The Best Value Mega-Festivals of 2024 Shows Milwaukees Summerfest Takes Top Spot With Lollapalooza In Top 5

May 01, 2024 admin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0

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The Best Value Mega-Festivals of 2024 

 

• Summerfest is named the best-value festival, costing approximately $0.62 per performing artist, according to a new study. 
• EDC Las Vegas comes in second at $1.52 per artist, with Hard Summer following closely at $2.73 per artist. 
• Stagecoach Country Music Festival ranks last for value, setting you back $8.13 per artist. 

 

New research has found that Summerfest is the best-value music festival for 2024, with attendees paying just $0.62 per performing artist. 

 

To determine the best value festivals, a study by casino website McLuck analyzed ticket prices and artist lineups for all of America’s major mega-festivals this year. By dividing the total ticket cost by the number of performing artists, the data calculated the cost per artist for each festival. 

 

Summerfest, known as “The World’s Largest Music Festival,” also ranks as the best value. With a general admission pass costing $130 for all nine days (June 20-22, June 27-29, July 4-6), the Milwaukee-based festival comes to approximately $0.62 per performing artist. While some acts require separate tickets, the full lineup includes headliners like Mötley Crüe, SZA, Keith Urban, Maroon 5, and Lil Uzi Vert. 

 

Best Value Mega-Festivals 

 

Rank	Festival	Cost per Performing Artist
1	Summerfest	$0.62
2	EDC Las Vegas	$1.52
3	Hard Summer	$2.73
4	Coachella Music Festival	$2.98
5	Lollapalooza Chicago	$3.10
6	Sonic Temple Festival	$3.36
7	Sunfest	$3.69
8	Sick New World	$4.58
9	When We Were Young Festival	$6.13
10	Lovers & Friends Fest	$7.39
11	Cruel World Festival	$7.39
12	Stagecoach Country Music Festival	$8.13

 

EDC Las Vegas delivers the second-best value for music fans, offering access to 249 EDM artists for just $1.52 per artist. Held May 17th-19th at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, general admission is $379 per person, which gives you access to big names like Tiesto, David Guetta, and Eric Prydz. VIP packages for those seeking an elevated experience start at $1,200 and include exclusive amenities. 

 

Hard Summer lands the third spot for best value, featuring 74 artists for just $2.73 per performance. Held over August 3rd and 4th at Hollywood Park in Los Angeles, a 2-day general admission ticket for $202 gets you access to a stellar lineup including Disclosure, Jamie XX, Nelly Furtado, Chase & Status, and more. To upgrade to VIP for the exclusive poolside experience and viewing areas, it will cost you an extra $142 on top of your regular ticket. 

 

Attendance to this year’s Coachella Music Festival was priced at $499 for a 3-day general admission, amounting to roughly $2.98 per performer among the 167 acts. Taking place in Coachella Valley this month, the ticket holders had access to a star-studded lineup, which included Lana Del Rey, Tyler, the Creator, and Doja Cat. Upgrading to VIP also costed an additional $570 on top of the general admission ticket.

 

Finally, Lollapalooza Chicago brings big-name acts to Grant Park for $3.10 per artist, making it a strong contender for best festival value. To watch artists like Hozier, The Killers, Blink-182, and Skrillex across eight stages over four days (August 1st-4th), a general admission ticket will set you back $409.

 

Rounding out the ranking for best value per artist are Sonic Temple Festival at $3.36, Sunfest at $3.69, Sick New World at $4.58, When We Were Young Festival at $6.13, and Lovers & Friends Fest at $7.39.  

 

Joerg Nottebaum, spokesperson for McLuck, commented on the findings, “Basking in the sunshine and dancing to the world-class music is what these events are all about. From sampling delicious food vendors to singing along with loved ones, these festivals are guaranteed summer highlights.  

 

However, festival costs can add up fast. Where ticket prices have risen by 55% since 2014, music lovers can take advantage of this study by choosing the top-ranking festivals that give you the best bang for your buck. This way, you can make an informed decision and select the festival that best fits your budget, ensuring a summer filled with unforgettable moments.” 

 

Study conducted by:  https://www.mcluck.com/ 

  

Methodology: This study examined the official prices of general admission tickets for all mega-festivals across the United States, only considering those with a released lineup at the time of the study. Prices were taken directly from each festival’s website, and the prices listed during the research period were collected, excluding taxes and undisclosed fees. By calculating the cost per artist (including headliners and supporting acts), the study could identify the festivals that deliver the best value for the entire festival. Data correct as of April 2024. 

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