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New York City never sleeps, and its music festivals are proof of that. Whether you are into indie rock, jazz, electronic beats, or folk melodies, the city has a festival to match every musical taste. From massive multi-day events like The Governors Ball to intimate showcases like The New Colossus Festival, New York’s diverse music scene promises unforgettable experiences. Get ready to explore the top 10 New York music festivals that you simply can’t miss in 2025!
Overview: Best Unmissable New York Music Festivals
1. The New Colossus Festival:
The New Colossus Festival is a five-day showcase event in New York City, featuring over 180 emerging artists from around the world. As a major highlight of the city’s music scene, the festival provides a platform for rising talent while fostering industry connections through music conferences and networking events. It’s an essential destination for music lovers, industry professionals, and artists looking to make their mark on the global stage.
| Event Details | Description |
| Dates | March 4-9, 2025 |
| Location | Lower East Side, New York City |
| Colossal Conversations | Panels and workshops on artist management, touring, production, sync licensing, and more. |
| Lineup Highlights | Features artists from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and more. |
| Did you know?The New Colossus Festival is inspired by the iconic poem on the Statue of Liberty, symbolising new beginnings for emerging artists. |
2. The Governors Ball Music Festival:
This is one of the largest New York music festivals, featuring over 60 performances across three stages. It offers a diverse lineup of artists, food from NYC’s favorite restaurants, and various brand experiences.
| Event Details | Description |
| Dates | June 6-8, 2025 |
| Location | Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, New York City |
| Lineup Highlights | Tyler, the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, Hozier |
| Ticket Prices | Tickets start from $139 per day |
3. New York City Electroacoustic Music Festival (NYCEMF):
The New York City Electroacoustic Music Festival (NYCEMF) is the largest annual showcase of electroacoustic music in New York City and one of the most renowned worldwide. Featuring a mix of fixed media compositions, live electronics, and multimedia installations, the festival brings together composers, performers, and engineers to exchange ideas and present their works. Known for its technical excellence and genre-spanning performances, NYCEMF is a premier platform for innovation in electronic and experimental music.
| Event Details | Description |
| Dates | June 22-28, 2025 |
| Location | New York City |
| Lineup | Past performers include Madeleine Shapiro (cello), Esther Lamneck (clarinet/tarogató),Shiau-uen Ding (piano), and more. |
| Ticket Prices | $25 per concert or $50 day passes for access to multiple events. |
4. Great Blue Heron Music Festival:
The Great Blue Heron Music Festival is an annual celebration held in Sherman, New York, typically over the first or second weekend of July. This three-day event features over 30 musicians and bands across three stages. The festival grounds offer camping options, clean amenities, and activities for all ages, including workshops and a sandy beach by a spring-fed pond. It is a rain-or-shine event with a focus on community and music, attracting several thousand visitors each year.
| Event Details | Description |
| Dates | July 3-6, 2025 |
| Location | Sherman, New York |
| Lineup | Andy Frasco & The U.N., Beats Antique, The Rumble, and Shadowgrass are among the performers for 2025. |
| Ticket Prices | Tickets range from $59 – $275 |
5. Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance:
The GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance is a vibrant four-day celebration of music, art, and community, featuring five stages of nonstop performances. With an eclectic lineup of 70+ artists spanning bluegrass, Cajun, zydeco, reggae, country, and more, the festival creates an immersive cultural experience. Founded in 1991 by Donna the Buffalo, it attracts nearly 20,000 visitors annually, known for its welcoming atmosphere and deep sense of community.
| Event Details | Description |
| Dates | July 17-20, 2025 |
| Location | Trumansburg Fairgrounds, Trumansburg, New York |
| Lineup | This four-day festival celebrates music, dance, art, and community with 70+ artists across five stages. |
| Ticket Prices | Tickets start from $99 at the gate to $195 for a four-day pass. |
6. Mountain Jam Festival:
Returning after a six-year hiatus, Mountain Jam is a three-day rock and camping festival celebrating music and community. Since its founding in 2005, it has evolved from a small one-day event into a multi-day experience, featuring a diverse lineup spanning rock, jamband, Americana, indie, folk, reggae, and funk.
| Event Details | Description |
| Dates | June 20-22, 2025 |
| Location | Belleayre Mountain, Highmount, New York |
| Lineup | Khruangbin, Mt. Joy, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Trampled by Turtles, Michael Franti & Spearhead and more |
| Ticket Prices | The tickets start from $150 for three days |
7. The Saratoga Springs Jazz Festival:
The Saratoga Springs Jazz Festival, presented by GE Vernova, is a two-day celebration of jazz and related genres held at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in Saratoga Springs, New York. Founded in 1978 by jazz impresario George Wein, it is the fifth longest-running consecutive jazz festival in North America. The festival features over 20 world-class artists across two stages: the SPAC Amphitheater and the Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage.
| Event Details | Description |
| Dates | June 28-29, 2025 |
| Location | Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), Saratoga Springs, New York |
| Lineup | Gary Clark Jr., Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Gregory Porter, Cory Wong, Cassandra Wilson and more. |
| Ticket Prices | Tickets start at $85 |
8. Great South Bay Music Festival:
Celebrating its 17th anniversary in 2025, the Great South Bay Music Festival is Long Island’s longest-running and largest four-day music, art, and cultural event. With 55+ performers across four stages, the festival showcases a diverse mix of classic rock, jazz, jam-band, country, folk, zydeco, hip-hop, and funk. Beyond the music, attendees can explore an artisan market, a dedicated children’s entertainment zone, and a vibrant food court featuring multiple beer and wine gardens, creating a truly immersive festival experience.
| Event Details | Description |
| Dates | July 24-27, 2025 |
| Location | Shorefront Park, Patchogue, Long Island, New York |
| Lineup | Gym Class Heroes, Head Automatica (July 24), Damian & Stephen Marley, The Elovaters, J Boog (July 25), moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Eggy (July 26), and a classic rock lineup on July 27. |
| Ticket Prices | Tickets start from $105 |
9. Summer Stage Festival:
The SummerStage Festival is one of New York City’s most beloved outdoor performing arts festivals, presented by the Capital One City Parks Foundation. It offers a diverse range of free and benefit performances across the city’s five boroughs, featuring genres like jazz, hip-hop, Latin, global, indie, and contemporary dance.
| Event Details | Description |
| Dates | June 26 – 28, 2025 |
| Location | While the main stage is located in Central Park at Rumsey Playfield, performances also take place in other parks such as Marcus Garvey Park, Coney Island’s Amphitheater, and more. |
| Lineup | The 2025 lineup is not fully announced yet, but past performances have included artists like Andra Day, Common, and Pete Rock |
| Ticket Prices | Tickets starting from $200, there are also some free events |
10. Blue Note Jazz Festival:
The Blue Note Jazz Festival is a prominent annual event celebrating jazz and its diverse global influences. It takes place in New York City, typically running throughout June into early July, and features performances at multiple iconic venues such as the Blue Note Jazz Club, Sony Hall, and SummerStage in Central Park. The festival showcases a wide range of artists, from legendary figures like Wynton Marsalis to contemporary innovators, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry of jazz.
| Event Details | Description |
| Dates | June |
| Location | Various venues across New York City, including the Blue Note Jazz Club. |
| Lineup | artists such as Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea |
| Ticket Prices | Tickets start from $225 |
For music lovers looking to explore beyond New York, the Top Music Festivals in the UK in the Upcoming 2025 Season offer an incredible lineup of events spanning rock, pop, jazz, and electronic music. The UK festival scene is a must-experience for any music enthusiast.
Check out our guide to the best UK music festivals in 2025 here!
How to Make the Most of Your Festival Experience?
Attending a music festival is more than just watching performances—it’s about immersing yourself in the energy, culture, and community. Here are some tips to ensure you have an unforgettable time:
- Plan Your Schedule
With multiple stages and dozens of acts, it’s easy to miss your favorites. Check the festival lineup and schedule times to map out your must-see performances.
- Book Early & Choose the Right Ticket
Many festivals offer early-bird discounts or VIP passes with perks like premium viewing areas, backstage access, and private lounges. If camping is an option, book your spot early to get the best location.
- Pack Smart
Essentials: Bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and comfortable clothing.
For Outdoor Festivals: Ponchos, portable phone chargers, and sturdy footwear can be lifesavers.
For Camping Festivals: A lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and extra snacks are a must.
- Explore More Than Just Music
Many festivals feature food vendors, art installations, workshops, and interactive experiences. Take time to discover these hidden gems between performances.
- Follow Festival Social Media for Updates
Stay in the loop with schedule changes, weather alerts, and special announcements by following the festival’s official social media pages and hashtags.
From intimate indie showcases to massive multi-day events, New York’s music festivals offer unforgettable experiences for every genre lover. With proper planning and an open mind, you will discover why the city’s festival scene is unmatched in diversity and energy. Mark your calendar, grab your tickets early, and prepare to become part of New York’s musical landscape in 2025!
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FAQs
1. What are some of the largest and most popular New York music festivals?
New York is home to some of the most popular music festivals, including Governors Ball, which features top artists across rock, hip-hop, indie, and electronic music, and Electric Zoo, a must-visit for EDM fans. SummerStage and BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! offer free concerts across the city, while Great South Bay Music Festival brings a mix of rock, blues, folk, and reggae to Long Island.
2. Are there nearby accommodation options for music festivals in New York?
For music festivals like Governors Ball and Electric Zoo on Randall’s Island, nearby accommodations include hotels in Manhattan such as PUBLIC Hotel and YOTEL New York Times Square, which offer easy access to public transportation. For festivals in Brooklyn like BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, options like The Lodge Red Hook or EVEN Hotel Brooklyn provide convenient stays close to Prospect Park.
3. What are the essential items to bring to a music festival?
When heading to a music festival, don’t forget essentials like a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and a portable phone charger to stay hydrated, protected, and connected. Bring earplugs, cash for convenience, and a lightweight backpack to carry your gear for multi-day or outdoor festivals.
4. What are the typical weather conditions during summer festivals in New York City?
New York City’s summer festivals typically experience hot and humid weather, with temperatures often reaching the mid-80s to low 90s°F (29-32°C). Frequent thunderstorms and occasional heavy downpours are common, and the urban heat island effect can make the city feel even warmer, especially in July and August.
5. Is it necessary to purchase tickets in advance for music festivals in New York?
Yes, it is generally necessary to purchase tickets in advance for any New York music festival, especially for popular events like the Governors Ball Music Festival, as tickets often sell out quickly. Advance ticket purchases can also provide better options and sometimes special deals or packages, making it advisable to secure tickets early to ensure attendance.
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