If you’re already dreaming of desert sunsets, thumping basslines, and crowd energy that gives you goosebumps, you’re in the right place. 2025 is shaping up to be an electric year for music lovers, with the best music festivals in the US promising everything from massive pop moments to soul-shaking jazz, raging EDM nights, and down-home country singalongs.
Whether you’re a seasoned festie or a first-time wristband warrior, this music festival guide brings you the top music festivals 2025 offers.
Organized by month and packed with headliner details, Instagram inspiration, and tips on where to get your music festival tickets, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable year of live music events across the country.
April 2025
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
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- Location: Indio, California
- Dates: April 11–13 & 18–20, 2025
- Headliners: Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone, Travis Scott
- Why Go:
Coachella is the ultimate blend of music, fashion, and art. Set in the California desert, it delivers iconic performances and surprise collaborations. It’s where culture meets spectacle—and everyone wants to be seen. - Website: coachella.com
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
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- Location: New Orleans, LA
- Dates: April 24 – May 4, 2025
- Headliners: Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Santana
- Why Go:
Dive into the soul of New Orleans through jazz, blues, and more. This fest is a full cultural immersion—think local cuisine, second-line parades, and legendary acts. It’s heritage and harmony in one. - Website: nojazzfest.com
- Instagram: @jazzfest
Stagecoach Festival
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- Location: Indio, California
- Dates: April 25–27, 2025
- Headliners: Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll, Luke Combs
- Why Go:
Country music’s biggest names, cowboy boots, and wide-open skies—Stagecoach is a honky-tonk paradise. Enjoy singalongs, dancing, and that feel-good, down-home energy. It’s Nashville meets the desert. - Website: stagecoachfestival.com
- Instagram: @stagecoach
May 2025
iHeartCountry Festival
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- Location: Austin, Texas
- Date: May 3, 2025
- Headliners: Thomas Rhett, Sam Hunt, Brooks & Dunn, Megan Moroney
- Why Go:
Just one day, but all the stars were there. This fest brings Nashville to Austin with a jam-packed lineup of chart-toppers and crowd-pleasers. It’s country magic in the city of live music. - Website: iheart.com
- Instagram: @iheartcountry
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)
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- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Dates: May 16–18, 2025
- Headliners: Afrojack, Adam Ten, Adrenalize
- Why Go:
Step into a world of lights, lasers, and nonstop bass. EDC is the mecca of EDM, with surreal stages and massive energy. It’s like stepping into another universe—and dancing the whole time. - Website: lasvegas.electricdaisycarnival.com
- Instagram: @edc_lasvegas
Boston Calling
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- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Dates: May 23–25, 2025
- Headliners: Luke Combs, Fall Out Boy, Dave Matthews Band
- Why Go:
Boston Calling offers something for every rock and indie lover. With its city-meets-festival vibe, you’ll enjoy killer sets, great eats, and skyline views. It’s East Coast cool, turned up—and easily one of the best music festivals in the US. - Website: bostoncalling.com
- Instagram: @bostoncalling
Lightning in a Bottle
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- Location: Buena Vista Lake, CA
- Dates: May 21–25, 2025
- Headliners: Skrillex, Labrinth, Lane 8, James Blake, M.I.A.
- Why Go:
This fest is more than music—it’s an experience. Expect art, yoga, workshops, and conscious community vibes. If Coachella had a mindful, free-spirited sibling, this would be it. It’s one of the best music festivals in the US for soul seekers. Add it to your ultimate music festival guide for a transformative time. - Website: libfestival.org
- Instagram: @libfestival
The Governors Ball
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- Location: NYC, New York
- Dates: June 6-8, 2025
- Headliners: TBA
- Why Go:
Set in the heart of NYC, this fest mixes big beats with city lights. Expect a genre-hopping lineup and a distinctly urban festival experience. Come for the music; stay for the street food. - Website: govball.com
- Instagram: @govballnyc
June 2025
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
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- Location: Manchester, Tennessee
- Dates: June 12–15, 2025
- Headliners: Luke Combs, Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, the Creator, Cage the Elephant
- Why Go:
Bonnaroo is four days of pure musical magic on a 700-acre Tennessee farm. With camping, comedy, yoga, and nonstop music, it’s a vibe-packed village. Come for the headliners, stay for the community. - Website: bonnaroo.com
- Instagram: @bonnaroo
Summerfest (Partly in July)
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- Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Dates: June 19-21, June 26-28 & July 3-5 2025 (3 weekends)
- Headliners: TBA
- Why Go:
With 800+ acts on 12 stages, Summerfest is one of the biggest music events on Earth. From pop to indie, rock to hip-hop, it’s a genre buffet on the beautiful Milwaukee lakefront—undoubtedly one of the best music festivals in the US. - Website: summerfest.com
- Instagram: @summerfest
July 2025
Summerfest (continues from June)
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- Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Dates: June 19-21, June 26-28 & July 3-5 2025 (held over 3 weekends)
- Headliners: TBA
- Why Go:
Nicknamed the “World’s Largest Music Festival,” Summerfest hosts hundreds of artists on the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline. It’s a genre-spanning celebration with food, fireworks, and non-stop shows. - Website: summerfest.com
- Instagram: @summerfest
August 2025
Lollapalooza
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- Location: Grant Park, Chicago, IL
- Dates: July 31 – August 3, 2025
- Headliners: Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, TWICE, Doechii, Tyler, the Creator, Gracie Abrams, Rüfüs Du Sol, Korn, A$AP Rocky, Luke Combs
- Why Go:
This four-day fest transforms Chicago’s Grant Park into a massive music playground. Lolla is a summer staple with top-tier talent across every genre, epic skyline views, and late-night energy. - Website: lollapalooza.com
- Instagram: @lollapalooza
Outside Lands
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- Location: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
- Dates: August 8–10, 2025
- Headliners: Tyler, the Creator, Doja Cat, Hozier
- Why Go:
Music, art, and food collide at this Bay Area gem. Chill among redwoods, snack on gourmet eats, and vibe to a cutting-edge lineup. It’s the ultimate festival for music lovers with taste. - Website: sfoutsidelands.com
- Instagram: @outsidelands
Burning Man (not a traditional festival, but iconic)
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- Location: Black Rock Desert, Nevada
- Dates: August 24 – September 1, 2025
- Why Go:
Not your average music fest, Burning Man is a temporary city built on radical self-expression, art, and creativity. Expect jaw-dropping installations, deep beats, and a dust-covered journey. - Website: burningman.org
- Instagram: @burningman
September 2025
Bumbershoot
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- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Dates: August 30–31, 2025
- Headliners: To Be Announced
- Why Go:
Bumbershoot transforms Seattle Center into a vibrant arts playground, blending music, comedy, theater, and visual arts. It’s a celebration of creativity that mirrors the eclectic spirit of the Pacific Northwest. - Website: bumbershoot.com
- Instagram: @bumbershoot
Riot Fest
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- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Dates: September 19–21, 2025
- Headliners: To Be Announced
- Why Go:
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Riot Fest is a haven for punk, rock, and alternative music lovers. One of the best music festivals in the US, it’s known for epic reunions and a carnival atmosphere—where nostalgia meets new-age rebellion. - Website: riotfest.org
- Instagram: @riot_fest
October 2025
Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL)
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- Location: Austin, Texas
- Dates: October 3–5 & 10–12, 2025
- Headliners: To Be Announced
- Why Go:
Set in Zilker Park, ACL offers two weekends of diverse music acts across multiple stages. From chart-toppers to local gems, it’s a sonic feast deep in the heart of Texas. - Website: aclfestival.com
- Instagram: @aclfestival
Let the Music Move You at the Best Music Festivals in the US
Get ready to update your playlist and pack your bags—festival season is calling. 2025 is shaping up to be a wild ride of sound, lights, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re into indie vibes, bass drops, or classic rock, there’s something for everyone.
Each festival brings its own rhythm, culture, and crowd to the stage.
From desert stages to forest hideaways, 2025 brings the best music festivals in the US—more than just concerts, they’re full-blown experiences.
Whether planning your next trip around summer music festivals, hunting for the hottest festival lineup 2025, or searching for the perfect concert festivals 2025 to match your vibe, there’s something here for every music lover. These upcoming music festivals promise high-energy sets, creative atmospheres, and the kind of memories you’ll want to relive on repeat.
So grab your music festival tickets, rally your crew, and bookmark this guide as your go-to for all things live music events. The top music festivals 2025 are calling—don’t miss a beat.
FAQs: How to Prepare for a Music Festival
1. What should I pack for a music festival?
Bring the basics: comfy clothes, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, portable phone charger, sunglasses, and weather-appropriate gear. Don’t forget your ticket, ID, and good vibes!
2. How can I stay safe at a music festival?
Hydration is key—drink water regularly. Stick with your group, know where the medical tents are, and set a meeting point in case you get separated. Follow all event safety guidelines.
3. Are music festivals 2025 suitable for children?
Some festivals are family-friendly, offering kid zones or family passes. Others are 18+ or 21+. Always check the festival’s official policies and amenities before bringing children.
4. How early should I arrive at the festival grounds?
Aim to arrive at least 60–90 minutes before your must-see act. This gives you time to park, get through security, explore the grounds, and grab a snack or drink before the show.
5. What is the best way to purchase festival tickets?
Always buy tickets through the official festival website or authorized ticketing partners. Avoid third-party scams and social media resellers for the best music festivals in the U.S.
