Musikfest, the nation’s largest free music festival, has been named the Best Music Festival in the United States in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, ArtsQuest announced Thursday.

The recognition marks Musikfest’s fourth win in the national awards and highlights the festival’s growing cultural and economic impact. In 2025, the 10-day event drew a record 1.45 million visitors to Bethlehem’s SteelStacks campus and SouthSide Arts District for more than 500 performances spanning rock, pop, country, indie, Latin, jazz, folk, and global music.

The festival also contributed $121.4 million in regional economic impact in 2025, supporting local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and vendors, while ArtsQuest programs collectively generated $192.7 million and 1,533 full-time equivalent jobs.

“Being named the best music festival in the country by USA Today readers for the fourth time is an incredible honor and a testament to the energy, creativity, and community spirit that define Musikfest,” said Kassie Hilgert, president and CEO of ArtsQuest.

Founded in 1984, Musikfest has become a cultural mainstay in Bethlehem while remaining largely free to attend. This year’s lineup includes headliners John Mulaney, “Weird Al” Yankovic, AJR, Train, Bailey Zimmerman, Parker McCollum, Yellowcard, Taking Back Sunday, Grupo Niche, and T.I., with special guest DaBaby on the Wind Creek Steel Stage.

The USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards honor standout travel destinations and experiences nationwide, with winners determined by public vote.