2025 Music Festival Season: Your Guide to Groove, Beats, and Unforgettable Moments
Your ultimate roadmap to the hottest festivals around the globe
Music lovers, festival-goers, and vibe-chasers—rejoice! The 2025 festival circuit is heating up, promising a year of spectacular lineups, immersive experiences, and a whole lot of dancing under the stars. From sun-soaked fields to urban jungles, there’s a celebration for every music taste. So dust off your boots, load up on glitter, and get ready to make memories that last a lifetime. Let’s dive into the must-attend events of 2025.
Two Step Inn Festival
Georgetown, TX — April 5–6, 2025
Kick off your festival season in true Texan style at the Two Step Inn Festival. With a focus on country music legends and rising stars, this event is all about the charm of the Lone Star State. Picture yourself line dancing to heartfelt ballads, feasting on BBQ, and soaking up that warm Southern hospitality. Rumor has it that Morgan Wallen might make an appearance, so be prepared to sing along to hits like “Sand in My Boots.”
Why you should go: Authentic country vibes, Texan comfort food, and the perfect excuse to bust out your cowboy boots and denim.
Coachella
Indio, CA — April 11–13 & April 18–20, 2025
A staple on the festival map, Coachella is as iconic as ever. With cutting-edge art installations, world-famous headliners, and a fashion scene that sets global trends, this festival is an experience like no other. Whether you’re there for the indie darlings or the hottest pop stars, the energy under the California sun is simply electric.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Sahara Tent for unforgettable EDM sets, and explore the food village for gourmet bites. Oh, and remember—water is your best friend in the desert heat.
The Governors Ball
New York City — June 6–8, 2025
Nothing says summer in the city like The Governors Ball. Hosted on a sprawling urban landscape with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop, this festival is a melting pot of rock, hip-hop, electronic, and everything in between. Expect top-tier headliners, quirky art installations, and some of the trendiest food vendors in the game.
Highlights: Immersive art experiences, mouthwatering NYC eats (from gourmet donuts to artisanal tacos), and a one-of-a-kind city vibe you won’t find anywhere else.
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
Manchester, TN — June 12–15, 2025
For those who crave a deeper connection to the festival spirit, Bonnaroo is your haven. Spread out over the sprawling fields of Tennessee, this four-day event is famed for its diverse lineup that touches every corner of the music world. Whether you’re dancing until sunrise at a late-night EDM set or swaying gently during an intimate acoustic show, Bonnaroo is all about exploring the many facets of sound.
Why You Should Go: A legendary camping culture that fosters community and camaraderie, a lineup that spans rock, hip-hop, EDM, folk, and more, plus magical sunrise sets you won’t forget.
Innings Festival
Tempe, AZ — February 21–22, 2025
Calling all baseball fans and rock enthusiasts—Innings Festival is the perfect blend of sports and music. Coinciding with spring training season, this event attracts rock, indie, and alt-rock heavyweights, while MLB players often make cameo appearances. Expect a laid-back atmosphere and the blissful Arizona weather to match.
What Makes It Unique: The fusion of America’s favorite pastime and top-tier live music, plus super chill vibes in the desert sun.
Extra Innings Festival
Tempe, AZ — February 28 – March 1, 2025
If you’re still hungry for more after Innings Festival, Extra Innings has you covered. Acting as a high-energy encore to the previous weekend, this spin-off event welcomes a broader mix of genres and even bigger party vibes. Think of it as the ultimate afterparty that refuses to wind down.
Insider Tip: Tickets are in high demand, so grab them early to avoid missing out on Arizona’s growing festival scene.
Rolling Loud
SoCal — March 14–15, 2025
Attention hip-hop heads: Rolling Loud is back with another unstoppable lineup of rap’s biggest names and rising stars. Expect jaw-dropping stages, booming bass, and a crowd that knows how to get lit from start to finish. Whether you’re belting out every lyric at the rail or vibing out at the back, Rolling Loud is all about celebrating hip-hop culture.
Expect: High-octane performances, epic pyrotechnics, and an unapologetically hype atmosphere.
Ultra Music Festival
Miami, FL — March 28–30, 2025
Dance music devotees, mark your calendars for Ultra—the crown jewel of EDM festivals. Hosted in sunny Miami, Ultra delivers next-level stages, world-renowned DJs, and an unforgettable party vibe. From mainstream EDM to underground techno, you’ll find a soundscape to lose yourself in.
Don’t Miss: The Resistance stage for techno and house, mind-blowing main stage visuals, and the unbeatable Miami beaches and nightlife.
Lollapalooza
Chicago, IL — August 1–4, 2025
One of the most iconic festivals in the world, Lollapalooza transforms Chicago’s Grant Park into a wonderland of sound. With a lineup that spans pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic, and everything in between, there’s something here for every type of music lover. Stroll from stage to stage, sample the city’s famous deep-dish pizza, and soak in the vibrant summer atmosphere.
Why It’s Special: A diverse lineup that unites fans of all genres, the beautiful downtown Chicago skyline, and legendary headliners that keep the energy pulsing day and night.
Sand in My Boots — Morgan Wallen Tour
Gulf Shores, AL — May 16–18, 2025
While not technically a festival, Morgan Wallen’s highly anticipated tour deserves a spot on your radar. With chart-topping hits and that signature country twang, this show promises to bring all the feels. If you can’t make it to a big festival, catching Morgan Wallen live is the next best thing.
Pro Tip: Tickets are in hot demand, so keep your eyes peeled for presale announcements.
When We Were Young Festival
Las Vegas Festival Grounds, Las Vegas, NV — October 18, 2025
Relive (or discover) the glory days of pop-punk and emo at When We Were Young, the ultimate nostalgia trip. Get ready for throwback hits from bands that defined the early 2000s, complete with eyeliner, studded belts, and serious emo feels.
Why You’ll Love It: A stacked lineup featuring legendary bands, a chance to revisit your old playlist anthems, and the high-energy setting of Vegas to keep the party going all night long.
Austin City Limits
Austin, TX — October 4–6, 2025
Say hello to Austin City Limits (ACL)—where the distinctive charm of Austin meets a world-class festival experience. Spanning multiple stages across the city’s beloved Zilker Park, ACL brings together a wide array of genres, from indie rock and hip-hop to country and folk. In addition to the music, you’ll find mouthwatering local cuisine, eye-catching art installations, and a friendly atmosphere that captures the essence of the Live Music Capital of the World.
Why You’ll Love It: A diverse lineup set against the laid-back vibe of Austin, Texas BBQ and craft beer to fuel your festival days, and iconic photo ops that are Instagram gold.
Tips for Festival Success
Plan Your Outfits: Festivals are a fashion playground, but comfort is key.
Stay Hydrated: Especially crucial in warmer climates. Bring a refillable water bottle.
Create a Schedule: So many stages, so little time. Plan out your must-sees.
Pack Essentials: Sunscreen, portable phone chargers, and earplugs are your best friends.
Live in the Moment: Put the phone down occasionally, connect with others, and soak in the music.