Fall Music Festivals 2017
2017 Fall Music Festivals
Music Festival lovers need not fret. Just because the summer is coming to an end doesn’t mean that festival season is over. Fall music festivals are a time for dancing under the harvest moon, camping in cooler weather, and breathing in that crisp, autumn air. Enjoy daytime activities, like hiking and biking, while taking in the array of fall colors surrounding you.
The good news is that there are plenty of fall music festivals left in 2017 that you can put on your radar. So, get your music festival gear together and let’s find a fall music festival near you!
Here is a list of our top fall music festivals for 2017 that we think you should check out.
UtopiaFest
When: September 22 – 24th
Where: Utopia, Texas
Who: Dr. John & the nite trippers, Lettuce, Antibalas, Elephant Revival, Wheeler Brothers, The Deer and more
Why: UtopiaFest is put on by a family who wanted to make the festival of their dreams – one that is BYOB, has free camping and is capped at 2000 people. It’s an intimate gathering in an isolated spot. It’s a family friendly festival chock full of activities like yoga, disc golf, biking, hiking – and even silent disco. This festival is super special – just trust us.
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival
When: September 23 – 24
Where: Franklin, TN
Who: Eddie Vedder, Ryan Adams, Mavis Staples, Justin Timberlake, The Avett Brothers, Trombone Shorty and much, much more.
Why: The Pilgrimage was created by a local Franklin, TN resident who wanted to show others the beauty of Tennessee in the fall. So, he found an old horse farm with a natural amphitheater to throw a music festival. With the spirit of New Orleans Jazz Fest on his mind, he created a 2-day festival with an incredible caliber of music to match the scenery.
Sugarlands MountainFest
When: September 28 – October 1
Where: Gatlinburg, TN
Who: Hardworking Americans, Travelin’ McCourys, Jeff Austin Band, Mandolin Orange, Elephant Revival, Driftwood and more
Why: Sugarlands MountainFest, set in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, was created by the Sugarlands distillery. So, whiskey lovers should be excited about their “Tennessee Whisky Experience”. Music lovers should be excited about their bluegrass-driven lineup. Outdoor enthusiasts should be excited about the plethora of activities, including running, cycling, fishing and hiking. Basically, everyone should be excited about this festival.
Laid Back Festival
When: September 21 – Oct 14
Where: Traveling to several US states, including NJ, CT, NY, CO, TX and GA
Who: Music will be in the spirit of Greg Allman, but artists vary in each city. Look for headlining acts to be Jackson Browne, Steve Winwood, Peter Wolf, Sheryl Crow, and Lynyrd Skynyrd (seriously). Devon Allman has announced he will be sitting in with the “Greg Allman Band” in Atlanta.
Why: Created by Greg Allman in 2015, Laid back Festival focuses on more than just music, and promises an incredible one-day experience. The festival will continue this year in the spirit of Greg Allman, and as usual, will feature a variety of food trucks, breweries, wineries and artists along the way.
The Festy Experience
When: October 5 – 8
Where: Nelson County, VA
Who: The Infamous String Dusters, Ani DiFranco, Drive-By Truckers, Sam Bush Band, Elephant Revival
Why: The Festy Experience is a family friendly fall festival set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. They bring in lots of yummy craft beer, wines, and ciders. And there are activities galore – hiking, biking, disc golf, yoga and more!
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
When: October 6 – 8
Where: San Francisco, CA
Who: Sturgill Simpson, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Justin Townes Earle. Tim O’Brien, Robert Earl Keen, Peter Rowan Dharma Blues feat. Jack Cassady, and so so much more.
Why: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a FREE (yes, absolutely free) 3-day festival in Golden Gate Park. The 17th year of this beloved city festival boasts a stellar lineup of over 100 artists. Did we mention this festival is completely FREE?
Hillberry: The Harvest Moon Festival
When: October 12 – 15th
Where: “The Farm” in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Who: Railroad Earth (2 nights), Greensky Bluegrass, Yonder Mountain String Band, Leftover Salmon, The Infamous Stringdusters, Leftover Salmon, Fruition and more.
Why: Hillberry Festival is set on a 600-acre farm with 360-degree views of the Ozark Mountains With collaborators Railroad Earth and Deadhead Productions, this festival is sure to be a beautiful experience that includes an impressive lineup.
Suwannee Hulaween
When: October 27 – 29
Where: Live Oak, FL (The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park)
Who: The String Cheese Incident (3 nights), Bassnectar, Ween, Griz
Why: Suwannee Hulaween will be as much of a visual experience as a music experience. The music festival creators focus on transforming the Suwannee Music Park through art installations and performances. Hulaween incorporates extracurricular activities that focus on your entire self – mind, body, and spirit. Look for dance, yoga and meditation classes throughout the weekend.
Looking for more?
Check out our Music Festival Calendar for an extensive list of upcoming fall music festivals in 2017.
