Summer is finally here, and with it comes a plethora of exciting events to enjoy across the United States. Whether you’re a music lover, a foodie, or an adventure-seeker, there’s something for everyone on this list. From the sun-kissed beaches of California to the vibrant streets of New York City, we’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to summer events across the country.

New York City (NYC)

NYC is always a hub of activity during the summer months, and this year is no exception. Here are some must-attend events to add to your calendar:
* Governors Ball Music Festival (June 6-8)
+ Venue: Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
+ Lineup: Tyler the Creator, Benson Boone, Olivia Rodrigo, Fied, Hozier, Glass Animals, Mk.gee, T-Pain, Tyla, the Backseat Lovers, etc. + Ticket cost: General Admission starts at $359, GA Plus starts at $575, VIP starts at $899, Platinum or Pit Viewing starts at $1,499
* SummerStage
+ Venue: Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield (main hub), 18 parks citywide
+ 2025 Dates: June to August (season-long)
+ Ticket cost: Mostly free, but select benefit concerts have tickets with prices typically ranging from $25- $75, depending on the artist and venue
+ What to expect: 80+ free shows, 30 ticketed, 2-hour average per concert

Chicago

Chicago is a city that knows how to celebrate the summer months, and this year is no exception. Here are some must-attend events to add to your calendar:
* Sueños Music Festival (May 24-25)
+ Venue: Grant Park
+ Lineup: Shakira, Peso Pluma, Don Omar, Grupo Frontera, Arcangel, El Alfa, Jhayco, Oscar Maydon, etc. + Ticket cost: 2-Day General Admission is $360, GA Plus is $480, VIP is $740, El Sueño package is $2,040
* Lollapalooza
+ Venue: Grant Park
+ Lineup: Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler the Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, Rüfüs Du Sol, Gracie Abrams, Doechii, etc. + Ticket cost: General Admission ranges from $365 to $435, GA Plus is around $650, VIP is approximately $1,500, Platinum packages can go upwards of $4,000
* Chicago Air and Water Show
+ Venue: North Avenue Beach (Lake Michigan shoreline)
+ 2025 Dates: August 16-17
+ Ticket cost: Free admission
+ What to expect: 2 days, 20+ aerial & water acts, free entry, 3-hour daily show

Seattle

Seattle is a city that’s always ready to throw a party, and this year is no exception. Here are some must-attend events to add to your calendar:
* Bumbershoot
+ Venue: Seattle Center
+ Lineup: Not yet confirmed
+ 2025 Dates: August 30-31
+ Ticket cost: General Admission early bird weekend pass is $100, standard GA prices typically range from $125 to $175 for a 2-day pass, VIP passes generally range from $300 to $600 depending on access perks, single-day tickets are usually priced between $70 and $90
+ What to expect: 2 days, 50+ acts
* Seafair Weekend Festival
+ Venue: Lake Washington & Genesee Park
+ 2025 Dates: August 1-3
+ Ticket cost: General Admission is usually $30 to $40 per day; Reserved Seating costs $60 to $100, and VIP Packages range from $150 to $300+
+ What to expect: 4 weeks, 30+ events, 6 hydro races

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is a city that’s always steeped in history and tradition, and this year is no exception. Here are some must-attend events to add to your calendar:
* National Independence Day Celebration
+ Venue: National Mall
+ 2025 Dates: July 4
+ What to expect: 1 day, 90-minute concert, 20-minute fireworks, free
* DC JazzFest
+ Venue: The Wharf
+ Lineup: Eddie Palmieri, Ron Carter, Branford Marsalis, Lalah Hathaway, Cécile McLorin Salvant, John Scofield, etc. + 2025 Dates: August 27-31
+ Ticket costs: Many shows are free, paid performances and special events usually range from $20 to $60 per ticket depending on the artist and venue
+ What to expect: 5 days, 100+ acts, 50 percent free shows

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a city that’s always ready to throw a party, and this year is no exception. Here are some must-attend events to add to your calendar:
* Minneapolis Aquatennial
+ Venue: Multiple venues spread across the city. + 2025 Date: July 16-19
+ Ticket cost: Mostly free with some optional experiences, or VIP viewing areas may have limited paid access. + What to expect: 4 days, 10+ events including parade, fireworks, Torchlight Run; 2-hour parade
* Uptown Art Fair
+ Venue: Uptown (Hennepin Ave and Lake St.)
+ 2025 Dates: August 1–3
+ Ticket cost: Free to attend
+ What to expect: 3 days, 300+ artists, 25+ food vendors

San Francisco

San Francisco is a city that’s always full of life and energy, and this year is no exception. Here are some must-attend events to add to your calendar:
* Outside Lands Music Festival
+ Venue: Golden Gate Park
+ Lineup: Not yet confirmed
+ 2025 Dates: August 8-10
+ Ticket cost: General Admission starts around $485, VIP tickets start at $1,165, and Golden Gate Club premium packages are usually above $2,500
+ What to expect: 3 days, 90+ acts, 70+ food vendors
* Stern Grove Festival
+ Venue: Sigmund Stern Grove
+ 2025 Dates: June 15 to August 17
+ Ticket cost: Free entry
+ What to expect: 10 free concerts, 90-minute sets, 87th season in 2024

Houston

Houston is a city that’s always ready to throw a party, and this year is no exception. Here are some must-attend events to add to your calendar:
* Freedom Over Texas
+ Venue: Eleanor Tinsley Park
+ 2025 Date: July 4
+ Ticket cost: $10 per person, free for children under 5
+ What to expect: 1 day, 6-hour event, 5 music acts, 20-minute fireworks
* Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
+ Venue: Charles River Esplanade
+ 2025 Dates: July 4
+ Ticket cost: Free
+ What to expect: 1 day, 2-hour concert, 30-minute fireworks; free entry

Boston

Boston is a city that’s always steeped in history and tradition, and this year is no exception. Here are some must-attend events to add to your calendar:
* Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
+ Venue: Charles River Esplanade
+ 2025 Dates: July 4
+ Ticket cost: Free
+ What to expect: 1 day, 2-hour concert, 30-minute fireworks; free entry
* Boston Harborfest
+ Venue: Boston Harbor & multiple Downtown (multiple locations)
+ 2025 Dates: June 28-July 4 (not confirmed)
+ What to expect: 7 days, 100+ events, 2-hour parade

Nashville

Nashville is a city that’s always ready to throw a party, and this year is no exception. Here are some must-attend events to add to your calendar:
* CMA Fest
+ Venue: Downtown Nashville (Nissan Stadium, Riverfront Park, 5 stages)
+ Lineup: Not yet announced
+ 2025 Dates: June 5-8
+ Ticket costs: Four-night stadium passes range from about $200 for upper seats to over $1,000 for premium options; single-night tickets start at $80
+ What to expect: 4 days, 300+ acts, 11 stages; 50+ free shows
* Bonnaroo
+ Venue: Bonnaroo Farm, Manchester
+ Lineup: Luke Combs, Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, Hozier, Avril Lavigne, Glass Animals, Queens of the Stone Age, and more
+ 2025 Dates: June 5-8
+ Ticket costs: 4-Day General Admission starting around $435, GA+ at $695, VIP at $1,105, and Platinum at $3,995
+ What to expect: 4 days, 150+ acts, 10 stages, onsite camping

Atlanta

Atlanta is a city that’s always full of life and energy, and this year is no exception. Here are some must-attend events to add to your calendar:
* Atlanta Jazz Festival
+ Venue: Piedmont Park
+ 2025 Dates: May 24-25
+ Ticket costs: Free entry
+ What to expect: 3 days, 30+ acts, free entry, 47th year in 2024
* Cruel World
+ Venue: Brookside at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena
+ 2025 Date: May 17
+ Ticket costs: General Admission starts around $179, GA+ at $299, VIP at $399, and Clubhouse access packages available starting around $599
+ What to expect: 1 day, stacked lineup of iconic alt acts, multiple stages, vintage market, immersive art installations
These are just a few of the many exciting events happening across the country this summer. So mark your calendars, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to experience the best of summer in the United States.