For festival lovers craving camping events with a strong pop and rock presence — steering clear of the EDM-heavy mainstream — the conversation online zeroes in on a few key players.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival still reigns supreme as a large-scale, multi-genre camping fest balancing pop, rock, jam bands, and electronic acts. Its unique vibe makes it a rare beast in the festival world.
Other must-know camping fests with diverse lineups include:
- Electric Forest (Michigan) — Known for its fusion of jam, rock, electronic, and pop, wrapped in vibrant art installations.
- Hulaween (Florida) — Eclectic lineup and a wild, friendly atmosphere.
- Joshua Tree Music Festival (California) — Offers a more underground, eclectic vibe for the adventurous camper.
For some who want quality multi-genre lineups but without camping, consider:
- Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (California) — Though its reputation is mixed for commercialization, Coachella delivers a robust pop/rock mix alongside other genres.
- Outside Lands (California) and Minnesota Yacht Club (Minnesota) — Both good non-camping options with varied music offerings.
Non-camping, multi-genre festivals often bring strong rock and pop lineups:
- Lollapalooza (Illinois)
- Austin City Limits (Texas) — Recent editions have featured a blend of rock, country, and hip-hop heavy hitters.
- New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Louisiana) — A cultural music smorgasbord with jazz, blues, gospel, and more.
Looking beyond the US, European camping festivals offer vibrant alternatives:
- Sziget (Hungary)
- Lowlands (Netherlands)
- Shindig (UK)
- Electric Castle (Romania)
They combine unique camping setups with diverse, global lineups that satisfy those seeking a truly different festival culture.
On the domestic front, don’t overlook gems such as:
- Mountain Jam (New York) — Rock and jam band focus.
- Pickathon (Oregon) — Sustainability-minded with eclectic genres.
- Bourbon & Beyond (Kentucky) — Rock & blues twinned with food and drink.
- Hulaween (Florida) — A festival favorite for its blend of jam, rock, and electronic artists.
With the disappearance of Firefly Music Festival, the festival landscape is shifting. Still, there’s a growing spectrum of camping festivals with strong pop and rock acts, both domestically and internationally. Whether you want the scale of Bonnaroo or the unique vibes of Electric Forest or Joshua Tree, there’s a camp-friendly festival out there tailor-made for fans who want more than just EDM.
Stay tuned as these festivals continue to evolve their lineups to keep that balance alive in 2025 and beyond.
Source: r/festivals