Planning a Midwest vacation this summer is the perfect opportunity to experience the region’s vibrant music scene. You’ll find a stunning variety of Midwest music festivals everywhere you turn, from the region’s charming small towns to its dynamic cities. The Midwest is home to some of the country’s best music festivals, spanning various genres and atmospheres. And, as luck would have it, our association offers some of the best Midwest lodging properties – including Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, Cabins, and Boutique Hotels – near the top festivals!
Milwaukee’s Summerfest, one of the largest music festivals in the world, draws major headliners and up-and-coming artists to its scenic lakefront setting. In Chicago, Lollapalooza takes over Grant Park with an electric mix of rock, hip-hop, and pop. For a more laid-back vibe, the Blue Ox Music Festival in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, showcases the best of bluegrass and Americana in a gorgeous outdoor setting. Whether you’re into indie, country, or electronic beats, there’s a Midwest festival that fits the bill.
Beyond the music, a Midwest summer getaway is packed with outdoor adventure, arts and culture, and incredible food. The region boasts breathtaking landscapes perfect for hiking, kayaking, and biking. Art lovers can explore the best museums in the Midwest, while history buffs can tour historic homes, living history museums, and more. And, of course, the Midwest’s culinary scene is worth the trip alone, with everything from farm-to-table restaurants in Wisconsin to down-home classics in rural towns everywhere.
Finding the perfect place to stay is just as important as planning your itinerary, and the Midwest Association of Independent Inns offers some of the most exceptional accommodations in the region. Skip the chain hotels and opt for a top-rated bed and breakfast, boutique hotel, or historic Inn, where personalized hospitality and locally inspired amenities elevate your stay. Wake up to a gourmet breakfast made with fresh, regional ingredients, relax in beautifully designed guest rooms, and get expert recommendations from innkeepers who know the best hidden gems in town. Book your Midwest vacation today!
The Best Midwest Music Festivals of the Year
Visiting the Midwest is an invitation to experience the best of American music culture, where live performances, regional traditions, and enthusiastic crowds come together for unforgettable festivals. From massive, multi-genre events in major cities to intimate gatherings celebrating bluegrass, folk, or jazz, the Midwest music festival scene is as diverse as the region itself. Wherever your adventures take you, the Midwest delivers world-class live music with a welcoming, down-to-earth energy.
Beyond the main stage, these Midwest music festivals offer an immersive cultural experience. Whether you’re a fan of indie rock, electronic beats, country anthems, or deep blues, there’s a Midwest music festival that will have you dancing all year. We’ve listed just a small subset of our favorite Midwest music festivals by state.
10 Best Wisconsin Music Festivals
Wisconsin’s music festival scene offers everything from massive multi-genre events to intimate gatherings.
- Summerfest in Milwaukee is not only one of the top Midwest music festivals but also the largest event of its kind in the world. It lasts 11 days and features hundreds of acts across multiple stages along the Milwaukee lakefront, making it an unforgettable experience.
- The Blue Ox Music Festival in Eau Claire is a bluegrass and Americana festival with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and late-night jam sessions.
- Rock Fest in Cadott is one of the premier Midwest music festivals for rock fans. It’s the country’s largest rock and metal festival, drawing legendary bands and thousands of fans.
- Mile of Music in Appleton is a unique Midwest music festival featuring original music from over 200 emerging artists. Venues include local coffee shops, bars, and outdoor stages throughout downtown.
- Country Jam USA, also in Eau Claire, is a top-tier country festival in Wisconsin, offering three days of big-name acts and an energetic festival atmosphere.
- National and regional acts with various music styles will perform at Metro Jam, a two-day Music Festival in Manitowoc.
- The Driftless Music Festival in Viroqua is a free festival in Wisconsin’s scenic Driftless Region. It features an eclectic lineup of folk, blues, and world music.
- The Sugar Maple Music Festival in Madison is one of the best Midwest music festivals for a folk and roots music celebration. It offers a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary artists and genres as diverse as bluegrass, western swing, and Hawaiian slack, to name a few.
- Big Bull Falls Blues Fest in Wausau is a hidden gem when it comes to Midwest music festivals. It’s Wisconsin’s longest-running blues fest and features two days of regional and national Blues artists.
- Waterfest in Oshkosh is a summer-long festival series with rock and country performances along the Fox River.
10 Best Minnesota Music Festivals
Minnesota’s music festivals celebrate everything from indie rock and hip-hop to jazz, folk, and bluegrass, creating a dynamic live music scene that thrives year-round.
- One of Minnesota’s best Midwest music festivals is the Twin Cities Jazz Festival in St. Paul. This free, multi-day festival showcases top-tier jazz performances in multiple venues throughout the city.
- WE Fest in Detroit Lakes is one of the biggest country music festivals in the Midwest. It features top stars and offers a legendary festival experience.
- The Bayfront Blues Festival in Duluth is a waterfront festival on Lake Superior showcasing top blues musicians in a scenic harbor setting.
- Moondance Jam in Walker is a long-running rock festival featuring classic rock, 80s hits, and modern rock acts in a northern Minnesota setting.
- Winstock Country Music Festival is a popular country festival that draws big-name acts and a dedicated Midwest crowd.
- Duluth Homegrown Music Festival is one of our favorite Midwest music festivals. It’s a grassroots festival highlighting Duluth’s thriving local music scene across multiple venues.
- If you’re looking for something fun to do in the winter in Minnesota, don’t miss one of the biggest Midwest music festivals, the Big Turn Music Festival near Red Wing.
- Another popular festival in Red Wing is the Red Wing Roots Music Festival, held each summer.
- The Lakes Jam in Brainerd, Minnesota, features multiple days of music, each dedicated to a different genre.
- Finally, get into the groove with the Bayfront Reggae and World Music Festival in Duluth, which is easily one of the most diverse and interesting Midwest music festivals.
The 6 Best Iowa Music Festivals
Iowa’s music festivals bring together an exciting mix of country, indie, blues, and folk, with events ranging from massive outdoor concerts to intimate gatherings in charming small towns.
- One of the best Midwest music festivals in Iowa is the Hinterland Music Festival in Saint Charles. This top-tier indie, folk, and alternative festival is set in the Iowa countryside and draws major national acts.
- Guthrie’s River Ruckus is a major country music festival featuring top artists and a high-energy crowd.
- The 515 Alive Music Festival in Des Moines is another classic among Midwest music festivals in Iowa. It features a wide range of genres, including electronic, dubstep, hip-hop, and heavy metal, over two days.
- Jazz lovers won’t want to miss the Iowa City Jazz Festival, a three-day music festival featuring four stages, various up-and-coming artists, well-known musicians, and plenty of fun.
- Calling all cyclists! Don’t miss Iowa’s epic RAGBRAI ride this July. It’s more than just a bike ride, though. It features eight rolling days across the state filled with bikes, music, food, and fun.
- Saturday in the Park is a one-day spectacular Midwest music festival held in Sioux City that draws tens of thousands in for the weekend for a vibrant music festival.
7 Incredible Illinois Music Festivals
Illinois has some of the most iconic Midwest music festivals, from massive multi-genre events in Chicago to smaller, community-driven festivals throughout the state.
- The most iconic of all Midwest music festivals is Lollapalooza in Chicago. It’s one of the world’s biggest music festivals, taking over Grant Park each summer with a lineup of major artists spanning multiple genres.
- Blues lovers travel from all around the world for the Chicago Blues Festival. It’s the largest free blues festival in the world, celebrating Chicago’s deep blues heritage with legendary performers.
- The American Music Festival in Berwyn is another classic music festival in Illinois.
- If a perfect mix of country music, barbecue, and craft beer sounds like a great music festival to you, don’t miss the Windy City Smokeout in Chicago.
- Now in its 44th year, the Peoria Blues & Heritage Music Festival returns each summer to celebrate blues, roots, funk, and soul—not to mention gorgeous views of the Illinois River.
- Folk & Roots Festival in Champaign-Urbana is a community-driven Midwest Music festival that features folk, bluegrass, and roots music.
- For something more unique in the area, head to the Pygmalion Festival, which blends indie music, literature, and technology, focusing on innovative and emerging artists.
The 6 Best Nebraska Music Festivals
Nebraska’s music festivals highlight the state’s diverse music scene, offering everything from indie and folk to blues, country, and rock.
- Maha Festival in Omaha is Nebraska’s premier indie and alternative music festival. It features national headliners and local artists in a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere.
- Lincoln Calling is a multi-day festival showcasing indie, punk, and electronic music, with an emphasis on up-and-coming artists.
- The Omaha Blues, Jazz, and Gospel Festival is a dynamic festival that blends blues, jazz, and gospel music, highlighting the region’s rich musical heritage.
- Playing with Fire in Omaha is a free summer blues and jazz festival on the Missouri River. It features internationally recognized artists.
- The Outlandia Music Festival in Bellevue, near Omaha, is a newer festival bringing major indie rock and alternative acts to a scenic forested venue outside Omaha.
- The ZooFest in Lincoln is a weekend street festival hosted by the historic Zoo Bar. It features blues and roots music from top national and regional artists.
The Best Places to Stay in the Midwest
The properties that belong to the Midwest Association of Independent Inns represent some of the best places to stay in the Midwest, offering a level of hospitality and charm that chain hotels simply can’t match. These independently owned inns, bed and breakfasts, and boutique hotels are known for their attention to detail, warm service, and distinctive character. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a weekend of outdoor adventure, or a city escape incorporating any of these top Midwest music festivals, these properties provide an experience tailored to their surroundings.
These inns stand out because of their deep connection to the communities they call home. In Minnesota and Wisconsin, you’ll find cozy lodges near scenic lakes and rivers and upscale rural retreats offering the perfect setting for outdoor recreation or a quiet retreat after a day of exploring. In Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska, charming bed and breakfasts in historic small towns provide a welcoming atmosphere, or you can stay in elegant city hotels in vibrant neighborhoods.
No matter which property you choose, staying at one of these top-rated places to stay in the Midwest means experiencing a level of hospitality that feels both genuine and thoughtful. Guests can expect homemade breakfasts featuring regional flavors, well-appointed rooms with unique décor, and innkeepers who are eager to share local recommendations. Regardless of where you go and what experiences you choose to engage with, these properties go beyond providing a place to sleep—they create an experience that reflects the heart of the Midwest. Book one of our top places to stay in the Midwest today!
