Spring Festivals Worth Traveling For
From the sun-soaked beaches of Saint Lucia to the lively waterfronts of Fort Lauderdale, this spring’s music festivals are turning some of the most exciting destinations into can’t-miss travel experiences. With major headliners from John Legend and Earth, Wind & Fire to Luke Combs and Dave Matthews, these festivals offer the perfect excuse to pack your bags and explore somewhere new. Below are the top festivals worth traveling for this season—along with the best hotels to elevate your trip.
Fort Lauderdale
Luke Combs, Keith Urban and Jelly Roll headline Fort Lauderdale’s Tortuga Music Festival (April 4-6) with easy access to the city’s stunning beaches and waterways. Where to stay: In January 2025, Pier Sixty-Six Resort, a legacy luxury resort for over 60 years, was unveiled after a multi-billion-dollar redevelopment. On 32-acres of the Intracoastal Waterway – overlooking one of the largest superyacht marinas on the eastern seaboard – the resort is introducing many firsts and legendary reopening’s – from a rotating bar to the region’s first snow room.
New Orleans
Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews, Santana and many more headline this year’s New Orleans for Jazz Fest (April 24-May 4). Where to stay: Ideally positioned just a short walk from the French Quarter and the perfect respite after a busy festival day, the historic “Belle of New Orleans,” Le Pavillon, New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, has been revived following a $19-million-dollar renovation. The hotel is home to six themed suites with local ties, multi-million-dollar collection of rare antiquities including French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s Carrera marble bathtub.
St. Lucia
With an icon-studded lineup of headliners from John Legend to Earth, Wind and Fire, Beenie Man and Gretchen Wilson, The Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival (April 30 – May 11) draws more and more travelers each year as one of the largest festivals in the entire Caribbean and epic performances at the Pigeon Island National Landmark. Where to stay: In addition to a $200 resort credit and daily breakfast for festival goers, the all-villa The Landings Resort and Spa offers all-inclusive packages for its one, two and three-bedroom villas sleeping up to 6 with full kitchens, private plunge pools, butler service and more. Guests also have access to onsite cultural activities from Caribbean cooking classes to Steel Pan Drum lessons.
Key West
The 29th annual Songwriters Festival (April 30-May 4) takes over Key West with over 200 artists performing across more than 30 unique venues, including beaches, boats, bars, resorts, and historic theaters. Where to stay: Sitting on the island’s largest private beach, the legendary Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton is now open following a transformative $79 million renovation. Once a gathering place for presidents, Hollywood Stars, and local authors, the waterfront resort is brimming with Key West character like its rum bar inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s famous sea trilogy, two piers teeming with water activities, an on-site resident sand sculptor, and much more.
