In the Christian music industry, there is a yearly calendar of expected events. New releases are usually released in the Fall, between August and November and in the Spring, between March and May.
What do the artists do in the off seasons? Many tour on their own in the Fall and in the Spring right after a project releases. In December, many will produce a Christmas album and do a Christmas concert tour. In early January, many Winter Tours kick off like Winter Jam and the Rock and Worship Road Show, and in the summer, many artists travel the nation performing in Christian music summer festivals.
Christian Music Festivals
Why have them? What's the purpose of hosting annual events like Winter Jams and Summer Music Fest? Basically, they all hold the same purpose. Each festival is an opportunity to share the Gospel and the message of God's love for all creation.
These festivals have become a way of evangelism. These outdoor concerts may reach people for Christ in ways other resources have not been able to. That is why there is so much excitement when these festivals roll around each year. These 1 day to 4 day festivals are usually an inexpensive way to see some awesome Christian musicians and hear about their latest and upcoming projects.
Many families utilize these festivals as inexpensive vacation venues that will easily entertain the young and the old. Most festivals offer on site camping and have a kids play area. Vendors usually have food available for purchase on site and fun special events are routinely scheduled throughout the festival to raise awareness to several causes. Many festivals hold 5K runs or battle of the band contest.
Annual Summer Christian Music Festivals in the USA
There are many summer Christian music festivals scheduled each year from coast to coast. Below is a small sampling of the most popular yearly events. If planning to attend one of these events, buy tickets and book accommodations early.
- Glory at the Gardens -This is held in May at Busch Gardens in Tampa Florida.
- Beach Blast - Held in May at Myrtle Beach, SC. Myrtle Beach is known as a family vacation spot. It's fun. There are many family friendly attractions and it's relatively affordable compared to other vacation hot spots.
- Ichthus Music Festival - Held in June in Wilmore, KY. It has been around for more than 40 years. It's a three-day music, media, and ministry experience that includes six stages (that run simultaneously), more than 120 artists and 20 guest speakers, a skate park, a kid's zone, and camping.
- Atlanta Fest - Held in June at Stone Mountain Amusement Park in Atlanta, Georgia. This festival is over 25 years old and annually host some of the biggest names in Christian music.
- Creation Fest - This is actually a series of two Christian music festivals held in July : Creation Northwest and Creation Northeast.
- SonShine Festival - Held usually the 2nd week of July in Wilmar, MN. It is the largest annual Christian music and family camping event in Minnesota. It's been around for over 30 years.
- Spirit West Coast - Held in August in Monterrey, California. This festival has been around over 15 years. Festival held on 7 stages with over 15 hours of concerts. Annually anticipates over 10,000 visitors.
- Night of Joy - Held in September at Disney World in Orlando, Florida
- Rock the Universe - Held in September at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, usually the same time as Disney's Night of Joy.
Amy Wingfield - Amy, a freelance writer since 1999, has combined her passion for writing and for Christian music.There's always a story behind the ...
