As we approach the summer of 2025, music lovers, festival enthusiasts, and adrenaline junkies alike are gearing up for an unforgettable season of events that promise to leave you breathless and wanting more. With a diverse range of events across the United States, this summer is shaping up to be one for the books.
East Coast Delights
From the bright lights of New York City to the historic waterfronts of Washington, D.C., the East Coast is home to some of the most iconic summer events in the country.
New York City
New York City is always a hub of activity during the summer months, and this year is no exception. Two must-visit events on the NYC calendar are the Governors Ball Music Festival and the SummerStage concert series.
- Governors Ball Music Festival
- SummerStage concert series
The Governors Ball Music Festival, held in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, promises to be a weekend of non-stop music and mayhem, with big-name headliners and a lively atmosphere that’s sure to get you dancing. The SummerStage concert series, on the other hand, is a citywide event that brings together a diverse range of free and benefit performances across all five NYC boroughs.
Chicago
Chicago is another city that’s sure to deliver when it comes to summer events. Two standout festivals on the Chicago calendar are the Sueños Music Festival and Lollapalooza.
- Sueños Music Festival
- Lollapalooza
The Sueños Music Festival, held in Grant Park, celebrates Chicago’s vibrant Latin music scene with high-energy performances and a lively atmosphere. Lollapalooza, on the other hand, is a four-day festival that features a diverse range of musical acts, from indie rock to electronic music.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is home to a number of iconic summer events, including the National Independence Day Celebration and the DC JazzFest.
- National Independence Day Celebration
- DC JazzFest
The National Independence Day Celebration is a free event that features live music, fireworks, and a patriotic parade. The DC JazzFest, on the other hand, is a citywide festival that showcases a diverse range of jazz acts.
Midwest Marvels
The Midwest is home to a number of fantastic summer events, from the Minneapolis Aquatennial to the Uptown Art Fair.
- Minneapolis Aquatennial
- Uptown Art Fair
The Minneapolis Aquatennial is a week-long celebration that features fireworks, parades, and live music. The Uptown Art Fair, on the other hand, is a beloved summer tradition that features over 300 artists and vendors.
West Coast Wonders
The West Coast is home to a number of iconic summer events, from the Outside Lands Music Festival to the Stern Grove Festival.
- Outside Lands Music Festival
- Stern Grove Festival
The Outside Lands Music Festival, held in Golden Gate Park, features a diverse range of musical acts and a lively atmosphere. The Stern Grove Festival, on the other hand, is a beloved summer tradition that features free concerts and a stunning natural amphitheater.
Houston and Beyond
From Texas to Tennessee, the South is home to a number of fantastic summer events, including the Freedom Over Texas festival and the Bonnaroo music festival.
- Freedom Over Texas
- Bonnaroo
The Freedom Over Texas festival, held in Eleanor Tinsley Park, features live music, fireworks, and a patriotic atmosphere. The Bonnaroo music festival, on the other hand, is a four-day festival that features a diverse range of musical acts and a lively atmosphere.
Atlanta and Beyond
From jazz to rock, Atlanta is home to a number of fantastic summer events, including the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the Cruel World festival.
- Atlanta Jazz Festival
- Cruel World
The Atlanta Jazz Festival, held in Piedmont Park, features a diverse range of jazz acts and a lively atmosphere. The Cruel World festival, on the other hand, is a throwback festival that features iconic post-punk, new wave, and goth legends.
Summer of a Lifetime
With so many fantastic summer events to choose from, it’s no wonder that this summer is shaping up to be one for the books.
