Upcoming Music Festivals You Can’t Miss This Year

Let’s start with the big one—Coachella. It’s more than a festival; it’s a cultural juggernaut. Picture palm trees silhouetted against a desert sunset, larger-than-life art installations, and a crowd that’s as much about the fashion as the music. This year’s lineup is a wild mix: Lady Gaga’s theatrical pop, Post Malone’s genre-blending swagger, Charli XCX’s hyperpop energy, Missy Elliott’s iconic flow, and Green Day bringing punk-rock nostalgia. I remember my first Coachella, standing in a dust storm as the sun dipped, watching a surprise guest (Beyoncé, no big deal) light up the stage. It’s chaotic, expensive, and overwhelming, but it’s worth every second.

Why Go? The diversity of the lineup means you’ll discover something new, and the desert vibe is unlike anything else.
Pro Tip: Book accommodations early—Palm Springs fills up fast. And bring a bandana for the dust.
Tickets: General admission starts at $499.

Glastonbury is the stuff of legends. Spanning 900 acres of Somerset countryside, it’s less a festival and more a temporary city of music, art, and pure hedonism. With over 100 stages, you might catch Olivia Rodrigo on the Pyramid Stage, then stumble into a techno tent or a cabaret show in the woods. The lineup’s still partly under wraps, but rumors of Harry Styles and Charli XCX have fans buzzing. My Glasto experience involved a lot of mud, a lot of cider, and an impromptu dance party with strangers at 3 a.m. It’s raw, unpredictable, and soul-filling.

Why Go? It’s the ultimate pilgrimage for music lovers, with a vibe that’s equal parts chaotic and communal.
Pro Tip: Tickets are notoriously hard to get—register early and pray to the festival gods. Wellies are non-negotiable.
Tickets: Around £325 ($421 USD) for the weekend, camping included.

Bonnaroo feels like a big, sweaty group hug. Set on a 700-acre farm in Tennessee, it’s all about good vibes, late-night jam sessions, and rooftop camping under the stars. This year’s headliners include Luke Combs for the country fans, Tyler, The Creator for the hip-hop heads, Olivia Rodrigo for the pop lovers, and Hozier for those soulful singalongs. My first Bonnaroo was a blur of tie-dye, high-fiving strangers, and discovering a random bluegrass band at sunrise. It’s a place where you can let your freak flag fly.

Why Go? The eclectic lineup and laid-back atmosphere make it perfect for music explorers.
Pro Tip: Bring a portable fan—June in Tennessee is no joke. Hydrate like your life depends on it.
Tickets: Starting at $361 for the weekend.

Chicago’s Grant Park transforms into a music mecca every summer for Lollapalooza. With eight stages and 170+ acts, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of festival. Expect Megan Thee Stallion’s high-energy twerk anthems, Hozier’s poetic crooning, Stray Kids’ K-pop domination, and SZA’s soulful R&B. I once spent an entire Lolla day hopping between stages, catching half a set of a band I’d never heard of, then sprinting to see a headliner. It’s urban, electric, and perfect for city dwellers who want a festival fix without the camping.

Why Go? The downtown Chicago setting means great food and easy access, plus a killer lineup across genres.
Pro Tip: Use the L train to get there—parking is a nightmare. Grab a deep-dish pizza post-show.
Tickets: Starting at $178 for one day, $361 for the weekend.

Golden Gate Park’s Outside Lands is where music meets nature meets San Francisco’s quirky charm. Tyler, The Creator, Doja Cat, Hozier, and Vampire Weekend headline this year, with Gracie Abrams and Doechii adding fresh energy. Beyond the music, there’s a foodie paradise—think bison burgers and rainbow salads—and even a wine tent for the bougie crowd. My Outside Lands memory? Dancing in a fog-soaked meadow to a DJ set, surrounded by giant eucalyptus trees. It’s chill, artsy, and oh-so-West Coast.

Why Go? The mix of music, food, and SF’s unique vibe makes it a standout.
Pro Tip: Bring layers—SF’s summer fog is real. Walk to Haight-Ashbury for post-fest vinyl browsing.
Tickets: Starting at $116.39 for one day, $286.34 for the weekend.

For those who like their festivals loud and rowdy, Reading and Leeds deliver. These twin festivals share a lineup but split across two cities, with Chappell Roan’s glittery pop, Travis Scott’s trap bangers, Hozier’s folk-rock, and Bring Me the Horizon’s metalcore energy leading the charge. I went to Reading as a teenager, screaming along to punk bands and dodging flying beer cups. It’s a rite of passage for young music fans, with a side of organized chaos.

Why Go? High-energy performances and a youthful, unfiltered vibe.
Pro Tip: Leeds has no curfew, so expect later sets. Camp if you can—half the fun is the campsite antics.
Tickets: Day passes at £125 ($161 USD), weekend with camping at £325 ($421 USD).

Budget Wisely: Tickets are just the start. Factor in travel, food, and that overpriced merch you’ll inevitably buy.



Pack Smart: Sunscreen, reusable water bottle, comfy shoes, and a portable charger are must-haves.



Embrace the Unknown: Some of my best festival moments came from wandering into a random set or striking up a conversation with a stranger.



Stay Safe: Hydrate, know your limits, and stick with your crew—especially at night.

So, which festival’s calling you? Whether it’s Coachella’s desert dreamscape or Glastonbury’s muddy magic, 2025 is your year to dive in. Grab your tickets, rally your friends, and get ready for a weekend you’ll be talking about for years. As for me, I’m already eyeing my next adventure—maybe I’ll see you in the crowd, screaming the lyrics to a song we both love.

Got a favorite festival or a must-see act for 2025? Drop it in the comments—I’m all ears!