Best Summer Music Festivals to Attend in 2025

Summer and music are like peanut butter and jelly; they just go together. The air is warm, the sun stays up longer, and music can flow freely in the outdoors.

There’s nothing wrong with attending concerts at indoor locations, but there’s something truly special about listening to muscle on the grass in a park or outdoor amphitheater. The ability to listen to music floating through the breeze while relaxing in the warm air is almost magical.

If you want to attend some of the best summer music festivals this year, here are a few to consider.

Hot 97 Summer Jam

The “Largest Live Hip Hop Music & Culture Celebration in America” takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on June 20. The Hot 97 Summer Jam returns for its 31st year and will feature some of the biggest artists in music, who will all appear on one stage throughout the day. This is a great chance to see some of the top names and enjoy a fantastic concert, especially if you love to dance along with hip-hop music.

Summerfest

There will be three opportunities to enjoy nearly 600 artists performing during Summerfest. This is one of the best summer music festivals of the year, and it’s held at the Third Ward in Milwaukee, WI. The dates for this festival include June 19-21, June 26-28, and July 3-5. Some of the top names in country, rock, pop, and hip-hop will be present, making this a must-see show. You might want to check your dates to find out if the artist you want to see will perform during this incredible three-weekend event.

Windy City Smokeout

If you head to Chicago, Il, from July 10-13, you can get a double dose of fun. The Windy City Smokeout is being held on the United Center Grounds, giving you a great way to enjoy some amazing music that will play through the streets of the city for four days. In addition to the music, this event is coordinated with Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, giving you easy access to some great eats while in the city. Bring your friends and have some fun during this cool festival.

Minnesota Yacht Club Festival

From July 18-20, you can enjoy a great summer music festival with a snobby name. The name might seem upper crust, but the event is pure music fun. This festival takes place on Harriet Island in St. Paul, MN, and is a three-day, two-stage music free-for-all that makes for some fun and wonderful sounds. Some of the most famous performers will take these stages, as will some lesser-known local and regional bands, which make for some serious fun when you’re ready to enjoy the sights, sounds, and summer fun offered.

Bourbon & Beyond Festival

When you want to enjoy some serious variety in your musical lineup, this festival is the place to be. From September 11-14, at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, KY, you can enjoy some amazing sounds that will certainly make you smile. It’s four days of great artists spanning many decades and genres of music, which makes for some great fun. This might be the final summer festival of the year, especially when you consider the dates.

Shaky Knees Festival

Head to Atlanta, GA, during a time that is almost too late to be called summer, and you’ll enjoy one of the most amazing music festivals of the year. Held at Piedmont Park from September 19-21, this festival is a great way to enjoy a diverse lineup of world-renowned names and up-and-coming artists that take the stage. This could be the final outdoor festival of the year, which makes it one of the most fun and certainly a great event for anyone who loves some variety in their music.

Hard Summer Music Festival

The hottest month of the year doesn’t have a lot of events, but there’s one that you certainly don’t want to miss. The Hard Summer Music Festival is held in Inglewood, CA, from August 2-3, and it could be one of the most fun events you attend all year. A two-day pass could be worth it, for the many names that are part of this event, giving you some amazing sounds and music that you might not be familiar with but could certainly enjoy.

Have you marked your calendar to enjoy a road trip to attend any of these summer music festivals? Summertime, road trips, and music are all part of the amazing romance of America and the expanse of the nation.