September is an ideal time to enjoy the best of music festivals, with diverse experiences for spectators everywhere, from thrilling EDM, rock music concerts, indie, folk, & multicultural festivals. Here’s a top-rated guide for the biggest music festivals happening in September 2025— for festival lovers to schedule their calendars for exciting musical experiences.
Why September Is Perfect for Festivals
September marks a vibrant shift in the calendar, ushering in a season filled with music festivals around the globe. It’s the perfect time as summer gives way to autumn and the onset of cooler climates, with ideal conditions for outdoor events. The time of the year you can find all genres coming together such as EDM, rock, indie, jazz, blues, folk, and cultural celebrations, where each festival is different for each music lover.
Top Music Festivals September 2025
Bourbon & Beyond (Louisville, USA)
Dates: September 11–14, 2025
Genre/Highlights: Eclectic mix—rock, Americana, alt, country
Artist Line-up: The Lumineers, Alabama Shakes, Phish, Jack White, Noah Kahan, Megan Moroney
Top Highlights: Largest bourbon, food, and music festival in Kentucky; multiple genres and world-class culinary experiences.
Find out more about ticket options, including 4-day Mint VIP passes and general admission
Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival (Fredericton, Canada)
Dates: September 9–14, 2025
Genre/Highlights: Jazz, blues, roots, world music; 100+ performances on 27 stages
Artist Line-up: Goose, The Revivalists, Melissa Etheridge, Indigo Girls, Portugal. The Man, The Head and the Heart
Top Highlights: Known for international artists, eclectic lineup, and historic downtown locations.
Get Tickets beginning at $325 CAD; prices go up after presale.
Sea.Hear.Now Festival (Asbury Park, USA)
Dates: September 13–14, 2025
Genre/Highlights: Rock, surf, eco-theme; art installations and surf contests
Artist Line up: Hozier, Blink-182, Alabama Shakes, LCD Soundsystem, Sublime
Why to go: One-of-a-kind blend of music, art, and beach lifestyle; surf competitions and evening performances.
Lost Lands Festival (Thornville, Ohio, USA)
Dates: September 19–21, 2025
Genre/Highlights: Bass, dubstep, reggae; dinosaur-stage layout, 50,000+ patrons
Artist Line up: Excision (multiple sets), massive EDM acts.
Top Highlights: Immersive experience, legendary sound systems, camping, and spectacular stage production.
Find ticket information on General admission passes, early entry, camping packages on sale.
Riot Fest (Chicago, USA)
Dates: September 19–21, 2025
Genre/Highlights: Punk, rock, alternative, indie; 20th anniversary edition
Artist Line up: Green Day, Blink-182, Weezer, Jack White, Sex Pistols, Dropkick Murphys, IDLES
Why Attend: Iconic multi-stage fest with album sets, kickass lineup, & classic punk vibes.
Find Tickets: 1-day, 2-day, & 3-day passes available.
Ziro Festival of Music (Arunachal Pradesh, India)
Dates: September 25–28, 2025
Genre/Highlights: Folk, indie, hip-hop, electronic, global fusion; eco-friendly and tribal culture
Artist Line-up: Diverse local and global indie acts
Why to attend: Breathtaking natural location, bamboo stages, and environmentally friendly emphasis.
Nene Valley Rock Festival (Lincolnshire, UK)
Dates: September 4–7, 2025
Genre/Highlights: Classic rock, progressive rock, blues rock; upscale camping, family-friendly
Artist Line-up: 60 bands (classic and emerging)
Why to Attend: Limited crowd, high-quality sound, scenic castle grounds.
Get Tickets from £20–£169 for multi-day passes, camping available.
Mucky Weekender Festival (Winchester, UK)
Dates: September 11–13, 2025
Genre/Highlights: Electronic, hip-hop, reggae, rock, R&B; creative arts, intimate setting
Artist Line-up: Feature artists and DJs curated by Dub Pistols’ Barry Ashworth
Why to Attend: Intimate, 5000-capacity, immersive themes, woodland stage.
Find Tickets from £80–£220; camping and glamping available.
Bestival (Isle of Wight, UK)
Dates: Early September
Genre/Highlights: Eclectic, family-friendly, boutique festival integrating art and music
Artist Line-up: Acts historically include Basement Jaxx, Bjork, and others
Why to Attend: Award-winning, safe, and loaded with activities for all ages.
Find Tickets for various tiers; explore more options for students and families.
FAQ’s
What are the top music festivals in September 2025?
The best music festivals in September are Bourbon & Beyond, Harvest Jazz & Blues, Sea.Hear.Now, Lost Lands, Riot Fest, Ziro Festival, Nene Valley Rock Festival, and Mucky Weekender, each with a specific genre leaning and international following.
Which September festivals are best for EDM lovers?
Lost Lands Festival in the USA is most famous among EDM and bass enthusiasts for its energetic performances and top-rated sound systems.
Is there a music festival in September that is family-friendly?
Nene Valley Rock Festival & Bestival in the United Kingdom are family-friendly. They have safe spaces, kids’ activities, & welcoming atmospheres.
Conclusion
There’s something for every taste & atmosphere with September music festivals widespread from the USA to India & Europe. Pick your favourite & prepare for a September full of music & excitement!!!
