What better ways are there to celebrate music, art, food, culture, and community than with a festival? In 2023, we were treated to a lineup of fantastic festivals that launched for the first time, giving you more new options to explore and enjoy.
From music extravaganzas to cultural immersions and foodie adventures, an expert panel nominated their top picks for best new festivals and readers voted for their favorites. Here are the 10 best new festivals.
Photo courtesy of gpointstudio / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 10: Adjacent Festival – Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City, New Jersey, is undoubtedly a summer destination, and what better way to welcome the season than a two-day beachside festival? For its inaugural event, Adjacent Festival took over Memorial Day weekend at the shore with headliner artists including Paramore and Blink-182.
Photo courtesy of Black Authors Festival
No. 9: Black Authors Festival – Sag Harbor, New York
Co-founded by Darlene Williams and Verdel Jones, the mission of the Black Authors Festival is twofold: to celebrate Black contributions to the literary world and reinspire Black people to pen and publish their own stories. The inaugural event featured food from celebrity chef Marc Bynum, live music, and rousing conversations.
Photo courtesy of NICE CROWD/ Aaron Thornton
No. 8: Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival – Washington, D.C.
The Wharf is considered by locals as the “new heart of D.C.,” and the…
