Upcoming fall rock festivals

Edgar Winter once said, “Music is very spiritual, it has the power to bring people together.” 

He was right. Every year, thousands of music fans come together around the world to enjoy live festivals. With fall just around the corner, many are anticipating some of the best rock shows of the year. 

Kate Richardson, a rock music lover, has spent years attending festivals. If you’re ready for great music and good vibes, here are nine upcoming rock festivals you won’t want to miss.

1. Louder Than Life

This festival features over 50 acts, including Bring Me The Horizon and Cypress Hill. With thousands of fans trooping in every year, it proudly claims the title of the “World’s Largest Rock ‘N’ Roll Whiskey Festival.” But it features more than music. There’s plenty of food, drinks, and other fun activities too, making it an overall fun-packed event for all.

• Venue: Louisville, Kentucky 
• Date: September 18-21, 2025

2. Riot Fest

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Riot Fest. Every year, the lineup keeps proving why it’s a must for rock fans everywhere. This fall, fans anticipate a three-day event filled with thrilling performances from legendary acts such as The Beach Boys, Weezer, Green Day, Blink-182 and many others.

• Venue: Chicago
• Date: September 19-21, 2025

3. Shaky Knees

For over ten years, Shaky Knees has remained one of the most exciting fall festivals to look forward to every year. The festival hosts 40,000 fans every year in Atlanta. It not only features big international names but also up-and-coming rock artists you won’t see at many other festivals. This year’s lineup includes Deftones, Blink-182, My Chemical Romance, and 40 more bands. This is one that delivers every year.

• Venue: Piedmont Park, Atlanta
• Date: September 19-21, 2025

4. Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival

This started as an initiative to create an authentic music experience, but has turned into a big event. Since 2015, it has brought together all kinds of rock, including gospel. This year’s lineup features Join the Giant, John Mayer, and Grace Potter. Beyond the music, the event celebrates arts, culture, and food, giving you a fully packed experience.

• Venue: Franklin, Tennessee
• Date: September 27-28, 2025

5. Aftershock Festival

Since 2012, Aftershock has grown into California’s biggest rock festival. This year, the four-day event will treat thousands of fans to performances from over 100 bands. The headliners are notable rockstars like Blink-182, Deftones, and Korn. The Aftershock festival is a great opportunity for you to connect with fellow rock lovers and have fun.

• Venue: Discovery Park, Sacramento
• Date: October 2-5, 2025

6. Best Friends Forever

This festival is a three-day outdoor event in downtown Las Vegas made for friends who love to celebrate the bands they grew up with. The festival has two stages, giving plenty of space for great performances. Although this is only the second year the festival is holding, its lineup is quite commendable. It will feature Jimmy Eat World, Jawbreaker, Minus the Bear, and other outstanding bands. It’s the perfect place to have fun with your crew.

• Venue: Downtown, Las Vegas
• Date: October 10-12, 2025

7. When We Were Young
   

As Madeleine L’Engle rightly said, “The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.” 

This concert shows you exactly what it means. With each performance, it takes you back to the sounds and memories of your youth. This is why it records a significant number of older fans every year. The lineup for 2025 features All Time Low, Avril Lavigne, Bad Religion, and The Offspring.

• Venue: Las Vegas
• Date: October 18-19, 2025

8. Pulso GNP 

Pulso GNP is a festival that honors rock stars from Mexico and other parts of the world. It features indie and alternative rock that keeps fans coming back year after year. This year’s lineup includes The Chainsmokers, Empire of the Sun, Billy Idol, and Zoé. Although it is a one-day event, the festival promises a great time for everyone who loves rock music.

• Venue: Querétaro, Mexico
• Date: October 25, 2025

9. Freakout Festival

Over the last four years, Freakout Festival has built a reputation for bringing people together with real passion for music. It stands out because it’s a nonprofit event focused primarily on the music and the fans. It’s always a great place for rock lovers to discover new talent. This year promises another great time with over 30 bands, including Melt-Banana and Liz Cooper.

• Venue: Seattle 
• Date: November 6-9, 2025

Conclusion

Rock may not be making waves in the music world as before, but these festivals remind us of how it used to be. They bring music lovers together to celebrate their shared passion. 

This experience is similar to sports events where fans gather to support their favorite players and team. With expert opinions and detailed reviews, MightyTips gives a deeper view of the industry. 

Aside from the bond it builds, festivals like this have a big economic impact, supporting the host country’s plans to boost the economy through tourism.

The article was provided by Kate Richardson.