New York City is known for hosting music festivals annually featuring a diverse range of genres such, as electronic dance music, jazz, indie rock, and more. Below are some of the standout music festivals held in NYC:
- Governors Ball Music Festival: This multi-day event happens annually on Randall’s Island. It features a diverse lineup of artists across pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic, and more.
- Panorama Music Festival: Another multi-day festival that takes place on Randall’s Island, typically offering a diverse mix of genres.
- Electric Zoo: This is a popular electronic dance music festival that also happens on Randall’s Island over Labor Day weekend.
- Afropunk Festival takes place in Brooklyn. Showcases a variety of music and culture blending genres such, as punk, hip hop, soul, and reggae.
- Global Citizen Festival: A part of a movement to end extreme poverty, this festival happens annually in Central Park and draws some of the biggest names in music.
- SummerStage: While technically a concert series and not a festival, this is a beloved NYC summer tradition that takes place in various parks across the city, with Central Park being the main hub.
- Hot 97 Summer Jam: An annual hip-hop fest held in East Rutherford, New Jersey, but considered a major event in the NYC metropolitan area.
- Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival: This event is New York’s largest hip-hop cultural event that showcases the positivity of hip-hop culture. The festival includes panel discussions, exhibitions, parties, film screenings, and a massive concert on the final day.
- Blue Note Jazz Festival: Named after the famous Blue Note Jazz Club, this festival runs throughout June with a mix of big names and emerging artists performing at various venues throughout the city.
- New York Gypsy Festival: Celebrating its 15th year in 2021, this festival celebrates the music of the Roma people with performances from traditional to contemporary sounds.
- Makossa Brooklyn Cookout: This event mixes great tunes from hip-hop, soul, and tropical rhythms with a classic summer cookout in Brooklyn.
