Introduction to Music and Arts Festivals for 2024
Other than skiing, hiking or biking, I can’t think of many things my wife and I enjoy more than music festivals or concerts of any kind. Of course, summer is peak season for music and arts festivals, as it lends itself to an outdoor venue, sometimes in some of the most beautiful settings in the US. Though it is only March, like you, I look at spring and summer with anticipation. What better way to wet that appetite than a rundown of this year’s upcoming music and arts festivals. Admittedly, I use that term loosely, as you may see some festivals listed that don’t directly fit under that category.
Expert Sources of Music Festival Information for 2024
A Complete Guide to 2024’s Music Festivals
US Weekly magazine brings us this comprehensive, chronological guide to the major music festivals in the US for 2024. You will find this list favors mainstream rock, country and alternative music. I did not see much in the way of jazz or classical music.
Summer Music Festivals 2024: Performers, Dates, & Locations
This article comes from People magazine and highlights 32 “summer” music festivals. I am happy to see that their list includes one jazz festival as well as mainstream rocker events. Understandably, there are quite a few repeats from the first article, but a few new additions.
Music Festival Wizard
This is not an article, but a great search tool. You can search for music festivals by genre, artist, date, venue or several other characteristics. For those like myself that are looking for more than the mainstream, hip, uber-crowded rock scene, this is a wonderful place to start.
Newport Classical Music Festival
Save the date for the 2024 Festival: July 4 – 21, 2024. The 2024 Festival schedule will be announced on March 26, 2024.
The National Repertory Orchestra
The National Repertory Orchestra (NRO) stands as an educational institution, annually selecting 80 exceptionally talented young musicians for participation in the Summer Music Festival. Here, they delve into an extensive repertoire while receiving valuable mentorship and leadership training. The NRO is dedicated to striking a balance between the participants’ needs and those of the community, aiming to cultivate socially-conscious musicians and equip them for successful careers in the realm of music.
Nestled in the picturesque and historically rich ski town of Breckenridge, Colorado, the NRO feels privileged to call this location home. The majority of their concerts unfold in the state-of-the-art Riverwalk Center, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the community. The orchestra extends its musical outreach to various locations within the state of Colorado.
Throughout the eight-week Summer Music Festival season, the NRO dazzles audiences with up to 18 orchestral concerts and more than 32 free, community-oriented, family-friendly performances. This unique opportunity allows young, gifted musicians to gain invaluable experience by participating in a diverse array of orchestral and chamber works. Under the guidance of Music Director Michael Stern and in collaboration with world-renowned guest conductors, the NRO fosters a rich musical environment for growth and artistic development.
Being from Colorado, my wife and I have had the chance to attend an NRO concert. Frankly, one of my favorite activities is riding my bike to the venue during the day when they are practicing. The practices are “open” and very lightly attend. As an alternative, you can lounge in the green space between the concert hall and the Blue River and listen to the sounds of classical music drift to you outside.
Arts Festivals
Arts Festival Calendar
Artfestival.com, from Howard Alan Events, a public relations and advertising agency specializing in art show promotions, is an outlet for Howard Alan, a retired chiropractor. Artfestival allows Howard to combine his recently discovered talent for promotion and his passion for the arts.
Your 2024 cultural calendar, from art fairs to festivals
From Roadbook, a digital platform for a new type of global traveller. Explore city guides, interviews with global taste makers and compelling stories on the future of travel. With this calendar, Roadbook has scoured the world’s cultural happenings and produced this curated list just for your reading (and dreaming) pleasure.
Music, Wildflowers and More!
Wildflower & Music Festival
If you love the mountains and live out west, check out the Pebble Creek Wildflower and Music Festival scheduled for June 22, 2024. Embrace the beauty of wildflowers at their peak during Pebble Creek’s annual Wildflower Festival, coupled with the delightful ambiance of live music and the scenic mountain setting. This summer event is a must-attend!
Concert enthusiasts can settle comfortably amidst the wildflowers on the slope, where they can place their lawn chairs and blankets, ensuring a perfect view of both the performers and the sunset. Gates will swing open at 12:30, and admission is $20 per person. Secure your spot early by grabbing advance tickets for just $15, available at Barrie’s Ski & Sports, The Sand Trap, and Bisharat’s Market in Inkom. Don’t miss out on this fantastic experience!
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
Every July, the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival unfolds as a captivating 10-day event. Immerse yourself in over 200 workshops dedicated to wildflower expertise, spanning various domains such as painting, pollination, photography, culinary arts, and guided hikes into the untamed wilderness. Located in the heart of the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte, this annual festival is a celebration of nature’s vibrant beauty and offers a diverse array of experiences for enthusiasts and learners alike.
Best Flower Festivals in the US
From USA Today, we have a run-down of flower festivals across the country, where you can learn more about each and then vote for your favorite.
10 Stunning Flower Festivals Around the World to Visit in 2024
If you truly love flowers as well as travel, this is an article for you. Check out these flower festivals where you can enjoy the splendor and variety of what God’s creation has to offer.
Top 7 Flower Festivals to See in 2024
A few repeats from the previous flower festival list, but provides a little in the way of travel advice and resources as well.