Music festivals' popularity has exploded, boosting revenues for host cities, artists, businesses, and a struggling recording industry. They also provide an environment very conducive for community development, for both locals and visitors alike. This research attempts to fill a literature gap by building on urban policy and arts policy theories to show how music festivals and music, in general, fit into the academic public administration discourse. These festivals have the potential to increase host cities' residents' quality of life and allow residents and visitors alike to experience new culture and showcase their own. However, a city that considers hosting a music festival cannot dive into the situation without careful considerations of significant challenges others have faced. Given these significant implications for cities for the better or worse, public administration scholars should examine this topic carefully and continue to monitor the new information about these festivals as it develops.