The Best Music Festivals Still To Come In 2025

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Music Festival Preview 2025
Getty Image/Merle Cooper

The Uproxx Music Festival And Tour Preview series is sponsored by Priceline, where music fans can find deals on flights, hotels, and more.

Festival season is in full swing. With two of America’s behemoths, Coachella and Lollapalooza, in the rearview mirror, it’s time to examine the best of what’s left on the 2025 festival calendar. There are plenty of excellent, uniquely tailored fests left that cater to music fans with a variety of tastes to fill out the rest of your summer and early autumn. We here at Uproxx sifted through the noise to give the best of what’s left.

Shaky Knees Festival

Where: Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA
When: Sept. 19-21

Since its 2013 inception, Shaky Knees has grown into one of the country’s preeminent rock festivals. This year is no exception. Taking place in Piedmont Park in Midtown, the festival’s footprint is perfect for music fans to hop from stage to stage seamlessly, nursing a Sweetwater while relaxing under a Magnolia tree. The powerhouse lineups include My Chemical Romance’s only American festival headlining date, and a blend of young and old with IDLES, Spoon, the Marias, Lenny Kravitz, Pixies, the Backseat Lovers, rising Third Man-approved garage rockers Die Spitz, Johnny Marr, Public Enemy, and rabble-rousing punks the Lambrini Girls.

Portola Fest

Where: Pier 80, San Francisco, CA
When: Sept. 20-21

Not to be outdone by Outside Lands, the Goldenvoice-promoted event features one of the more eclectic bills of festival season. Alternative dance giants like LCD Soundsystem, Chemical Brothers, Duke Dumont, combined with Gen Z favorites the Dare and Magdalena Bay, and turn of the century pop icon Christina Aguilera, give Portola a bill unlike anything out there. Plus, nestled on Pier 80 during the Bay Area’s best month for weather, the two-day event is the place to dance yrslf clean while basking under the glow of the Pacific sun.

Riot Fest

Where: Douglass Park, Chicago, IL
When: Sept. 19-21

Celebrating its 20th year following a year that saw it deal with its fair share of issues (mainly on-again, off-again location battles with the city), Riot Fest roars back with one of its strangest lineups – in a good way! Where else can you see Jack White rock, Weezer revive its Blue Album show while the “new” Sex Pistols, Jawbreaker, Marky Ramone Plays the Ramones, and Bad Religion keep the fest’s punk cred? Add to that a stage curated by “Weird Al” Yankovic (!!!) and outside-the-box bookings of the Mike Love-led Beach Boys and Hanson (Yes, that’s right, “MmmBop” Hanson), Rico Nasty, and the Linda Lindas kicking ass, and you have one of the best fests of 2025.

Louder Than Life

Where: Highland Festival Grounds, Louisville, KY
When: Sept. 18-21

Long the centerpiece of the Danny Wimmer Presents empire, this year’s Louder Than Life is easily one of the best heavy festivals in the world. Spread across six stages with 160 bands performing, highlights include the resurgent Deftones, Bring Me the Horizon, Slayer (performing a year after weather caused them to cancel their set), Avenged Sevenfold, mysterious masked sensation Sleep Token, Rob Zombie performing Astro-Creep 2000, and hardcore heroes Knocked Loose’s triumphant homecoming. Along with a steady dose of bourbon and beer flowing, and reunions such as Acid Bath, Crossfade, and LetLive, fans better have their earplugs ready, with the festival’s name being precisely what you should expect.

Ohana Festival

Where: Doheny State Park, Dana Point, CA
When: Sept. 26-28

Imagine sitting at a park, and on a beach, sipping a Mai Tai or cold beer with 16,000 of your closest friends while a beautiful late September ocean breeze crinkles the air? That, my friends, is Ohana Festival. The Eddie Vedder-helmed event stands out not just for being Gen-X and family-friendly, but also for not being beholden to the festival-industrial complex. Sure, frequent 2025 festival headliners Green Day and Hozier appear, but there’s also Eddie Vedder and the Earthlings’ only show of the year. Add to that artists like Wet Leg, Garbage, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Leon Bridges, Stereophonics, and Vedder pals Kings of Leon — what better way is there to celebrate the beginning of fall than with a lineup featuring the past, present, and future of rock?

Austin City Limits

Where: Zilker Park, Austin, TX
When: Oct.3-5, Oct.10-12

Since its 2002 inception, Austin City Limits has cemented itself as not only the most relevant festival in Texas but also as the unofficial end to festival season. Also, there’s nothing that screams the beginning of autumn quite like sitting in the idyllic Zilker Park with its crisp air, surrounded by ravenous Texas Longhorn fans huddled around TVs watching their football team take on their Red River rivals, Oklahoma. Taking place over the first two weekends of October, as usual, ACL has two slightly different lineups that make each weekend special. As the spiritual home of behemoth festival promoter C3, ACL’s weekly lineup tweaks go a long way in creating a different event. Outside of the main headliners and most of the lineup, weekend one features Maren Morris, Phantogram, Hotline TNT, and Modest Mouse, while Pierce the Veil, Bilmuri, Zed’s Dead, and Rilo Kiley drop in for weekend two.



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Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:

1. Authenticity

One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.

2. Lyricism and Wordplay

Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.

3. Beat and Production Quality

The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.

4. Innovation and Evolution

Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.

5. Vibe and Energy

Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.

6. Relatability and Emotional Connection

Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.

The Global Reach of Hip Hop

What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.