It is impossible to truly rank the top 100 festivals lineups of all time in North America, but somehow, Vivid Seats and Consequence of Sound were up to the task and tried their hardest. While we’re a little sad that more electronic festivals didn’t make the list (only Moogfest 2014 and Detroit Electronic Music Festival 2000 apparently qualified), the rankings are backed up with valid reasons and incredible lineups.
It comes as no surprise that three music festivals take many of the top spots: Coachella, Bonnaroo, and Lollapalooza. Each festival takes up nine, six, and five places respectively, occupying 20% of the entire list. Austin City Limits nabs four spots, while Outside Lands and FYF take two each. Ultimately, six festivals make up 28% of the list.
The rest is spread out between a variety of jazz, rock, grunge, and indie festivals like Sasquatch!, Atlanta International Pop Festival, Dave Chappelle’s Block Party, etc.
Check out the top 10 below, and view the entire list here.
10. Coachella (2012)
9. Astrodome Jazz Festival (1973)
8. Bonnaroo (2009)
7. Lollapalooza (1992)
6. Newport Jazz Festival (1958)
5. US Festival (1983)
4. Coachella (2004)
3. Newport Folk Festival (1965)
2. Woodstock (1969)
1. Monterey International Pop Music Festival (1967)
