9 of the Most Tragic Music Festival Catastrophes in U.S. History

Over the past few decades, music festivals have grown immensely in popularity, transitioning from iconic counter-culture events like Woodstock to massive mainstream gatherings such as EDC in Las Vegas. However, with large crowds come inherent risks, including injuries and fatalities. The presence of drugs and alcohol, which are prevalent at such events, further exacerbates these dangers. Below, we explore some of the most tragic music festivals in U.S. history that ended in disaster.

Route 91 Harvest Festival // 2017 

The Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas became the site of the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. This horrific event claimed 60 lives and left hundreds injured, with approximately 413 people wounded by gunfire and an additional 867 injured in the ensuing chaos. The physical and emotional scars from this tragedy continue to affect survivors and their families to this day.

Astroworld Festival // 2021 

The 2021 Astroworld concert stunned the nation as a crowd surge led to 10 fatalities and more than 700 injuries. During Travis Scott’s set, a massive push toward the stage resulted in fatal compression, a condition known as compression asphyxia, where external pressure restricts breathing. Despite attempts to notify event staff, the situation escalated too quickly to prevent the tragedy.

By May 2024, all 10 families of the victims had reached settlements in wrongful death lawsuits with Live Nation and Travis Scott, though the amounts remain undisclosed.

South by Southwest // 2014 

During the 2014 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, a horrifying scene unfolded as a car drove the wrong way, smashed through a barricade, and barreled into a crowd before crashing. The driver, 21-year-old aspiring rapper Rashad Owens, is now serving a life sentence. He was intoxicated and fleeing police when the incident claimed four lives and injured approximately 20 others.

In a heartbreaking repeat, another drunk driver fleeing police near the SXSW festival in 2024 struck and killed two pedestrians. One victim, a local chef, died instantly, while the other succumbed to injuries at the hospital.

Faster Horses Country Music & Camping Festival // 2021 

During the 2021 Faster Horses Festival, five campers were discovered unconscious in their trailer by a sixth individual. Their portable generator, placed too close to the camper, was emitting exhaust underneath it. An unlocked compartment allowed the toxic fumes to seep inside.

Although some in the group noticed a strange odor and one complained of a headache, they failed to identify the issue in time. Three individuals succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning, while the remaining two were airlifted to a hospital and eventually recovered. 

Beyond Wonderland // 2023 

In 2023, tragedy marred this Southern California festival organized by Insomniac Events. James M. Kelley, an active military member, consumed hallucinogenic mushrooms and became convinced the world was ending. He opened fire on the crowd, killing an engaged couple and injuring his girlfriend and two others.

Kelley later entered a not guilty plea to two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and one count of first-degree domestic violence assault. His trial is scheduled to start in August 2024. The families of the victims also initiated a lawsuit against Live Nation, citing their policy prohibiting weapons and illegal drugs at the festival.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival // 2013 

In 2013, a tragic eight-vehicle collision occurred near the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on Interstate 24. A big rig driver failed to stop in time, crashing into multiple cars and a tractor-trailer, causing both trucks to overturn. Several vehicles caught fire, and while some individuals were rescued, two people lost their lives when the vehicles exploded. The big rig driver was charged with offenses including failure to exercise due care. 

All Good Music Festival // 2011

In 2011, a pickup truck lost control and tumbled down a hill in the camping area of this West Virginia music festival, hitting vehicles and tents. The driver stated he was instructed to park on the steep, grassy slope; when attempting to leave, he lost control on the wet grass.

The truck crushed a tent where three friends were sleeping, coming to rest on top of one woman, who died from chest compression. Her two injured friends were airlifted to a hospital and survived. While no charges were filed against the driver, he faced lawsuits from the deceased’s father and one of the injured survivors. 

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass // 2015

Hardly Strictly, a free annual music festival in San Francisco, is known for its wholesome vibe. However, in 2015, 23-year-old Audrey Carey, a Canadian backpacker, was discovered dead at the event. She had been murdered by three individuals who had befriended her. It was revealed they had used drugs together before robbing Carey and leaving her to die. The same group was also charged with killing another woman shortly after and are currently incarcerated.

Once Upon a Time in LA // 2021 

Drakeo the Ruler, a rising rapper, was backstage preparing to perform when a group of approximately 40 people attacked him, resulting in his fatal stabbing. His family filed a $20 million wrongful death lawsuit against Live Nation, alleging insufficient security contributed to the tragedy. A judge denied Live Nation’s motion to dismiss the case in early 2023.