There’s something timeless and healing about soul music, how it digs deep, stirs emotions, and brings people together. 

Across the globe, festivals dedicated to soul music have become cultural touchpoints, offering unforgettable performances in electric atmospheres. Whether you’re chasing classic Motown sounds or vibing with neo-soul’s modern edge, these gatherings are where soul truly comes alive.

Must-Attend Soul Music Festivals 

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (USA)

  • Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Dates: Late April – Early May (annually)
  • Why Go: A rich mix of soul, jazz, blues, gospel, and funk. Think Aretha Franklin, Erykah Badu, and John Legend on one stage.
  • Vibe: Held at the Fair Grounds Race Course, this historic fest fuses music with Creole cuisine, crafts, and deep-rooted culture.

North Sea Jazz Festival (Netherlands)

  • Location: Rotterdam
  • Dates: Mid-July
  • Why Go: Europe’s largest indoor music festival isn’t strictly soul, but its soul and R&B lineup is always strong—past performers include D’Angelo, Jill Scott, and Alicia Keys.
  • Vibe: A chic, international crowd with a deep appreciation for high-caliber music.

Capital Jazz Fest (USA)

  • Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, Maryland
  • Dates: Early June
  • Why Go: Known as the “Jazz Festival with Soul,” it features a who’s who of neo-soul and smooth R&B—think Ledisi, Maxwell, and Kem.
  • Vibe: Outdoorsy, laid-back, and family-friendly with food vendors and wellness sessions.

Love Supreme Jazz Festival (UK)

  • Location: Glynde Place, East Sussex
  • Dates: Early July
  • Why Go: A British favorite with a soulful heart. Artists like Lianne La Havas, Erykah Badu, and Gregory Porter have graced its stage.
  • Vibe: Sophisticated countryside vibes with a tented main stage, vinyl lounges, and wine tastings.

Chicago Blues Festival (USA)

  • Location: Millennium Park, Chicago
  • Dates: Early June
  • Why Go: The largest free blues festival in the world, it leans into the roots of soul and R&B with powerhouse sets from artists like Mavis Staples and Otis Clay.
  • Vibe: Open-air, community-centered, and packed with Chicago-style soul food.

Why These Festivals Matter

Beyond the music, these festivals celebrate the heartbeat of soul—its power to connect, uplift, and tell stories that resonate across generations. They honor the genre’s rich legacy while championing the voices shaping its future. Whether you find yourself dancing under the Lisbon sun or swaying beneath the New Orleans stars, each festival is a cultural mosaic, layered with sound, flavor, and shared joy.Ready to add some soul to your travel plans? Bookmark a festival (or two), pack your bags, and follow the rhythm wherever it leads. And for artist spotlights, soulful playlists, and more insider picks, head over to DLK Soul!