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Autumn is a great time of year for music lovers. Temperatures are cooler, the festival crowds mellower, and the lineups are still on fire.
Whether you’re into indie, country, EDM, or a bit of everything, this season brings a range of music festivals that blend killer sets with cozy vibes and maybe a flannel or two.
Here are four of the best fall music festivals worth traveling for, plus a few ways to make the most out of the experience.
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, Sept. 27-28, Franklin, TN
Taking place just outside Nashville, this charming festival offers more than just country music, though you’ll definitely get a healthy dose of that too. Pilgrimage has become one of the most beloved fall festivals thanks to its scenic setting, eclectic lineups, and laid-back Southern vibe. Performers have included The Lumineers, Brandi Carlile, and Chris Stapleton.
One of the coolest things about Pilgrimage is that you can now find THC drinks on-site. These beverages combine flavor with a chill, euphoric buzz. They’re a great alternative to alcohol, giving festivalgoers a fresh way to relax and vibe with the music without the next-day hangover.
Austin City Limits (ACL), Oct. 3-5 and Oct. 10-12, Austin, TX
If Coachella had a more grounded, barbecue-loving cousin, it would be Austin City Limits. Held in the heart of Austin’s Zilker Park, ACL spans two weekends in October and covers every genre imaginable, including pop, hip-hop, rock, electronic, country, and even Latin music. The food scene is as legendary as the music, and the whole thing screams Texas cool.
ACL is a marathon, not a sprint. So pace yourself, bring a reusable water bottle, and wear comfortable shoes. That dusty Texas ground is no joke.
III Points, Oct. 17-18, Miami, FL
Fall in Miami still feels like summer, making III Points the perfect warm-weather escape. This festival features electronic, hip-hop, and experimental music amid immersive art installations, conveying a nightlife-meets-music-fair vibe. Expect lasers, underground DJs, and the occasional glittery outfit imported from the year 2099.
III Points is ideal if you’re looking for something edgy in the festival world. And since it’s in Miami, the afterparties just might rival the festival itself.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Oct. 3-5, San Francisco, CA
If you’d appreciate a festival that’s free, feel-good, and surrounded by redwoods, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in Golden Gate Park is your go-to. There’s bluegrass, but this is hardly a strict requirement. There’s also rock, folk, and alternative acts.
Family-friendly and held in a natural setting that couldn’t be more majestic, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is the kind of festival where it’s just as important to bring a picnic blanket and soak up the sun as it is to catch your favorite act.
How to Make Any Festival Experience Even Better
- Hydrate. Water is your best friend, since you’re dancing for hours, walking the festival grounds, and soaking up the sun.
- Layer up. Fall weather is unpredictable. Bring something light to wear for the daytime, something heavier and warmer for the evening.
- Try a THC drink for a smooth and mindful alternative to alcohol. THC drinks give you a gentle buzz that goes beautifully with live music and good company. And you won’t have to worry about hangovers.
So go ahead. Pick a festival, grab your friends, and enjoy the fall vibes.