Music Festivals Happening in 2022
by Marissa Bergen
Music festivals have transformed the music industry. They make it easier for musicians to make money as they have added support when they perform live. And fans make out well as they can see multiple bands for the price of one ticket.
But music festivals are so much more than a convenient way to deliver entertainment. They are an experience. People go there to see and be seen. They make memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
If you have become a fan of festivals, you won’t want to miss a single one. Here are some you can look forward to in the next year.
Rockville Festival: May 19-22: Daytona Beach, FL
The first Rockville Festival happened in 2011 and it has been gaining steam ever since. It takes place at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, FL. Guests can camp on the grounds and enjoy the fairground rides.
This year’s dates feature well-known artists like Kiss, Guns n’ Roses, Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails, Jane’s Addiction, and Megadeth.
Bottlerock Festival: May 27-29: Napa, CA
The Bottlerock Festival happens at the Napa Valley Expo Center in Napa, CA. More than just a festival, Bottlerock aims to give you an exceptional experience. They offer a spa, a culinary stage, art sculptures, a silent disco, and a nightclub area. Your ticket will also include Bottlerock After Dark providing access to local clubs.
This year’s lineup will not disappoint. Bands on the bill include Metallica, Pink, Twenty One Pilots, The Black Crowes, Luke Combs and more.
Knotfest: May 18- June 18, Various Locations
Knotfest is the heavy metal answer to Coachella. Started by the band Slipknot and mastermind founder Cory Taylor, it has been a go-to event for many hardcore metalheads.
This year it kicked off with a leg running from March 16- April 17 with headliners Slipknot, In This Moment and Wage War. A second leg will be running from May 18 – June 18 with Slipknot, Cypress Hill and Ho99o9 taking top billing. The second part of the tour will be starting in Pennsylvania with dates in the U.S. and Canada.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival: June 16-19: Manchester, TN
The first Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival took place in 2002. It is held annually at the Great Stage Park, a 700-acre farm in Manchester, TN. It offers 10+ performance stages, 4 campground party barns, camping experiences, yoga, art events and great food. It is dedicated to sustainability.
The lineup for this year is not to be missed. Artists include Sidepiece, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard and Ludacris.
Lollapalooza: July 28-31: Chicago, IL
Lollapalooza started in 1991 and is known as being one of the OG music festivals. It was founded by Jane’s Addiction’s Perry Ferrell. It features interactive areas, giveaways, and more. A VIP ticket gives you access to exclusive lounges where you can escape the crowds and enjoy luxury accommodations.
The festival started as a celebration of alternative bands but has gone on to add more mainstream acts to the bill. This year’s ticket includes Metallica, Machine Gun Kelly, Dua Lipa, Green Day, Doja Cat, and, of course, Jane’s Addiction.
Wacken Open Air Festival: Aug. 4-6, 2022: Wacken, Germany
The Wacken Festival has been going on since 1990 and it seems to be gaining steam every year. It takes place over 240 hectares of campground and camping is available. In addition to great bands, they also have spoken word performances, action events like fire shows and sword fights and metal style karaoke.
This year’s lineup is brutal, and we mean that in the best way possible. Acts include Arch Enemy, As I Lay Dying, Butcher Babies, Cattle Decapitation and so many more.
Psycho Las Vegas: August 19-21: Las Vegas, NV
Psycho Las Vegas happens at Resorts World Las Vegas. It goes above and beyond by offering Psycho Golf and a Psycho Swim event. The lineup includes some of the hottest heavy metal bands with headliners like Emperor, Merciful Fate, and Suicidal Tendencies.
Louder Than Life Festival: Sept. 22-25, 2022, Louisville, Kentucky
The Louder Than Life Festival happens at the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Expo Center. In addition to great bands, it claims it has something for everyone. There’s food, drink, vendors and more. You can camp on the RV grounds or campgrounds or opt for more private accommodations.
This year’s lineup is shaping up to be very rock n’ roll. On the bill so far are legends like Kiss, Nine Inch Nails, Slipknot, Alice in Chains and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It’s an eclectic mix and it’s all very in your face.
When We Were Young: Oct. 22, 23 and 29: Las Vegas, NV
The When We Were Young festival has been getting a lot of attention this year. The first of its kind, it features many performers that were big in the early 2000’s. Headliners include My Chemical Romance, Paramore, AFI, Bring Me the Horizon and Dashboard Confessional. It’s all happening at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds.
Coachella: April 14-16, 21-23, 2023: Indio, CA
Coachella continues to maintain its momentum as the mother of all music festivals. This year’s event passed, but people are already looking forward to the 2023 concert which will be taking place at the usual spot, the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA. Tickets are not yet on sale and the bill has not been announced but there are rumors that Frank Ocean, who was originally booked for the cancelled 2020 event, may be one of the headliners.
Stagecoach 2023, Indio, CA
Stagecoach typically takes place directly after Coachella ends. Like Coachella, it happens at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. It is a three-day event that showcases country and blue/grass artists. Past performers have included Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, and Luke Combs. There is no word on the exact dates or lineup for next year’s event, but it’s coming!
This year is shaping up like one big party. The festivals happening are sure to keep you well entertained. Which of these will you be attending?
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Marissa Bergen is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles, CA. She is passionate about health, fashion, and music. When she is not writing, she enjoys playing music with her son, daughter, and husband in their family band The CheeseBergens.
