Summer is a season of festivals around the globe that are not only entertaining but impactful on the music industry as well. Artists make new releases or show up in public for the first time in a long while. We’ve prepared a roadmap of some of the most exciting music festivals happening in the Summer of 2024, perfect for highlighting in your radio shows.
June
The Governors Ball Music Festival | New York City, USA | Jun 7-9
Kicking off the festival season, The Governors Ball Music Festival will be held from June 7-9 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York City. With headliners like Post Malone, The Killers, and SZA, this festival promises an exciting mix of genres. Other notable performers include Rauw Alejandro, 21 Savage, Peso Pluma, FLO, Carly Rae Jepsen, Sabrina Carpenter, Sexyy Red, and Victoria Monét. It’s a must-see event that sets the tone for the summer.
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival | Manchester, TN, USA | Jun 13-16
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, running from June 13-16 in Manchester, Tennessee, offers a diverse and electrifying lineup. Held at the Bonnaroo Farm, this festival will feature big names like Pretty Lights, Fisher, and Post Malone, alongside legendary acts like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Fred Again… Additionally, artists such as T-Pain, Melanie Martinez, Diplo, Jon Batiste, Reneé Rapp, Megan Thee Stallion, and Carly Rae Jepsen will take the stage. Known for its eclectic mix and vibrant community, Bonnaroo is a highlight of the summer.
Glastonbury Festival | Somerset, UK | Jun 26-30
Glastonbury Festival, one of the world’s most iconic music festivals, returns to Somerset, UK, from June 26-30. This renowned event is famous for its sprawling, chaotic, and weather-challenging atmosphere, featuring either blazing sun or relentless mud. The lineup is consistently stellar, with past performances by Arctic Monkeys, Iggy Pop, Lil Nas X, Chemical Brothers, Elton John, Guns N’ Roses, David Bowie, Wu-Tang Clan, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Glastonbury is a bucket-list event for any music lover.
July
Les Eurockéennes | Belfort, France | Jul 4-7
Set in the scenic Site du Malsaucy in Belfort, Les Eurockéennes returns this July as a haven for rock enthusiasts. The 2024 edition promises an electrifying lineup with major acts like David Guetta, Lenny Kravitz, and Sum 41, as well as artists like Apashe, Bigflo & Oli, Black Pumas, and Dropkick Murphys. This festival is a magnet for rock fans from all over the world, offering a diverse array of performances across various rock sub-genres.
EXIT Festival | Novi Sad, Serbia | Jul 10-14
EXIT Festival, held from July 10-14 at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia, is a global music festival with a rich history. The lineup for 2024 includes high-profile artists such as Black Eyed Peas, Gucci Mane, and Carl Cox. Additionally, the festival will feature performances by Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, British producer Bonobo, Steve Angello from Swedish House Mafia, and the drum and bass band Rudimental. EXIT Festival, which began as a student movement for democracy, has grown into a major event on the international music scene.
Broccoli City Festival | Washington, D.C., USA | Jul 27-28
From July 27-28, Audi Field in Washington, D.C., will host the Broccoli City Festival, headlined by Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, and PARTYNEXTDOOR. This two-day festival also features performances by KAYTRANADA, Victoria Monét, Key Glock, Sexyy Red, Teezo Touchdown, Fridayy, Baby Tate, and Lil Yachty. Additionally, live experiences with Issa Rae, Bryson Tiller, Duke Dennis, and Tanner Adell will add to the festival’s diverse offerings.
August
Lollapalooza Festival | Chicago, IL, USA | Aug 1-4
From August 1-4, Grant Park in Chicago will be alive with the sounds of Lollapalooza. This year’s festival boasts headliners like SZA, Tyler, the Creator, Blink-182, The Killers, Future x Metro Boomin, Hozier, Stray Kids, Melanie Martinez, and Skrillex. Additional performers include Tate McRae, Conan Gray, Reneé Rapp, Kesha, Victoria Monét, Sexyy Red, Teddy Swims, Megan Moroney, RAYE, Tyla, and FLO. Lollapalooza is renowned for its extensive lineup and vibrant energy.
Lokerse Feesten | Lokeren, Belgium | Aug 2-11
Lokerse Feesten, a ten-day festival held in Lokeren, Belgium, runs from August 2-11. This long-standing event, which began in 1975, is known for its wide-ranging lineup that includes iconic bands like Pixies and Future Islands. Spanning genres from rock and pop to jazz and more, Lokerse Feesten offers something for every music lover.
Sziget Festival | Budapest, Hungary | Aug 7-13
Taking place on Obuda Island in Budapest, Sziget Festival runs from August 7-13. Known for its diverse and extensive lineup, this festival features everything from pop and rock to indie, rap, jazz, grime, and techno. This year performances will be hosted by such stars as Halsey, Liam Gallagher, Skrillex, Sam Smith, Bebe Rexha, Louis Tomlinson, RAYE, Tom Odell, Aurora, etc. In addition to music, Sziget offers bungee rides, a museum quarter, theater, art pop-ups, wellness zones, and even a circus, making it a cultural and musical feast.
This summer promises spectacular events, and there’s a huge chance your listeners will be interested and encouraged to visit some of these festivals. Highlighting these festivals in your radio shows can keep your audience engaged and excited about the music scene in 2024. By featuring interviews with festival artists, sharing live updates, or even broadcasting select performances, you can create a dynamic and immersive experience for your listeners. Stay tuned to these music events, and let your radio station be the ultimate guide for festival-goers this summer!