Looking for the best rap and hip-hop festivals!? Well, look no further, because I’ve put together the best festivals in the U.S.A that showcase some of the world’s best hip-hop artists!
“Hip-hop gave a generation a common ground that didn’t require either race to lose anything; everyone gained.” – Jay Z
Hip-hop is a globally appreciated music genre, but nobody does it better than where it all began – the USA!
Photo credit: Chase Price
There’s nothing quite like the energy you can find at a USA hip hop music festival. It’s electric, it’s authentic and it’s a loud voice for many. It has grown from its beginnings within African American and Latino communities of The Bronx in New York City to being embraced and loved by all races, creeds, ethnicities and genders.
And with the popularity of hip hop comes an explosion in the number of amazing USA hip hop music festivals across this great country.
From the West Coast to the East Coast and everywhere in between, my list of the 23 best hip hop festivals in the USA is bound to fill your summer music festival calendar and beyond. While a few of these festivals aren’t solely focused on hip-hop, they book incredible artists that hip-hop fans will love!
1) Pot of Gold Music Festival
When: March
Where: Phoenix, Arizona
“Pot of Gold Music Festival returns for three days of music and more. Fans will find a wide variety of tasty local food vendors; free water refill stations; huge selection of products for sale in the vendor village; local and national sponsors with product giveaways and promotional item; the Space Lab Area featuring various audience interactive areas; Arcade Alley featuring various classic pinball games and other favorites; Art Land featuring various local and regional artists; and Shady Lane, featuring relaxing area to catch your breath between bands. Lineup highlights include Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Ozuna, Lil Wayne, Jhenè Aiko, Post Malone, Young Thug, Lil Pump and more.
2) Rolling Loud
The biggest hip-hop festival in the world
When: September
Where: Miami, Flordia | Oakland, California | Queens, NY
“Rolling Loud Festival is a 3-day music event that started in Miami, FL and is now the largest Hip-Hop festival in the world. We now also hosts festivals in Northern California and Southern California, with plans to expand internationally to Japan, China and Europe in the near future. Some of the biggest names that have performed on the Rolling Loud stage includes the likes of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Future, Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Young Thug, Post Malone, Migos, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Lil Yachty, Lil B, and many more.”
3) JMBLYA
When: May & October
Where: Rogers, Arkansas – Various cities, Texas
“Texas is the land of top-notch live music. Not only is it home to the Live Music Capital of the World, a.k.a. Austin, Texas, it’s the second largest state in the U.S., so there’s plenty of room for musicians. JMBLYA helps solidify that title for Austin and tells the tale of music in the Lone Star state. Hosted in both Austin and Dallas, JMBLYA boasts a bill full of the best hip-hop artists around.”
4) Tycoon Music Festival
When: June
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
https://v103.radio.com/categories/tycoon-music-festival
“The Tycoon Music Festival brings together some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop/R&B of today’s generation in Atlanta in June. Kendrick Lamar, Chris Brown, T.I., and Trey Songz are all set to grace the stage at Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood in 2019. There’s no telling what other surprises are in store. The festival is presented by V-103 Atlanta and Anthony Wilson, Chris Brown’s longtime manager. “We’re excited to launch this special festival and deliver an unforgettable, star-studded hip-hop concert to Atlanta,” said Anthony Wilson, TycoonMusic Festival host.”
5) Broccoli City Festival
When: April 2020
Where: Washington, DC
“Hailed by Blavity as “vibrantly contributing not just to the city’s culture, but political voice — without picking sides” our signature event– Broccoli City Festival — has gathered more than 75,000 millennials for a celebration of music, art, food, culture and community service. The 2018 festival sold out to a crowd of 35,000 across two stages and featured some of today’s most talented artists including Migos, Cardi B, Miguel, Nipsey Hussle, H.E.R, Daniel Caesar, Rich the Kid and more.”
6) Soundset Festival
When: May 2020
Where: Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota
“In the eleven years since Soundset began in the Metrodome parking lot in 2008, our attendance has grown from 12,000 to over 30,000 consistently since 2014. Over 280,000 all aged fans have traveled from fifty U.S states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and New Zealand to experience Soundset in Minnesota. Rhymesayers’ artists are the foundation of Soundset, with Atmosphere performing every year since the beginning. Since 2008, Soundset has had over 400 different-non repeat performers.”
7) Something in the Water Festival
When: April 2020
Where: Virginia Beach, Virginia
https://www.somethinginthewater.com
“Something in the Water is a new multi-day music festival and cultural experience put on by Pharrell Williams in his hometown of Virginia Beach, Virginia. The inaugural edition took place April 26th-28th, 2019. Something in the Water’s mission is to unite the community and celebrate the diversity and magic of Virginia Beach. It is an opportunity to bring the best of what Pharrell has encountered around the world back to his hometown. The weekend celebrates opportunity and the chance to empower everyone from the youth to the small business owners.”
8) Greatest Day Ever
When: July
Where: Coney Island, New York
https://www.thegreatestdayever.com
“New York dance music and rap festival Greatest Day Ever’s 2019 lineup was incredible, featuring Carnage, Pusha T, Zeds Dead, Jungle, Lil Baby and more.The annual festival presented by Adidas has previously hosted RL Grime, Young Thug, Diplo, Dillon Francis, Travis Scott and M.I.A. The two-day festival has also announced a new location, moving from The Bronx to Coney Island, New York.”
9) Neon Desert Music Festival
When: May 2020
Where: El Paso, Texas
https://www.neondesertmusicfestival.com
“Neon Desert Music Festival is a multi-day music festival held each year on Memorial Day weekend in El Paso, Texas. From the festival’s inception in 2009, Neon Desert Music Festival has continuously strived to be a yearly music event for El Paso by El Pasoans, while providing the local artistic community with an outlet to showcase their talents alongside national and international headliners. Featuring multiple outdoor stages, local and regional artist displays, and a diverse music lineup with acts from across the globe, Neon Desert Music Festival continues to be the Southwest’s premier music festival every Memorial Day weekend.”
10) Head In The Clouds Festival
When: August
Where: Los Angeles, California
“88rising’s Head In The Clouds Music & Arts Festival makes a return this summer on August 17th, 2019 at Los Angeles State Historic Park. The single day event will feature performances from the 88rising roster, as well as some of the biggest music acts from around the world. Praised by Billboard as “The Asian Hip-Hop Festival You Need To Know,” the inaugural Head In The Clouds Festival made a groundbreaking impact last September as the first Asian-centric music festival to launch in the United States. Returning for year two, the festival will be a day long celebration of Asian youth culture and creativity, highlighting the best in music, food, art, and fashion from around the globe.”
11) Days of Summer Cruise Fest
When: June / July 2020
Where: Miami, Florida – Bahamas
https://www.daysofsummercruise.com
“Days of Summer Cruise Fest is an annual hip hop music cruise sailing to various Caribbean islands from the port of Miami Florida. Days of Summer Cruise Fest will be sailing out of Miami, Florida to a Private Island and Nassau, Bahamas for 4 days and 3 nights cruise onboard the Carnival Victory. 2019 headliners include Cardi B and Post Malone.
12) Hot 97 Summer Jam
When: June
Where: Rutherland, New Jersey
https://www.hot97.com/summerjam
“New York radio station Hot 97’s Summer Jam stadium show is arguably the biggest annual concert in hip-hop. Every year the station rounds up some of the genre’s hottest names to perform at MetLife Stadium just over the river in New Jersey. The poster is usually a good look at who’s ruling rap at that moment in time, though there are always a few notable omissions, some of whom will probably show up as surprise guests. This year’s Summer Jam lineup is topped by Cardi B, Meek Mill, and Migos. Also onstage inside the stadium will be Tory Lanez, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Rich The Kid, Funk Flex, Davido, Casanova, Melii, City Girls, Megan Thee Stallion, and Cash Doll. The Festival Stage in the parking lot will feature Trippie Redd, Blueface, Nicole Bus, G4 Boyz, and additional City Girls and Melii performances.”
13) Breakaway Music Festival
Photo credit – Tyler Church
When: August
Where: Multi-city Festival
https://www.breakawayfestival.com
“Breakaway is the fastest growing multi-city music festival with events in the mid west including Ohio, Michigan, The Carolinas and Tennessee. While primarily a hip-hop festival, Breakaway also throws in some top electronic and pop acts for good measure. Previous lineups include Young Thug, Wiz Khalifa, Future,
14) Coachella
When: April
Where: Indio, California
“Coachella is a massive zeitgeist-chasing music festival in Indio, California. The biggest musical celebration in the world, the festival has to be on any music fan’s bucket list. Annually curating a lineup of the biggest and most buzz-worthy artists across all popular genres, Coachella has hosted some of the most historic sets in festival history, with the likes of Beyoncé, Daft Punk, Prince, Radiohead, and Bob Dylan playing the main stage over its two decade-long history.nTaking place over two weekends in the middle of April, the opening of the festival gates acts as the official unofficial start to the festival season. While not a purely hip hop music festival, Coachella’s sheer number of top hip hop acts puts it on the list of the best in the USA.”
15) Roots Picnic
When: June
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
http://rootspicnic.com/philly/
“Roots Picnic is a day of incredible hip-hop and R&B music festival in Philadelphia. Its recent lineups have included Lil Uzi Vert, Dirty Projectors, The Diplomats and more.
In addition to the Music Stage, Roots Picnic will also feature a Podcast Stage which plays host to live podcasts such as Drink Champs, On One with Angela Rye, Questlove Supreme and more. The Lifestyle Stage offers a MADDEN & NBA2K Tournament as well as a Fashion Panel, an Art Panel, Hustle Panel and an art market featuring local vendors called The mARkeT.”
16) Grizzly Fest
When: May 2020
Where: Fresno, California
“Grizzly Fest is a hip-hop music festival in Fresno, California. A classic two day weekender, the festival marks the beginning of spring with an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. Curating a lineup that spans indie, hop hop, reggae, and beyond, Grizzly Fest offers a little something for everyone in a scenic location. Though music is the main event, the festival features art installations, activities such as arts and crafts, carnival rides, and culinary delights.”
17) Life Is Beautiful
Courtesy of LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL Music and Art Festival
When: September 20-22, 2019
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
“Life is Beautiful Festival is a three-day, pop music festival in Las Vegas, USA. As its name suggests, Life is Beautiful is all about creating an enriching and life-affirming experience of music, art, comedy, workshops and cultural exchanges. Taking over 18 blocks of downtown Las Vegas, the festivals draws in the worlds biggest names in the pop, hip hop and alternative spectrum; this year sees the likes of Chance the Rapper, Billie Eilish, Vampire Weekend, Lil Wayne, Janelle Monaé, Post Malone and The Black Keys top proceedings.”
18) Made In America Festival
Image via Michael Allen
When: August 31 – September 1, 2019
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
“The Made in America music festival is a massive musical celebration that takes over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway each Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia. With dozens of top performers and multiple stages on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the two-day music festival curated by Jay-Z is one of the year’s can’t-miss events. Every year, Jay-Z hand-picks a lineup of both established and up-and-coming musicians to perform throughout the weekend — and sometimes, you can even find Jay-Z singing along in the crowd.”
19) Sol Blume
When: April
Where: Sacramento, California
“Sol Blume is a gathering of like-minded humans, where we celebrate diversity, culture, music, and chill vibes. Founded in 2017 by ENT Legends founder, Fornati Kumeh, and music industry veteran, Justin Nordan, Sol Blume has quickly grown to be a standout in the boutique music festival world.”
20) Outside Lands
When: August 2020
Where: San Francisco, California
https://www.sfoutsidelands.com
“A bike valet, wine tasting tent, and local organic food vendors are just a couple of signs that you’re in San Francisco at Outside Lands. The quirky and wonderful Golden Gate Park hosts a wide range of acts and has quickly grown into a highlight of the San Fran summer. Bring a hoodie with you. Just because it’s August doesn’t mean that the fog won’t join the party.”
21) Flyover KC
When: August
Where: Bonner Springs, Kansas
“Live concert series featuring the hottest names in hip- hop. Grammy winning star CARDI was our 2019 headline act. The announcement continues Flyover’s progression from spunky upstart with little name recognition to a highly anticipated event. Other past line-ups include Atlanta rap stars 21 Savage and Lil Baby, G Herbo of Chicago, Lil Mosey, YBN Cordae, Splurge and Blaatina & Yusee, as well as K-pop star Tobi Lou.”
22) Lil WeezyAna Festival
When: September
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
“Lil Wayne will host the 5th annual Lil WeezyAna Fest in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s event takes place at a new location, NO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds, and promises a lineup featuring Wayne alongside fellow rap titans Travis Scott and Meek Mill. Other confirmed acts include Trey Songz, Megan Thee Stallion, Kash Doll, Saweetie, and Melli, along with surprise guests.”
23) Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival
When: July
Where: Brooklyn, New York
http://www.bkhiphopfestival.com
“Established in 2005, The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival is New York City’s largest Hip-Hop cultural event that showcases the positive aspects of Hip-Hop culture by highlighting Hip-Hop’s legacy as an agent of artistic progression, community building and social change. In addition to musical performances, the Festival offers a number of activities for its audience, including: panel discussions, exhibitions, parties, an award show and a family-friendly block party. The Festival is more than a concert or outdoor fair. It is a family reunion for lovers of this great culture.”
Am I Missing Any Epic Hip Hop Festivals in the U.S.A?
There really are so many incredible festivals around the country with world-famous hip-hop stars! If you think I need to add any specific hip-hop/rap festivals to my list, please let me know!
Image via Tyler Church
Looking for more music festivals in America?
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Image via Tyler Church
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