15 Festivals Happening This June You’ll Wish You Knew About Sooner

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Are you ready for a summer you’ll never forget? June 2025 is practically bursting at the seams with bucket-list music festivals, each promising wild crowds, unforgettable performances, and memories you’ll still talk about years from now. Just when you thought you’d seen it all, this list will have you rethinking your summer plans and texting your friends with urgent, all-caps excitement. Whether your heart beats for country, jazz, pop, hip-hop, or something in between, these 15 festivals are serving up the kind of experiences you didn’t even know you were missing. Here’s what you need to know — before tickets disappear faster than your favorite band’s encore.

World Pride Music Festival — Washington, DC (June 6–7, 2025)

The World Pride Music Festival is more than just a concert — it’s a vibrant, once-in-a-decade celebration of love, identity, and freedom. This June, Washington, DC transforms into a kaleidoscope of color and sound as megastars like Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, and Zedd take the stage. The energy is electric, the message is powerful, and the crowd is a living, breathing rainbow. It’s the kind of event that gives you goosebumps and maybe even a tear or two. Everywhere you look, you’ll see people from all walks of life, dancing, hugging, and singing together. The city buzzes with parades, pop-up parties, and pop culture moments you’ll want to capture on camera. If you want to feel part of something bigger, this is the place to be.

Capital Jazz Festival — Columbia, MD (June 6–8, 2025)

There’s something magical about the way jazz can fill the air and slow down time, and the Capital Jazz Festival knows exactly how to capture that feeling. Nestled in Columbia, Maryland, this festival isn’t just for jazz aficionados — it’s for anyone who loves music that tells a story. Legendary acts play alongside the freshest new talent, creating an atmosphere that’s soulful and absolutely electric. Food trucks line the walkways, art installations dot the grassy fields, and there’s a sense of community you don’t find every day. Even if you’ve never considered yourself a jazz fan, you’ll find yourself swaying to the beat and soaking in the good vibes. Families, couples, and groups of friends all gather, sharing laughter and applause in equal measure. It’s a weekend escape that feels both timeless and totally of-the-moment.

Carolina Country Music Festival — Myrtle Beach, SC (June 5–8, 2025)

Picture this: the sun setting over the ocean, sand between your toes, and the twang of guitars echoing across Myrtle Beach. That’s the Carolina Country Music Festival in a nutshell — a beachside bash where boots, hats, and heart-thumping anthems rule the scene. Headliners light up the stage while the salty breeze keeps everyone cool, and spontaneous line dances break out in the crowd. It’s a place where lifelong friendships are born over shared choruses and late-night bonfires. The festival brings together both chart-toppers and rising stars, so you’re just as likely to discover your next favorite artist as you are to belt out every word to a classic hit. With its laid-back atmosphere and party spirit, it’s no wonder fans count down to this weekend all year long.

CMA Music Festival — Nashville, TN (June 6–8, 2025)

Nashville is the beating heart of country music, and the CMA Music Festival is the pulse that brings it all to life. The entire city transforms into a non-stop celebration, with live shows spilling out from every corner and surprise performances popping up where you least expect them. For country fans, this is the ultimate pilgrimage — a chance to get up close with the stars, grab a selfie with your favorite singer, and maybe even catch a once-in-a-lifetime acoustic set. The streets buzz with excitement as fans in cowboy hats and boots swap stories and share laughs. There’s a contagious energy that makes you feel like you’re part of one big family, even if you’ve just met. For many, it’s the highlight of the year, and for newcomers, it’s the event that turns them into lifelong fans.

Governors Ball Music Festival — New York City, NY (June 6–8, 2025)

If you crave variety, the Governors Ball Music Festival is a musical melting pot that only New York City could deliver. Hip-hop, pop, indie, and electronic acts all share the stage, bringing together fans of every genre for three days of pure, unfiltered energy. The city’s iconic skyline provides a dramatic backdrop as crowds jump, sing, and dance under the summer sun. Foodies will love the gourmet vendors and wild culinary mashups, while art lovers can explore pop-up exhibits scattered throughout the festival grounds. There’s a sense that anything can happen — and often does, from surprise guest appearances to viral dance moments. Governors Ball isn’t just about the music; it’s about experiencing the city’s creative spirit in full bloom. With each year, the festival cements its status as a must-see event for music lovers everywhere.

Kick’n Up Kountry — Karlstad, MN (June 11–14, 2025)

Tucked away in the small town of Karlstad, Minnesota, Kick’n Up Kountry is the kind of hidden gem you almost want to keep secret. Here, country music takes center stage, but it’s the down-home charm that really wins hearts. Campers, RVs, and tents fill the fields as friends gather around campfires, sharing stories and swapping songs. The festival is known for its welcoming atmosphere, where everyone feels like a neighbor and every handshake turns into a hug. Local vendors dish out homemade treats, and there’s always room for a two-step on the dance floor. It’s a slower pace, a chance to escape the hustle and just enjoy the simple pleasures of summer nights and live music. For many, it feels less like an event and more like a beloved tradition.

The Country Fest — North Lawrence, OH (June 11–14, 2025)

When it comes to pure country spirit, The Country Fest in North Lawrence, Ohio, is tough to beat. Year after year, fans return for a lineup that features legends, newcomers, and everything in between. The grounds are buzzing with excitement, from sunrise tailgates to midnight singalongs. What sets this festival apart is the sense of loyalty — both from the artists who come back to play and the fans who treat it like a second home. Expect giant stages, plenty of dancing, and a sea of cowboy hats as far as the eye can see. There’s also a family-friendly side, with activities for kids and chill-out zones for those who want to take a break from the action. If you’re looking for a place where everyone feels like part of the crew, this is it.

Bonnaroo Music Festival — Manchester, TN (June 12–15, 2025)

Bonnaroo isn’t just a festival — it’s a rite of passage for music lovers who crave adventure and community. Set on a massive farm in Manchester, Tennessee, Bonnaroo brings together EDM, rock, hip-hop, and indie in a way that feels both wild and harmonious. The festival is famous for its sunrise sets, where music and magic blend as the day breaks. Art installations, yoga sessions, and impromptu parades make every moment feel spontaneous and alive. It’s a place where strangers become friends and the only rule is to “radiate positivity.” Camping under the stars, you’ll hear laughter, music, and the occasional rooster crowing at dawn. Bonnaroo is a world unto itself, where anything goes and memories are made by the minute.

Hot 97 Summer Jam — Newark, NJ (June 20, 2025)

If hip-hop is your heartbeat, then Hot 97 Summer Jam is the main artery. Held in Newark, New Jersey, this one-day blowout is legendary for its stacked lineups and surprise moments that set social media on fire. The crowd is electric, the bass is heavy, and every set feels like it’s building to something unforgettable. Artists often use the stage to debut new music or bring out unexpected guests, making every year a must-watch event for fans and industry insiders alike. The festival is more than a concert — it’s a cultural moment, a gathering of the genre’s biggest stars and most devoted fans. If you want to witness the moments everyone will be talking about all summer, this is where you need to be.

Boise Music Festival — Boise, ID (June 21, 2025)

Don’t let its small-town charm fool you — the Boise Music Festival is a one-day celebration that packs a serious punch. Mixing throwback favorites with today’s chart-toppers, this all-ages event draws crowds from across the region. The vibe is joyful and welcoming, with everyone from families to college students joining in the fun. There’s a playful energy as local food trucks serve up treats and carnival rides spin in the background. The lineup is refreshingly eclectic, so you might find yourself dancing to a boy band before rocking out to an indie act. It’s the kind of festival that makes you feel like a kid again, caught up in the music and sunshine. Every year, people leave saying, “I can’t believe how much fun that was.”

Buckeye Country Superfest — Columbus, OH (June 21, 2025)

When the Midwest goes country, it does it big — and the Buckeye Country Superfest is proof. Held in Columbus, Ohio, this stadium event is all about massive singalongs and epic stage shows. The crowd is a sea of denim and boots, swaying together as stars deliver hit after hit. There’s an undeniable sense of pride in the air, with fans waving flags and belting out anthems from the heart. For many, it’s an annual tradition, a chance to reconnect with friends and celebrate the best of country music. The energy is infectious, with plenty of dancing, laughter, and more than a few cold drinks. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be part of a crowd that moves as one, this is your chance.

Rock the South — Cullman, AL (June 19–21, 2025)

Rock the South is more than just a festival; it’s a love letter to Alabama’s musical roots. Set in Cullman, this event brings together legends and local stars for a celebration that feels like the world’s loudest family reunion. The crowd is warm and welcoming, the food is classic Southern comfort, and the music never stops. You’ll hear everything from foot-stomping rock to soulful ballads, all delivered with heart and grit. The festival is famous for its laid-back vibe, where strangers share shade and stories under the Alabama sun. For many, it’s the highlight of the summer, a chance to let loose and embrace both old favorites and new discoveries. If you want to experience true Southern hospitality, this is the place to find it.

Twin Cities Jazz Festival — Saint Paul, MN (June 20–21, 2025)

Celebrating its 25th year, the Twin Cities Jazz Festival is a testament to the power of music to bring people together. This free festival transforms downtown Saint Paul into a playground for jazz lovers, with stages set up in parks, clubs, and unexpected corners of the city. The atmosphere is relaxed and joyful, with both world-class performers and local talent sharing the spotlight. There’s something special about hearing a saxophone solo drifting across a warm summer evening, surrounded by friends and strangers alike. The festival is family-friendly, with activities for kids and plenty of open space to dance or just relax on a blanket. It’s a community event in the truest sense, where everyone feels welcome and the music always takes center stage.

Summer Smash Festival — Chicago, IL (June 20–22, 2025)

Chicago’s Summer Smash Festival is quickly earning a reputation as a must-attend event for hip-hop fans who crave high energy and bigger-than-life performances. The crowd is young, wild, and ready to party, with mosh pits and stage dives turning every set into a spectacle. The festival’s lineup is stacked with the hottest names in rap and hip-hop, drawing fans from across the country. There’s a raw, exciting energy that pulses through the crowd, with every beat pushing the party higher. Food trucks and local artists add to the experience, creating a festival that’s as much about the vibe as it is about the music. For those who love to be in the thick of the action, Summer Smash is a no-brainer.

Lakes Jam — Brainerd, MN (June 26–28, 2025)

Lakes Jam is where summer nostalgia and modern music collide, set against the beautiful backdrop of Brainerd, Minnesota. This festival mixes rock and country for a lineup that keeps the energy high from start to finish. Campers and music fans set up for the weekend, trading stories around the fire and making new friends under the stars. The open sky, shimmering lakes, and fresh air add a sense of freedom you just can’t find at city festivals. There’s a playful, almost summer-camp feel, with games, contests, and plenty of opportunities to let your hair down. It’s a place where memories are made — the kind you’ll replay every time you hear your favorite song.

Why June 2025 Is the Summer’s Sweet Spot

June has always been the unofficial kickoff for festival season, but this year, the lineup is more stacked than ever. The weather is warm but not too hot, making it perfect for outdoor shows and late-night adventures. From coast to coast, there’s something for every taste and every vibe, whether you want to dance beneath city lights or unwind by a lakeshore. The diversity of genres and locations means you can find your perfect festival, no matter your style. With tickets selling fast and lineups that just keep getting better, it’s the ideal time to grab your crew and make some memories. Live music has a way of bringing people together, and this June, the opportunities are endless.

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