2023 music festivals, concerts: Looking for some jams? Here's what's happening in the South
Joyce OrlandoDays are getting warmer and that means the 2023 summer music festival and concert season is almost upon us.
Whether it is arts and music festivals the size of Bonnaroo or local musicians gathering together to play in your town's court square, there is an endless supply of musical acts close to home or just a short drive away in the South and there are some pretty big festivals coming up.
Take a look at some of the bigger festivals that showcase some of the biggest names in pop, rock, R&B, blues, country, hip-hop and more, coming to a stage near you this summer.
Bonnaroo 2023
When: June 15-18, 2023
Where: Great Stage Park, Manchester, Tennessee
Tickets:prices start at $340 for a 4-day general admission pass, one day tickets are available too
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival draws people from every corner for a weekend of music featuring some of the latest and greatest artists in the music industry and of course, a couple of legends always have to make an appearance. So far the line-up includes names like Kendrick Lamar, Foo Fighters, Paramore, Lil Nas X, Pixies, Sofi Tucker and more.
Hangout Festival 2023
Where: The Gulf Shores, Alabama
When: May 19-21
Tickets: Start at $329 for a 3-day general admission package, others are available.
Three days of sun, sand and music at the Gulf Shores featuring beach clubs, ocean swimming, sailing expeditions, roller discos, free yoga, beach volleyball, a puppy kissing booth, Ferris wheel views, beautiful art installations and some music thrown in. This year's festival includes appearances by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Skrillex, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Paramore and more.
Love Rising: Let Freedom Sing (and Dance): A Celebration of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
When: March 20
Tickets: Start at $34
The night includes more than a dozen artists and equality allies — including Allison Russell, Brothers Osborne, Jason Isbell, Maren Morris, Hayley Williams and Yola, among others — performing in support of an LGBTQ community many believe to be largely ostracized by Republican lawmakers in Tennessee.
Merelfest 2023
Where: Wilkesboro, North Carolina
When: April 27-30
Tickets: Start at $220 for 4-day ticket, one-day tickets are also available
This festival has been around since 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson, the son of late American guitarist and musician Doc Watson, as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and to celebrate ‘traditional plus’ music.
MerleFest started with bluegrass and "old-time" music, and has expanded to include Americana, country, blues, rock and many other styles. The festival hosts numerous artists, performing on 12 stages during the course of the four-day event every year. Check out the line-up for 2023 here.
Pilgrimage 2023
Where: The Park at Harlinsdale, Tennessee
When: Sept. 23-24
Tickets: Start at $239 for a two-day general admission pass. Single-day tickets can also be purchased.
Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival brings country and rock music together for a two day event. For 2023, Zach Bryan will headline the second night of the Americana-fueled fest alongside Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, while folk-pop mainstays The Lumineers and reunited southern rockers The Black Crowes top the bill on night one.