Concert Tourism: Must-Visit Destinations for Music Lovers

With concert tourism thriving again, music lovers return to traveling the world to see their favorite artists and bands in new destinations. Earlier this month, thousands of Taylor Swift fans from across the country traveled to Glendale, Arizona, for the opening weekend of her sold-out Eras Tour. Whether a fan of pop, country, reggae, jazz, rap or rock, here are some destinations with unique venues offering exciting concerts and music festivals this year.

© Visit Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach, Florida

Although Panama City Beach is best known for its more than 27 miles of white-sand beaches and breathtaking waters, the destination is also home to Seabreeze Jazz Festival, one of the top jazz music festivals in the country, as well as the annual Gulf Coast Jam, which welcomes country music’s biggest stars in June. This year, the line-up includes Morgan Wallen, Miranda Lambert and Kane Brown.

© New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism

New Jersey

The historic shore town of Asbury Park is home to incredible beaches, a revitalized boardwalk, delicious restaurants and one of the most anticipated music festivals of the year, Sea Hear Now. The festival takes concertgoers through two days of music, with more than 25 bands and three stages, two in the sand and one in a park venue. This year, headliners include iconic names like The Killers, Foo Fighters and Sheryl Crow.

© Visit Norfolk, VA

Norfolk, Virginia

For travelers looking for the ultimate music-filled summer getaway, Norfolk, Virginia, offers the perfect combination of summer fun, delicious cuisine and great music. On May 26, the Atlantic Union Bank 2023 Patriotic Festival in Town Point Park kicks off. The three-day festival celebrates and honors our U.S. military with displays, exhibits and activities, as well as performances from Sam Hunt, Jordan Davis, Cody Johnson, Walker Hayes, Corey Kent and Randy Houser.

© Visit Mississippi

Mississippi

As the birthplace for America’s music, Mississippi offers a more authentic experience for true music fans. The state’s Blues and Country Music Trails take travelers through iconic music history sites, anchored by several once-in-a-lifetime music festivals. In Tupelo every June, the King is honored by the best tribute performers in the business at Tupelo Elvis Festival. Along the blues highway through the Delta, visitors can discover the crossroads where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil and even see a few sites laying claim to his grave on the way to the Juke Joint Festival. For four days in May, live blues pour out of venues and businesses all over the small town.