As the 2025 festival season approaches, music lovers across the Northeast can look forward to an incredible lineup of events spanning rock, hip-hop, country, jazz, and more. Whether you prefer a city festival with iconic headliners or an intimate jam band gathering in the mountains, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s an early preview of the must-attend music festivals in the Northeast for summer 2025.
Boston Calling Music Festival
📅 Dates: May 23–25, 2025
📍 Location: Harvard Athletic Complex, Allston, MA
🎤 Headliners: Fall Out Boy, Dave Matthews Band, Luke Combs
🎶 Notable Acts: Vampire Weekend, Public Enemy, Avril Lavigne, T-Pain, Sublime, TLC, Sheryl Crow, Remi Wolf
Boston Calling brings together rock, hip-hop, and country in one of the biggest music festivals in New England. Set against the backdrop of Harvard’s Athletic Complex, attendees can enjoy multiple stages, top-tier food vendors, and interactive art installations.
Mountain Jam
📅 Dates: June 20–22, 2025
📍 Location: Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort, Highmount, NY
🎤 Headliners: Khruangbin, Mt. Joy, JRAD (Joe Russo’s Almost Dead)
🎶 Notable Acts: Trampled by Turtles, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Julien Baker, moe., Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Nestled in the Catskill Mountains, Mountain Jam blends jam bands, folk, and rock in a breathtaking setting. With a more intimate fan experience at its new location, it’s the perfect festival for those who want to enjoy great music in a scenic, laid-back atmosphere.
Governors Ball Music Festival
📅 Dates: June 6–8, 2025
📍 Location: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY
🎤 Headliners: Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, Hozier
🎶 Notable Acts: Benson Boone, Feid, Glass Animals, T-Pain, Clairo, Car Seat Headrest
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Governors Ball is a must-see for fans of pop, rock, hip-hop, and alternative music. The festival boasts multiple stages, a diverse lineup, immersive art installations, and NYC’s top food vendors.
Barefoot Country Music Festival
📅 Dates: June 19–22, 2025
📍 Location: Wildwood Beach, Wildwood, NJ
🎤 Headliners: Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Rascal Flatts
🎶 Notable Acts: Jordan Davis, Colt Ford
Set on the sand at Wildwood Beach, this is the ultimate country music festival for fans looking to dance by the ocean. With big-name country artists, beach activities, and summer vibes, it’s a unique experience unlike any other festival in the Northeast.
Rochester International Jazz Festival
📅 Dates: June 20–28, 2025
📍 Location: Various venues, Rochester, NY
🎶 Notable Acts: To be announced in March 2025
One of the largest jazz festivals in the world, this event features 200+ performances across multiple venues in downtown Rochester. With a mix of free and ticketed events, it attracts both legendary and up-and-coming jazz musicians.
StrangeCreek Campout
📅 Dates: May 23–26, 2025
📍 Location: Greenfield, MA
🎶 Notable Acts: Max Creek, Pink Talking Fish, Ryan Montbleau
This jam band festival offers music, camping, and a laid-back, community vibe. Beyond the performances, festival-goers can enjoy workshops, art installations, and late-night jam sessions under the stars.
From city festivals like Governors Ball to beachfront country concerts and mountaintop jam sessions, the Northeast’s 2025 festival season has something for everyone. As lineups continue to be announced, stay tuned for ticket sales and event updates to plan your perfect summer festival experience.
