31 Spring Music Festivals in the United States Worth Traveling For

From the sun-drenched beaches of California to Governors Island in New York Harbor, the spring 2025 music festival season in the United States offers more than just sound. As festivals evolve beyond simple lineups into immersive, multisensory experiences — something very much worth traveling for on an extended trip that includes more than just the music — this year’s landscape reflects the full spectrum of musical tastes and lifestyle interests.

While there are plenty of large concert tours worth traveling for this year, festival venues are about becoming part of the experience itself. In 2025, geography shapes atmosphere as much as sound: ski resorts, desert expanses, and historic sites add dimension to the experience. Bonnaroo’s 700-acre Tennessee site continues to cultivate its community-centric ethos, for example.

This emphasis on setting is no longer incidental, it’s part of the allure. Beyond the music, festivals are ever more connected to their host cities. Many thousands of people are drawn to the location itself to make a trip out of concert travel. The spring 2025 season illustrates one clear trend: music festivals are no longer just concerts — they’re cultural experiences defined by community, place, and intention.

Two Step Inn Festival

• Location: Georgetown, Texas, San Gabriel Park
• Dates: April 5-6, 2025
• Headliners: Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Sturgill Simpson (as alter ego Johnny Blue Skies), and Lynyrd Skynyrd
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The Two Step Inn Festival brings a mix of country legends and Southern rock icons to the stage. The 2025 lineup features Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Sturgill Simpson (as Johnny Blue Skies), and Lynyrd Skynyrd. With its laid-back Texas charm and top-tier talent, it’s a must for country fans.

Dreamville Festival

• Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, Dorothea Dix Park
• Dates: April 5-6, 2025
• Headliners: Lil Wayne with Hot Boys (Juvenile, Turk, and B.G.), Big Tymers (Mannie Fresh and Birdman), and J. Cole
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Dreamville Festival returns to Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park with a star-studded hip-hop lineup curated by J. Cole. This year’s headliners include Lil Wayne and the Hot Boys, Big Tymers, and J. Cole himself.

Cattle Country Festival

• Location: Gonzales, Texas
• Dates: April 10-12, 2025
• Headliners: Parker McCollum, Nickelback, Chase Rice
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The Cattle Country Festival celebrates Texas roots with a multi-day country music extravaganza. Set against a backdrop of Southern hospitality and rustic charm, it’s perfect for fans of traditional and modern country. Expect lively performances, barbecue, and plenty of boots on the ground.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

• Location: Indio, California, Empire Polo Club
• Dates: April 11–13 and 18–20, 2025
• Headliners: Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone, and Travis Scott
• Learn more

Held across two weekends in Indio, Coachella has grown to become a global music and arts powerhouse known for genre-spanning lineups and immersive art installations. The 2025 headliners include Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone, and Travis Scott. Coachella is the place where music, fashion, and culture converge.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

• Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, Fair Grounds Race Course
• Dates: April 24 to May 4, 2025
• Headliners: Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Luke Combs, Lil Wayne & The Roots, Lenny Kravitz, Santana, John Fogerty
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A sprawling cultural celebration featuring music, food, and local traditions at the New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course, the 2025 lineup spans genres, from Pearl Jam and Luke Combs to Lil Wayne & The Roots and Burna Boy. It’s a soulful, eclectic experience that honors the city’s rich heritage.

Stagecoach Festival

• Location: Indio, California, Empire Polo Club
• Dates: April 25–27, 2025
• Headliners: Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll, and Luke Combs
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As the country music counterpart to Coachella, Stagecoach lights up Indio, California with three days of twang and tunes. Headliners Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll, and Luke Combs bring star power to the desert. Expect line dancing, cowboy boots, and unforgettable performances.

RiverBeat Music Festival

• Location: Memphis, Tennessee, Tom Lee Park
• Dates: May 2–4, 2025
• Headliners: Missy Elliott, the Killers, and Anderson .Paak & the Free Nationals
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RiverBeat takes over Tom Lee Park in Memphis with a diverse mix of pop, rock, and hip-hop. Headlined by Missy Elliott, The Killers, and Anderson .Paak & the Free Nationals, this new festival promises high energy by the river. It’s a fresh addition to Memphis’ rich musical legacy.

Lovin’ Life Music Fest

• Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, First Ward Park
• Dates: May 2-4, 2025
• Headliners: Gwen Stefani, Weezer, Dave Matthews Band, Benson Boone, and Teddy Swims
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Charlotte’s First Ward Park hosts the Lovin’ Life Music Fest, a vibrant, feel-good weekend of eclectic performances. Headliners include Gwen Stefani, Weezer, Dave Matthews Band, and rising stars like Benson Boone and Teddy Swims. The festival delivers good vibes and great music for all ages.

Lone Star Smokeout

• Location: Arlington, Texas, outside of AT&T Stadium
• Dates: May 2-4, 2025
• Headliners: Jon Pardi, Cody Jinks, and Midland
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Set just outside AT&T Stadium, the Lone Star Smokeout pairs bold country acts with barbecue bliss. Jon Pardi, Cody Jinks, and Midland headline this Texas-style celebration. It’s where great food meets even better music in the South.

iHeartCountry Festival

• Location: Austin, Texas, Moody Center
• Dates: May 3, 2025
• Headliners: Brooks & Dunn, Thomas Rhett, Rascal Flatts, Cole Swindell, Sam Hunt
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Country music’s biggest names come to Austin for one electrifying night at the Moody Center. The 2025 lineup includes Brooks & Dunn, Thomas Rhett, Rascal Flatts, and more. It’s a powerhouse showcase of country hits and fan favorites.

BeachLife Festival

• Location: Redondo Beach, California
• Dates: May 2-4, 2025
• Headliners: Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, and Alanis Morissette
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BeachLife Festival returns to Redondo Beach this year for a sun-soaked weekend of rock, reggae, and coastal vibes. Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, and Alanis Morissette top the bill in 2025. This beachfront celebration perfectly blends music and the laid-back surf lifestyle.

Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival

• Location: Columbus, Ohio, Crew Stadium
• Dates: May 8–11, 2025
• Headliners: Korn, Metallica, and Linkin Park
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Crew Stadium will erupt with heavy rock energy during Sonic Temple. Korn, Metallica, and Linkin Park lead the 2025 lineup alongside other rock and metal giants that have defined the genre. It’s the ultimate gathering for fans of hard-hitting music and electrifying live shows.

Just Like Heaven Festival

• Location: Pasadena, California, Brookside at the Rose Bowl
• Dates: May 10, 2025
• Headliners: Vampire Weekend
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A nostalgic nod to indie and alternative favorites in the iconic venue that is the Rose Bowl in LA. Vampire Weekend headlines this single-day celebration of beloved 2000s-era bands. Expect dreamy melodies, throwback energy, and a festival full of good vibes.

Kilby Block Party

• Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, Utah State Fairpark
• Dates: May 15-18, 2025
• Headliners: New Order, Beach House, Weezer, and Justice
• Learn more

Salt Lake City’s Kilby Block Party brings indie, electronic, and alternative flair to Utah State Fairpark. The 2025 event features New Order, Beach House, Weezer, and Justice among others. The festival blends underground cool with big-name acts past and present.

Welcome to Rockville Festival

• Location: Daytona Beach, Florida, Daytona International Speedway
• Dates: May 15-18, 2025
• Headliners: Shinedown, Green Day, Linkin Park, and Korn
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Welcome to Rockville takes over Daytona International Speedway in Florida for four days of pure rock adrenaline. This year’s lineup features Shinedown, Green Day, Linkin Park, and Korn. It’s one of the largest rock festivals in the US, packed with high-octane performances.

Electric Daisy Carnival

• Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, Las Vegas Motor Speedway
• Dates: May 16–18, 2025
• Headliners: Afrojack, Alesso, Alok, DJ Snake, Dom Dolla, Gesaffelstein, Kaskade, Paul Oakenfold, Skepta, and Tiësto
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DC Las Vegas is an iconic, neon-drenched celebration of electronic dance music at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Afrojack, Tiësto, DJ Snake, and more bring pulsating energy to massive stages under the stars. It’s an unforgettable, immersive rave experience for EDM lovers.

Sand in My Boots Festival

• Location: Gulf Shores, Alabama, Hangout Music Festival site
• Dates: May 16-18, 2025
• Headliners: Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn, and HARDY
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Held on the shores of Gulf Shores, Alabama, Sand in My Boots mixes country and mainstream appeal. Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn, and HARDY headline the beachfront bash. It’s a laid-back, sun-drenched fest with major crossover vibes.

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

• Location: Downtown San Diego, California
• Dates: May 16-18, 2025
• Headliners: Peggy Gou, Daniel Caesar, Anderson .Paak & the Free Nationals, Foster the People, Khruangbin, Jason Mraz, and Gary Clark Jr.
• Learn more

Downtown San Diego comes alive with Wonderfront, a multi-genre, multi-stage festival by the waterfront. The 2025 lineup features Peggy Gou, Anderson .Paak & the Free Nationals, Foster the People, and Jason Mraz. It’s a vibrant mix of music, art, and coastal charm.

Cruel World Festival

• Location: Pasadena, California, Brookside at the Rose Bowl
• Dates: May 17, 2025
• Headliners: New Order and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
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Cruel World Festival in Pasadena is a nostalgic dream for fans of post-punk and new wave. New Order and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds headline this one-day event. The festival offers a stylish, retro escape with timeless sounds.

Boardwalk Rock Festival

• Location: Ocean City, Maryland
• Dates: May 17-18, 2025
• Headliners: Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Nickelback, and Shinedown
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Ocean City’s Boardwalk Rock Festival delivers big riffs and louder energy on the East Coast shore. Headliners Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Nickelback, and Shinedown bring the heat. It’s a rock lover’s paradise right on the beach.

Boots in the Park Albuquerque

• Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, Balloon Fiesta Park
• Dates: May 17-18, 2025
• Headliners: Luke Combs and Cody Johnson
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Boots in the Park heads to Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park for two days of country anthems. With Luke Combs and Cody Johnson as headliners, fans can expect hit after hit. It’s the perfect blend of Western flair and outdoor fun.

Boston Calling Music Festival

• Location: Boston, Massachusetts, Harvard Athletic Complex
• Dates: May 23–25, 2025
• Headliners: Luke Combs, Fall Out Boy, and Dave Matthews Band
• Learn more

Boston Calling brings top-tier talent to Harvard Athletic Complex with a genre-blending lineup. Luke Combs, Fall Out Boy, and Dave Matthews Band headline the 2025 edition. The urban festival offers diverse music, food, and city vibes.

Gulf Coast Jam

• Location: Panama City Beach, Florida, Frank Brown Park
• Dates: May 29 to June 1, 2025
• Headliners: Blake Shelton, Tyler Childers, Lainey Wilson, and Sam Hunt
• Learn more

Panama City Beach hosts Gulf Coast Jam, a beachfront country blowout with Blake Shelton, Tyler Childers, Lainey Wilson, and Sam Hunt. Set at Frank Brown Park, this fest combines sandy toes with honky-tonk spirit. It’s the ultimate Southern summer escape.

Railbird Music Festival

• Location: Lexington, Kentucky, Infield at Red Mile
• Dates: May 31 to June 1, 2025
• Headliners: Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll
• Learn more

Railbird returns to Lexington at the scenic Infield at Red Mile with a laid-back yet powerful lineup. Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll take top billing in 2025. The festival blends Southern charm, great music, and horse country vibes.

Roots Picnic

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, The Mann in Fairmount Park
• Dates: May 31 and June 1, 2025
• Headliners: D’Angelo with The Roots, Lenny Kravitz, and Meek Mill
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Philadelphia’s Roots Picnic is a soulful celebration of music and culture hosted by The Roots. The 2025 lineup features D’Angelo, Lenny Kravitz, and Meek Mill, with a strong focus on community and collaboration.

World Pride Music Festival: Global Dance Party

• Location: Washington, DC
• Dates: June 6-7, 2025
• Headliners: Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan
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World Pride’s Global Dance Party in DC is a joyous, high-energy celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and music. Headliners Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan bring star power to the inclusive fest. It’s a dance-fueled weekend full of love, unity, and rhythm.

The Governors Ball Music Festival

• Location: New York City, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
• Dates: June 6–8, 2025
• Headliners: Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hozier
• Learn more

New York City’s Governors Ball returns to Flushing Meadows Corona Park with a stacked lineup across pop, hip-hop, and indie. Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hozier lead the 2025 bill. It’s a quintessential city festival with vibrant energy and skyline views.

Cali Vibes Festival

• Location: Long Beach, California, Marina Green park
• Dates: June 7-8, 2025
• Headliners: Stick Figure, Kid Cudi, Rebelution, Dirty Heads, and Slightly Stoopid & Friends
• Learn more

Cali Vibes brings reggae, hip-hop, and beach culture to Marina Green Park in Long Beach. With Stick Figure, Kid Cudi, and Rebelution on the bill, it’s a chilled-out weekend by the sea. This festival is all about good music and positive vibes.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

• Location: Manchester, Tennessee, Great Stage Park
• Dates: June 12–15, 2025
• Headliners: Luke Combs, Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hozier
• Learn more

Bonnaroo transforms Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee, into a four-day celebration of music, art, and community. The 2025 lineup includes Luke Combs, Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hozier, with rumors that Kendrick Lamar and the Foo Fighters may join in. It’s a one-of-a-kind camping fest full of magical moments.

Summerfest

• Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Henry Maier Festival Park
• Dates: June 19–21, June 26–28, and July 3–5, 2025
• Headliners: Def Leppard, Hozier, James Taylor, Lainey Wilson, the Killers, Megan Thee Stallion, Benson Boone, and the Lumineers
• Learn more

Milwaukee’s Summerfest spans three weekends with an unmatched variety of music at Henry Maier Festival Park. Def Leppard, Hozier, Megan Thee Stallion, and the Killers are just a few of the headliners. It’s one of the largest and longest-running music festivals in the world.

Mountain Jam

• Location: Highmount, New York
• Dates: June 20–22, 2025
• Headliners: To be announced
• Learn more

Set in the scenic Catskills of Highmount, New York, Mountain Jam offers a relaxed, jam-friendly music experience. Though headliners are yet to be announced, the festival traditionally features rock, folk, and Americana acts. It’s a perfect mountain getaway with a soulful soundtrack.