The origins of music festivals date back to ancient Greece, where such events often involved competitions in music, arts and sports. Modern music festivals in the U.S. grew out of the establishment and ethos of Woodstock. Though it was not the first event of its kind (the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, Milwaukee’s Summerfest and the Monterey Pop Festival predate Woodstock), the 1969 event holds a mythical place within American pop-cultural history.
Festivals have
since
evolved from the DIY, communal spirit of Woodstock, growing into mainstream businesses that reap profits and
embrace
corporate sponsorships, as more than 32 million people attend them each year, according to Billboard.
Coachella,
one of
the most popular festivals in the country, grossed $114.6 million in 2017, setting a major record for
the first
recurring festival franchise to earn more than $100 million.