philanthropic side. In years past, causes have included financial literacy, higher education, foster care and civil rights.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia and Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia where the city’s historic landmarks are within reach.
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival – Franklin, TN (20 Minutes from Nashville)
September 23-24, 2023
Lineup highlights: The 2023 lineup hasn’t been announced yet. Past guests have included Dave Matthews Band, The Black Keys, Amos Lee, Cage the Elephant, Jamestown Revival, and Better than Ezra.
Just outside of Music City lies the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival this Fall. (Photo Credit: Dylan Mullins)
One of the newer kids on the block, Pilgrimage has only blown out a few birthday candles but has become a destination for Tennesseans. It’s mostly a daytime affair that welcomes a wide genre from bluegrass to rock and roll and alt-country. There are six stages in play all featured on the 230-acre Harlinsdale Farm where the wide open sky is the real star. Lil’ Pilgrims can explore their dedicated crafts and entertainment area with activities like songwriting workshops. The Makers Village and Millville Market are ways to support local artisans in between sets.
Where to stay: Kimpton Aertson Hotel near midtown Nashville’s aptly named Music Row. Bring your pups and take a dip in the refreshing rooftop pool or pamper yourself at the Woodhouse Spa.
Aftershock – Sacramento, CA
October 5-8, 2023
Lineup highlights: The full 2023 lineup hasn’t been announced yet – with the exception of Pantera being the first major confirmed artist. Past guests have included Metallica, Limp Bizkit, My Chemical Romance, The Offspring, Seether, and Rancid.
Sacramento now has its own music festival: Aftershock. (Photo Credit: Danny Howe)
After a day of “rocking” out, stop by Revival for a drink. (Photo Credit: @michellefgroft)
Rock and metal heavyweights call Aftershock their own. Nine Inch Nails and Alice in Chains have made a mark here and Metallica headlined in recent years. Discovery Park is transformed as these legends take the stage and since two days isn’t nearly enough to do the genre justice, the 2023 festival will be double that.
Where to stay: Kimpton Sawyer Hotel in downtown Sacramento complete with a rooftop pool and its vibrant bar, Revival.
We believe music brings us closer together. Check out our Off the Record series celebrating live music performed at intimate venues within Kimpton hotels across the country by following the #KimptonOffTheRecord tag below. Stay tuned for the 2023 lineup!
Kimpton Off the Record: Live music at Kimpton hotels across the country. (Photo Credit: Kimpton Hotels)
