In March, USA TODAY’s readers voted Joshua Tree Music Festival the top music festival in the country. It is irresistible for many who have danced in the desert at night, shared food with strangers, or wandered into a late-night sound bath beneath the stars.
Founded in 2003 by Barnett English, the festival has always prioritized connection over commercialism. English, a fan of music festivals, discovered the high desert and recognized it as the perfect location. He started with 500 friends and no clear plan. Today, the festival hosts thousands of artists, families, climbers, travelers, and locals, making everyone feel welcome.
JTMF occurs twice yearly at Joshua Tree Dry Lake Campground in May and October. It features a diverse worldwide musical lineup, over 100 workshops, including yoga and dance classes, a bustling world market, and Kidsville, an interactive zone for children. In recent years, the festival has expanded its programming to include more visible spaces of belonging, such as the Queer Salon, a community-led initiative offering LGBTQ+ workshops, conversations, and social events during the weekend.
“It’s not about checking boxes,” English said. “It’s about showing up, being real, and creating space for everyone to feel seen.” We don’t cater to any one group. We welcome everyone.”
As costs continue to rise, making ends meet remains challenging. Sometimes, English said, he wondered why he was holding the festival. “But then,” English added thoughtfully, “I remember… especially when the festival is only five or six days away, I’m so excited. I’ve been having, you know, 20, 30, 40 daily conversations with people on their way here, and how excited they are and how much it means to people.”
There is still room for the festival to grow, primarily through word of mouth. Tell your friends and bring your family; there is something for everyone.
Despite national recognition, JTMF remains local, accessible, and people-powered. “We learn as we go, but the heart of it has always been the same: good music, good people, and space to connect,” English said in closing.
This festival runs October 10–13. For details and tickets, go to: joshuatreemusicfestival.com.
