Looking for the best rap festivals and hip-hop festivals in 2023!? Well, look no further, because I’ve put together the best upcoming festivals in the U.S.A that showcase some of the world’s best hip-hop artists!
“Hip-hop gave a generation a common ground that didn’t require either race to lose anything; everyone gained.” – Jay Z
Hip-hop is a globally appreciated music genre, but nobody does it better than where it all began – the USA!
There’s nothing quite like the energy you can find at a USA hip hop music festival. It’s electric, it’s authentic and it’s a loud voice for many. It has grown from its beginnings within African American and Latino communities of The Bronx in New York City to being embraced and loved by all races, creeds, ethnicities and genders.
The 25 Best Rap Festivals & Hip Hop Festivals in 2023
And with the popularity of hip hop comes an explosion in the number of amazing USA hip hop music festivals across this great country.
From the West Coast to the East Coast and everywhere in between, my list of the 25 best hip hop festivals in the USA is bound to fill your summer music festival calendar and beyond. While a few of these festivals aren’t solely focused on hip-hop, they book incredible artists that hip-hop fans will love!
2023 Update: A few of these festivals haven’t made official announcements yet, but be sure to stay tuned for dates and line-ups that I’m sure will come soon!
Also, be sure to read my guides on Top 50 USA Music Festivals, California Music Festivals, Florida Music Festivals, and New York Festivals for more epic events around the country.
Photo credit: Chase Price
1) Rolling Loud California 2023
Rolling Loud Hip-Hop Festival 2023 Line-Up
When: March 3-5, 2023
Where: Hollywood Park Grounds, California
“Rolling Loud Festival is a 3-day music event that started in Miami, FL and is now the largest Hip-Hop festival in the world. We now also hosts festivals in Northern California and Southern California, with plans to expand internationally to Japan, China and Europe in the near future.
Some of the biggest names that have performed on the Rolling Loud stage includes the likes of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Future, Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Young Thug, Post Malone, Migos, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Lil Yachty, Lil B, and many more.”
2) Rock The Bells Cruise | A Hip-Hop Festival Experience
A brand new Hip Hop festival on a cruise you simply can’t miss!
When: November 13-17, 2023
Where: Miami, Florida – Bahamas
https://www.rockthebellscruise.com/
https://www.facebook.com/rockthebellsfestival
“It took 50 years, but it’s finally here! The Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience is setting sail from Miami to the Bahamas on November 13-17, 2023, for 4 days of non-stop Hip-Hop.
The all-inclusive experience offers live performances, parties and unique experiences with some of the most iconic MCs, DJs and Producers in Hip-Hop.
Immerse yourself in the incredible Hip-Hop inspired dream vacation with a community of like-minded heads. Turn up on the pool deck and unwind on the beautiful, white-sand beaches of Grand Bahama Island and Nassau for the greatest trip in Hip-Hop history.
3) Broccoli City Festival 2023
When: July 15-16, 2023
Where: Washington, DC
“Broccoli City is redefining cool by mobilizing & educating urban millennials on how to create a better world. Through our programs we are creating pathways to higher standards of sustainable living, environmental education, economic opportunity, and access to high quality food and shelter.
“Hailed by Blavity as “vibrantly contributing not just to the city’s culture, but political voice — without picking sides” our signature event– Broccoli City Festival — has gathered more than 75,000 millennials for a celebration of music, art, food, culture and community service.
The 2018 festival sold out to a crowd of 35,000 across two stages and featured some of today’s most talented artists including Migos, Cardi B, Miguel, Nipsey Hussle, H.E.R, Daniel Caesar, Rich the Kid and more.”
4) Dreamville Festival
Credit: Dreamville Festival
When: April 1-2, 2023
Where: Raleigh, North Carolina
https://www.facebook.com/DreamvilleFest/
“Held annually each spring in Raleigh, Dreamville Festival is an outdoor weekend music celebration curated by internationally-acclaimed hip-hop superstar J. Cole alongside his Dreamville team.
The festival serves as Dreamville’s signature annual event for its fans worldwide bringing together local residents and travelers alike to gather together and enjoy incredible music performances in one of America’s most beautiful and historic public parks, Dorothea Dix Park – Raleigh’s largest city park with over 300 acres of sprawling greenspace.
As one of the most anticipated annual events in the state of North Carolina, the festival acts as a perfect complement to the existing event landscape and cultural fabric of the city of Raleigh.”
5) Something in the Water Festival
When: April 28-30, 2023
Where: Virginia Beach, Virginia
https://www.somethinginthewater.com
https://www.facebook.com/somethinginthewater
“Something in the Water is a new multi-day music festival and cultural experience put on by Pharrell Williams in his hometown of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
It’s mission is to unite the community and celebrate the diversity and magic of Virginia Beach. It is an opportunity to bring the best of what Pharrell has encountered around the world back to his hometown. The weekend celebrates opportunity and the chance to empower everyone from the youth to the small business owners.
SOMETHING IN THE WATER has created a legacy highlighting the pillars that Pharrell is so personally passionate about shining a light upon and celebrating his hometown community. The weekend aims to give back to the community that he so passionately supports. Musicians, students, artists, activists and more will converge on Virginia Beach to activate and amplify, collaborate and co-author, shift and shape the future.”
6) Days of Summer Cruise Hip Hop Festival
When: July 2-5, 2023
Where: Miami, Florida – Bahamas
https://www.daysofsummercruise.com
https://www.facebook.com/daysofsummercruise/
“Days of Summer Cruise Fest is an annual hip hop music cruise sailing to various Caribbean islands from the port of Miami Florida. Days of Summer Cruise Fest will be sailing out of Miami, Florida to a Private Island and Nassau, Bahamas for 4 days and 3 nights cruise onboard the Carnival Victory.”
2023 they’re making a big return for a hip hop party at sea, with Da Baby & FUTURE, with many more to be announced! This is guaranteed to be a nautical adventure that rap and hip-hop fans will love!
7) Breakaway Music Festival
Photo credit – Tyler Church
When: August 2023
Where: Multi-City Festival
https://www.breakawayfestival.com
“Breakaway is the fastest growing multi-city music festival with events in the mid west including Ohio, Michigan, The Carolinas and Tennessee. While primarily a hip-hop festival, Breakaway also throws in some top electronic and pop acts for good measure. Previous lineups include Young Thug, Wiz Khalifa, Future, Travis Scott, and many more.
Offering stacked line-ups, stunning stages, and an overall incredible festival experience – Breakaway is easily one of the best Hip Hop Festivals that’ll happen in 2023.
“If you are ready to breakaway from reality and enjoy a rad weekend filled with great music, then head down to Charlotte, North Carolina! The festival will take place in Uptown Charlotte at the Avidxchange Music Factory, enjoy an unlimited amount of live music, and get ready for a spectacular weekend filled with live performances from well known artists, and dank food.
8) Coachella
When: April 14th-16th, 2023 & 21st-23rd, 2023
Where: Indio, California
“Coachella is a massive zeitgeist-chasing music festival in Indio, California. The biggest musical celebration in the world, the festival has to be on any music fan’s bucket list. Annually curating a lineup of the biggest and most buzz-worthy artists across all popular genres, Coachella has hosted some of the most historic sets in festival history, with the likes of Beyoncé, Daft Punk, Prince, Radiohead, and Bob Dylan playing the main stage over its two decade-long history.
Taking place over two weekends in the middle of April, the opening of the festival gates acts as the official unofficial start to the festival season. While not a purely hip hop music festival, Coachella’s sheer number of top hip hop acts puts it on the list of the best in the USA.
9) Roots Picnic Hip Hop Festival
When: June 2023 (TBC)
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
http://rootspicnic.com/philly/
https://www.facebook.com/RootsPicnic/
“Roots Picnic is a day of incredible hip-hop and R&B music festival in Philadelphia. Its recent lineups have included Lil Uzi Vert, Dirty Projectors, The Diplomats and more.
In addition to the Music Stage, Roots Picnic will also feature a Podcast Stage which plays host to live podcasts such as Drink Champs, On One with Angela Rye, Questlove Supreme and more. The Lifestyle Stage offers a MADDEN & NBA2K Tournament as well as a Fashion Panel, an Art Panel, Hustle Panel and an art market featuring local vendors called The mARkeT.”
While no official announcements have been made by the promoter Live Nation, I’d expect news to be announced soon for the return of Roots Picnic Festival 2022!
10) Hive Music Festival
When: June 9-10, 2023
Where: Utah State Fairpark, Salt Lake City
https://www.facebook.com/Hivefestivalslc/
Hive is all about hip hop. The most recent festival in 2021 was headlined by Post Malone. It’s primarily a vehicle for some of the most promising young artists in the genre. But there is also the stated promise of at least one unannounced major act every year.
The festival takes place in downtown Salt Lake, so there is no camping. Patrons are asked to find local accommodation and attend the shows between 11 am and 11 pm each day of the festival. The festival is officially all ages and is a high-energy celebration and platform for a truly evolving genre.
11) Lollapalooza 2023
Lollapalooza is simply THE Chicago music festival to attend | Credit: Charles Reagan / Lollapalooza 2018
When: August 3-6, 2023
Where: Grant Park, Chicago
Genre: Various
Another massive festival on the list that isn’t strictly a hip hop festival but brings A TON of hip hop artists is Lollapalooza (which really needs no introduction).
It’s one of the longest running and most iconic US Festivals, and Hip Hop & Rap fans will find plenty on the line-up to keep them enterained all weekend long. Everyone I know who has attended always has the best time, and I can’t wait to personally experience Lolla for my first time in 2023!
Join the Lollapalooza Festival 2023 for more info!
12) Made In America Festival
Image via Michael Allen
When: September 3-4, 2023
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
“The Made in America music festival is a massive musical celebration that takes over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway each Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia. With dozens of top performers and multiple stages on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the two-day music festival curated by Jay-Z is one of the year’s can’t-miss events.
Every year, Jay-Z hand-picks a lineup of both established and up-and-coming musicians to perform throughout the weekend — and sometimes, you can even find Jay-Z singing along in the crowd.”
13) Outside Lands
When: August 11-13, 2022
Where: San Francisco, California
https://www.sfoutsidelands.com
“A bike valet, wine tasting tent, and local organic food vendors are just a couple of signs that you’re in San Francisco at Outside Lands. The quirky and wonderful Golden Gate Park hosts a wide range of acts and has quickly grown into a highlight of the San Fran summer. Bring a hoodie with you. Just because it’s August doesn’t mean that the fog won’t join the party.”
I’ve personally attend two different Outside Lands editions, and it’s truly an incredible experience! While the festival is not strictly hip hop, the line-ups are always super diverse and I know rap fans will find plenty of acts they’ll want to see! Plus – San Francisco as a city is always worth a visit!
14) Flyover KC Hip Hop Festival
When: May (TBA)
Where: Azura Amphitheater , Kansas
https://www.facebook.com/FlyoverKC/
“Live concert series featuring the hottest names in hip- hop. Grammy winning star CARDI was our 2019 headline act. The announcement continues Flyover’s progression from spunky upstart with little name recognition to a highly anticipated event. Other past line-ups include Atlanta rap stars 21 Savage and Lil Baby, G Herbo of Chicago, Lil Mosey, YBN Cordae, Splurge and Blaatina & Yusee, as well as K-pop star Tobi Lou.”
15) Cali Vibes Fest
When: February 17-19, 2023
Where: Marina Green Park, Long Beach
https://www.facebook.com/CaliVibrationsFest/
“With so much drama in the LBC, it’s kinda hard being SNOOP D-O Double G”
Imagine being able to see Rap and Hip-Hop icon Snoop Dogg in his own stomping grounds of Long Beach. Throw in a bunch of other incredible California artists for top-notch vibes, and you’re in for a solid weekend.
Organized by Golden Voice (the production team behind Coachella and dozens of other festivals), Cali Vibes promises just that – great music, tasty food, and those incredible California vibes.
Join the California Vibrations Feb 17- 19, 2023 Long Beach, CA for more info
16) Life Is Beautiful
Courtesy of LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL Music and Art Festival
When: September 22-24, 2023
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
“Life is Beautiful Festival is a three-day, pop music festival in Las Vegas, USA. As its name suggests, Life is Beautiful is all about creating an enriching and life-affirming experience of music, art, comedy, workshops and cultural exchanges.
Taking over 18 blocks of downtown Las Vegas, the festivals draws in the worlds biggest names in the pop, hip hop and alternative spectrum! After a wildly successful return in 2021 & 2022, Life Is Beautiful 2023 is guaranteed to be one of the best festivals for hip hop fans!
17) JMBLYA
When: May & October 2023 (TBA)
Where: Rogers, Arkansas – Various cities, Texas
“Texas is the land of top-notch live music. Not only is it home to the Live Music Capital of the World, a.k.a. Austin, Texas, it’s the second largest state in the U.S., so there’s plenty of room for musicians.
JMBLYA helps solidify that title for Austin and tells the tale of music in the Lone Star state. Hosted in both Austin and Dallas, JMBLYA boasts a bill full of the best hip-hop artists around.”
18) Tycoon Music Festival
When: June 2023 (Dates TBA)
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
https://v103.radio.com/categories/tycoon-music-festival
“The Tycoon Music Festival brings together some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop/R&B of today’s generation in Atlanta in June. Kendrick Lamar, Chris Brown, T.I., and Trey Songz are all set to grace the stage at Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood.
There’s no telling what other surprises are in store. The festival is presented by V-103 Atlanta and Anthony Wilson, Chris Brown’s longtime manager. “We’re excited to launch this special festival and deliver an unforgettable, star-studded hip-hop concert to Atlanta,” said Anthony Wilson, TycoonMusic Festival host.”
19) Soundset Festival
When: May 2022 (TBC)
Where: Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota
https://www.facebook.com/soundset/
“In the eleven years since Soundset began in the Metrodome parking lot in 2008, our attendance has grown from 12,000 to over 30,000 consistently since 2014.
Over 280,000 all aged fans have traveled from fifty U.S states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and New Zealand to experience Soundset in Minnesota. Rhymesayers’ artists are the foundation of Soundset, with Atmosphere performing every year since the beginning. Since 2008, Soundset has had over 400 different-non repeat performers.”
While no official announcement has been made for 2023, I’d expect a big return from Soundset festival!
20) Greatest Day Ever
When: July 2023 (TBC)
Where: Coney Island, New York
https://www.thegreatestdayever.com
“New York dance music and rap festival Greatest Day Ever’s 2019 lineup was incredible, featuring Carnage, Pusha T, Zeds Dead, Jungle, Lil Baby and more.The annual festival presented by Adidas has previously hosted RL Grime, Young Thug, Diplo, Dillon Francis, Travis Scott and M.I.A.
The two-day festival has also announced a new location, moving from The Bronx to Coney Island, New York.”
While no official statement has been made for a 2023 edition, I’d bet this genre-bending festival will make a massive return in 2022!
21) Neon Desert Music Festival
When: May 2023 (TBC)
Where: El Paso, Texas
https://www.neondesertmusicfestival.com
“Neon Desert Music Festival is a multi-day music festival held each year on Memorial Day weekend in El Paso, Texas. From the festival’s inception in 2009, Neon Desert Music Festival has continuously strived to be a yearly music event for El Paso by El Pasoans, while providing the local artistic community with an outlet to showcase their talents alongside national and international headliners.
Featuring multiple outdoor stages, local and regional artist displays, and a diverse music lineup with acts from across the globe, Neon Desert Music Festival continues to be the Southwest’s premier music festival every Memorial Day weekend.”
22) Head In The Clouds Festival
When: October (TBC)
Where: Los Angeles, California
https://www.facebook.com/hitcfestival
“88rising’s Head In The Clouds Music & Arts Festival made a massive return in 2021 in L.A The single day event will feature performances from the 88rising roster, as well as some of the biggest music acts from around the world.
Praised by Billboard as “The Asian Hip-Hop Festival You Need To Know,” the inaugural Head In The Clouds Festival made a groundbreaking impact in September 2019 as the first Asian-centric music festival to launch in the United States. Returning for year two, the festival will be a day long celebration of Asian youth culture and creativity, highlighting the best in music, food, art, and fashion from around the globe.”
23) Lil WeezyAna Festival
When: September 2022 (TBC)
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
“Lil Wayne will host the 5th annual Lil WeezyAna Fest in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s event takes place at a new location, NO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds, and promises a lineup featuring Wayne alongside fellow rap titans Travis Scott and Meek Mill. Other confirmed acts include Trey Songz, Megan Thee Stallion, Kash Doll, Saweetie, and Melli, along with surprise guests.”
24) Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival
When: July (Future Dates TBA)
Where: Brooklyn, New York
“Established in 2005, The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival is New York City’s largest Hip-Hop cultural event that showcases the positive aspects of Hip-Hop culture by highlighting Hip-Hop’s legacy as an agent of artistic progression, community building and social change.
In addition to musical performances, the Festival offers a number of activities for its audience, including: panel discussions, exhibitions, parties, an award show and a family-friendly block party. The Festival is more than a concert or outdoor fair. It is a family reunion for lovers of this great culture.”
25) Grizzly Fest
When: May 2023 (TBA)
Where: Fresno, California
Central California’s premier Music and Arts Festival held every Spring.
“Grizzly Fest is a hip-hop music festival in Fresno, California. A classic two day weekender, the festival marks the beginning of spring with an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. Curating a lineup that spans indie, hop hop, reggae, and beyond, Grizzly Fest offers a little something for everyone in a scenic location. Though music is the main event, the festival features art installations, activities such as arts and crafts, carnival rides, and culinary delights.”
Am I Missing Any Epic Hip Hop Festivals in the U.S.A?
There really are so many incredible festivals around the country with world-famous hip-hop stars! If you think I need to add any specific hip-hop/rap festivals to my list, please let me know!
Image via Tyler Church
Looking for more music festivals in America?
My travel blog is filled with articles that discuss the best parties, events, and music festivals all over the world! Check out a few of these articles below and start planning your next big adventure! There are tons of after movies to check out, awesome line-ups, and much more!
Image via Tyler Church
Thanks for reading about these Hip Hop Festivals!!
Share the Hip Hop love with your festival squad!
