New York City’s Best Summer Music Festivals of 2025
Summer in New York means one thing for music lovers: a stacked calendar of live shows and outdoor festivals. From indie acts in the park to big-name headliners on the waterfront, the city doesn’t hold back. These festivals draw thousands—from hardcore fans to first-timers—looking for solid lineups and a great atmosphere. Whether you’re into jazz, hip-hop, EDM, or rock, NYC has something scheduled that hits your wavelength. Here are 10 of the best music festivals set to shape your summer in 2025.
Best Summer 2025 Music Festivals on NYC
Governors Ball Music Festival
Held on Flushing Meadows Corona Park grounds, this multi-genre staple pulls in major international talent. Expect massive stages, high energy crowds, and a rotating mix of rap, pop, rock, and electronic acts. This year’s lineup includes Kendrick Lamar, Paramore, and Fred again..
- Website: https://www.governorsballmusicfestival.com/
- Location: Flushing Meadows Corona Park
- Date: June 6-8, 2025
SummerStage in Central Park
Spread across the season, SummerStage offers a free and ticketed concert series in the heart of the city. Its 2025 lineup ranges from global jazz and soul legends to cutting-edge indie artists. It’s an accessible way to enjoy live music without leaving Manhattan.
- Website: https://cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/
- Location: Central Park
- Date: Visit website for more details
Elements Music & Arts Festival
Held annually in New York City, Elements Festival offers a diverse lineup of electronic music across multiple stages. Beyond music, the festival features immersive art installations, performance art, and wellness activities, creating a holistic experience for attendees. The 2025 edition promises a blend of local and international artists, set against the backdrop of innovative stage designs and interactive environments.
- Website: https://www.elementsfest.us/
- Location: Long Pond
- Date: August 8-10, 2025
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
A community-focused festival based in Prospect Park Bandshell, it blends music, film, and culture. The series highlights artists with global roots, from Afrobeat to Americana. It’s a great way to experience music with local flavor and international reach.
- Website: https://bricartsmedia.org/celebrate-brooklyn/
- Date: Visit website for more details
Jazz Age Lawn Party
Held on Governors Island, this Prohibition-era themed festival delivers vintage jazz, dance, and classic cocktails. Attendees dress in 1920s style and picnic on the lawn between sets. It’s less about headliners and more about vibe and live instrumentation.
- Website: https://jazzagelawnparty.com/
- Location: Governors Island
- Date: August 9-10, 2025
Afropunk Brooklyn
Focused on music, art, and activism, Afropunk is a cultural force in Fort Greene. The 2025 edition returns with a lineup featuring artists blending soul, rap, punk, and afrobeat influences. It’s known for its bold fashion, crowd diversity, and unapologetic creativity.
- Website: https://afropunk.com/
- Date: Visit website for more details
Hot 97 Summer Jam
This long-running hip-hop event moves to Citi Field for another packed stadium show in 2025. Expect chart-toppers and surprise appearances from across the rap world. It’s a fixture in the NYC summer scene and draws fans ready for high-volume energy.
- Website: https://www.hot97.com/summer-jam-2024/
- Location: Prudential Center
- Date: June 20, 2025
Rooftop Films Summer Series
Though not a traditional music festival, this series pairs indie films with live performances across city rooftops. The vibe is low-key but curated, often featuring breakout or experimental artists. It’s one of the city’s more unique ways to hear music outdoors.
- Website: https://rooftopfilms.com/
- Date: Visit website for more details
Blue Note Jazz Festival
Spanning multiple venues across New York City, the Blue Note Jazz Festival is a month-long celebration of jazz music. It features performances from legendary jazz musicians as well as emerging talents, offering a diverse lineup that caters to a wide range of jazz enthusiasts. The festival’s intimate settings provide attendees with unique opportunities to experience live jazz in some of the city’s most iconic venues.
Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC)
More than a festival, LAMC is a gathering of Latinx musicians, fans, and industry voices. Public concerts run throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, mixing emerging and established talent. It’s a key event for discovering artists across reggaeton, rock en español, and urbano.
- Website: https://latinalternative.com/
- Location: InterContinental New York Times Square
- Date: July 8-12, 2025
Summer 2025 in NYC brings more than just warm nights and long days—it delivers real music moments. These festivals aren’t just events—they’re where scenes evolve and artists break through. From established players to low-key series, each brings something worth hearing. Make your plans early, especially for multi-day or ticketed events—they move fast. Whatever your sound, there’s a place for it in the city this summer.
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