Music Festivals in the Southwest You Need to Attend in 2024

The American Southwest boasts a vibrant music scene, a fact reflected in a calendar that offers a diverse range of musical events for concertgoers throughout the year. From country and bluegrass to rock and roll and hip hop, each year, music fans from all over the country travel all over the Southwest to attend some of the biggest and most exciting music festivals around — and in the best weather, too!

Featuring top performers, popular venues, and unique cultural experiences, these are must-see events for both die-hard music fans and those simply looking for a fun weekend getaway…and they should be on your radar if they aren't already!

Why Attend Music Festivals in the Southwest?

Why go to music festivals in the Southwest when there are plenty of other ones elsewhere? Well, the answer is simple: Have you ever been there? The winters are mild compared to much of the rest of the country, and springtime tends to start earlier in the year, too...meaning you can spend a lot of time outside listening to music and not really need to bundle up. 

Plus, the sheer variety of artists available boggles the mind!

Music Festivals in the Southwest You Need to Attend in 2024

Now that you understand why you should attend music festivals in the Southwest, it's time to take a look at the ones you should absolutely make arrangements to attend in 2024.

Country Thunder Arizona - Florence, AZ

If you're a fan of country music, then Country Thunder Arizona 2024 is the place to be April 11-14. Just look at the lineup: Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Eric Church, and more. Of course, there are other associated Country Thunder events in other US and Canadian locales throughout the year, but the Arizona event is the original and is the perfect way to enjoy some late spring desert weather.

Punk Rock Bowling 2023 - Las Vegas, NV

One of the more esoteric musical festivals in the Southwest, Punk Rock Bowling combines the glitz and atmosphere only Vegas can provide with two of life's other great pleasures: punk rock and bowling. Rock out to over 25 punk rock bands, including guests like Billy Bragg, Rocket from the Crypt, and more, as you watch bowling teams duke it out on the lanes.

¡Globalquerque! - Albuquerque, NM

¡Globalquerque! is a celebration of world music and culture held each September at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Musical guests truly hail from all over the world; while 2024’s lineup has yet to be announced, 2023's ¡Globalquerque! featured acts from India, Mali, Ukraine, Colombia, Estonia, Sweden, Haiti, Mexico, Ethiopia, and Israel. Gonna be in Albuquerque this fall? Check it out!

Deer Valley Music Festival - Park City, UT

Not all of the music festivals in the Southwest have you bouncing to the latest pop hits or sensations, and the Deer Valley Music Festival in Park City, Utah is an example. Held each year by the Utah Symphony, the Deer Valley Music Festival features chamber music, pop, and classical artists at several venues in the Park City area. Past guests include The B-52s, Diana Krall, Tony Bennett, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Sounds (pun intended) like fun!

Telluride Bluegrass Festival - Telluride, CO

Whenever summer comes around, so does the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. For four days each June (this year the 20th-23th), music lovers from far and wide converge on this ski resort and festival town to experience a range of performers. This year’s Telluride Bluegrass Festival features Sam Bush Band, Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell, and more. 

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival - Indio, CA

Everybody knows Coachella, right? With a lineup each year that seemingly spans every musical genre, this is one of the premier music festivals in the Southwest (Southern California counts!) for anyone who loves music, art, and/or culture. 2024’s headliners have yet to be announced, but previous headliners include Blackpink, Bad Bunny, and Frank Ocean, with other notable acts sprinkled throughout two weekends in April (the 12th-14th and 19th-21st). Don't miss it!

Head to Southwestern Music Festivals With Cruise America

The music festivals in the Southwest listed above are a great way to enjoy the sights and sounds of your favorite artists in gorgeous settings. Of course, these music festivals are only part of the equation for having a good time; you also need a way to get to them! There's actually no better way to travel to these Southwestern music festivals than in an RV, and for that, Cruise America has you covered. 

For more than 50 years, Cruise America has been helping travelers like you hit the road in fully equipped, safe, and modern RV rentals. And, if you'd rather attend some 2024 music festivals in an RV you own, Cruise can hook you up with a pre-owned RV sure to satisfy all of your needs. If you're ready to hit the road to experience some musical greatness in the Southwest, get in touch with us today!