As the leaves turn and the air cools, October 2025 promises an electrifying lineup of Music festivals 2025 across the United States and United Kingdom, catering to fans of rock, Americana, EDM, bluegrass, and more. From the soulful vibes of Memphis to the vibrant beats of London, these festivals offer immersive experiences that blend music, culture, and community, contributing significantly to the $10 billion global festival industry. This blog dives into the must-attend music festivals happening in October 2025 in the US and UK, providing detailed lineups, ticket information, planning tips, cultural significance, and industry trends to help you make the most of your festival season.
United States: October Music festivals 2025
1. Mempho Music Festival – Memphis, TN (October 3–5, 2025)
Overview: Held at Radians Amphitheater in the Memphis Botanic Garden, Mempho Music festivals 2025 celebrates its eighth year with a blend of rock, hip-hop, Americana, and soul, drawing over 20,000 attendees annually to Memphis’ $4 billion tourism hub.
Lineup: Headliners include Widespread Panic (two nights), Tyler Childers, The Flaming Lips, and The Pharcyde, alongside Father John Misty, Sierra Ferrell, Charley Crockett, Mavis Staples, Lukas Nelson, and local acts like Lucero and Amy Lavere. The Incendia Dome hosts nightly DJ sets.
Venue Details: Located at 6263 Poplar Ave, Memphis, this 96-acre garden offers lush scenery. Gates open at 2:00 PM daily.
Tickets:
- Single-Day GA: $75–$110
- Two-Day GA: $150–$200
- Three-Day GA: $250
- Three-Day VIP: $770 (includes private viewing, bars, and parking)
- Layaway plans start at $43 down. Purchase via official festival platforms or Ticketmaster.
Highlights: Enjoy Memphis BBQ ($8–$15), craft beers ($6–$10), and art installations. The festival’s intimate vibe and local focus earn 4.5-star ratings on Ticketmaster, though some fans note high VIP costs.
Planning Tips: Book hotels in East Memphis ($120–$200/night) or Airbnbs ($80–$150) early. Pack sunscreen, hats, and layers for 60–75°F weather. Use rideshares ($10–$25) due to limited public transit. Follow @MemphoFest for updates.
2. Hillberry Music Festival – Eureka Springs, AR (October 8–12, 2025)
Overview: Celebrating its 10th anniversary at The Farm Campground & Events, Hillberry is a five-day jamgrass extravaganza capped at 3,000 attendees, known for its Ozark Mountain setting and community spirit.
Lineup: Features Railroad Earth (two nights), Greensky Bluegrass, Del McCoury Band, The Infamous Stringdusters, Tyler Childers, Kitchen Dwellers, Arkansauce, and local acts like Johnny Mullenax.
Venue Details: Located at 1 Blue Heron Lane, Eureka Springs, the 160-acre venue offers camping included with tickets. Gates open at 10:00 AM Wednesday–Saturday, closing at 6:00 PM Sunday.
Tickets:
Single-Day GA: $75–$110
- Five-Day GA: $199–$255 (early bird February 2025)
- RV/Camping: $100–$150; tent: $30–$50
- Berry Festival Passport: $400–$500 (multi-event access)
Highlights: Expect workshops (yoga, songwriting), kids’ activities, and a Conscious Alliance food drive. Food trucks serve BBQ ($8–$15) and craft beers ($6–$10). Fans praise the intimate vibe, though RV parking is limited.
Planning Tips: Drive via US-62; parking costs $10–$20. Book camping or Eureka Springs hotels ($80–$150) early. Pack for 50–75°F weather and bring reusable water bottles. Follow festival social media for setlist updates.
3. Seven Stars Festival – Arrington, VA (October 10–12, 2025)
Overview: GRiZ’s inaugural festival at Oak Ridge Estate blends bass, dubstep, and funk, with 67+ artists and a focus on inclusion and sustainability.
Lineup: GRiZ (three sets), Subtronics, Of The Trees, J. Worra, ALLEYCVT, Disco Lines, The Funk Hunters, and emerging acts like Tape B and Wreckno.
Venue Details: Set at 2300 Oak Ridge Rd, this 1,000-acre estate features three stages, including the Ouroboros for afterhours. Gates open at noon, with music until 4:00 AM Friday–Saturday.
Tickets:
- Three-Day GA: $299–$399
- Three-Day VIP: $849–$999 (VIP viewing, private bars)
- Camping Add-Ons: $10–$325 (tent, RV, forest)
- Waitlists opened May 2025 for sold-out tiers.
Highlights: Interactive art, yoga workshops, and secret missions create a psychedelic vibe. Local vendors offer BBQ and vegan options ($8–$15). Social media buzzes with excitement, though bot-driven ticket sales frustrated fans.
Planning Tips: Drive via US-29; parking is $10–$20. Book Charlottesville hotels ($100–$200) or camping early. Pack for 50–70°F and bring flashlights. Follow @SevenStarsFest for updates.
4. Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival – Pittsboro, NC (October 2–5, 2025)
Overview: A biannual nonprofit event at the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center, this festival features 60+ acts across four stages, blending bluegrass, folk, and world music.
Lineup: Donna the Buffalo, Del McCoury Band, George Porter Jr., The Garífuna Collective, Toubab Krewe, and local acts like The Tan and Sober Gentlemen.
Venue Details: Located at 1439 Henderson Tanyard Rd, this 75-acre site offers camping. Gates open at 10:00 AM Thursday–Saturday, 9:00 AM Sunday.
Tickets:
- Single-Day GA: $30–$50 (free for kids under 12)
- Four-Day GA: $100–$150
- Camping: $30–$150 (tent, RV)
Highlights: Features a puppet parade, dance tent, and workshops (yoga, drumming). Food trucks offer Southern fare ($8–$15). Fans love the family-friendly vibe, though camping can get crowded.
Planning Tips: Drive via US-64; parking is $10–$25. Book Pittsboro hotels ($80–$150) early. Pack for 50–75°F and bring blankets. Follow @ShakoriHills for schedules.
5. Palm Tree Music festivals 2025 – Napa, CA (October 11, 2025)
Overview: Kygo’s tropical house festival at Meritage Resort & Spa blends EDM and pop in a vineyard setting, drawing wine and music lovers.
Lineup: John Mayer, Kygo, Sofi Tukker, and more.
Venue Details: Located at 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, gates open at 2:00 PM.
Tickets:
- Single-Day GA: $100–$150
- Single-Day VIP: $250–$400
Highlights: Features beachside stages and wine pairings. Food vendors offer local cuisine ($10–$15). Fans praise the luxurious vibe, though parking is limited.
Planning Tips: Drive via I-80; parking is $10–$20. Book Napa hotels ($150–$300) early. Pack boho attire and sunscreen for 60–80°F weather. Follow @PalmTreeFest for updates.
United Kingdom: October 2025 Music Festivals
1. Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival – Whitby, UK (October 31–November 1, 2025)
Overview: A gothic and alternative Music festivals 2025 at Whitby Pavilion Theatre, celebrating Halloween with a dark, immersive vibe.
Lineup: Clan of Xymox, Fields of the Nephilim, Lord of the Lost, Pink Turns Blue, Balaam and the Angel, Heathen Apostles.
Venue Details: Located at West Cliff, The Spa, Whitby, gates open at 6:00 PM.
Tickets:
- Single-Day: £40–£60
- Two-Day: £80–£120
Highlights: Features live performances and late-night DJ sets. Local vendors offer gothic merch ($20–$40) and food ($5–$10). Fans love the spooky atmosphere, though parking is limited.
Planning Tips: Drive via A171; book Whitby hotels ($80–$150) early. Pack gothic attire for 40–55°F weather. Follow festival social media for updates.
2. Mutations Festival – Brighton, UK (November 7–8, 2025)
Overview: A multi-venue indie and alternative festival across Brighton’s grassroots venues, drawing 5,000 fans.
Lineup: Not fully announced, but expect acts like those from 2024 (Idles, Dry Cleaning).
Venue Details: Nine venues, including Concorde 2, centered in Brighton. Shows run 2:00 PM–midnight.
Tickets:
- Two-Day Pass: £50–£80
- Single-Day: £30–£50
Highlights: Showcases emerging artists and local food ($5–$10). Fans praise the intimate venues, though navigating multiple locations can be tricky.
Planning Tips: Use trains to Brighton Station (£10–$20 from London). Book hotels ($100–$200) early. Pack for 40–55°F. Follow @MutationsFest for lineup drops.
Industry Trends and Cultural Impact
October 2025 festivals reflect key trends:
- Sustainability: Mempho and Seven Stars use refill stations, aligning with 74% of attendees valuing eco-friendly events.
- Diverse Lineups: Multi-genre festivals (Mempho, Shakori Hills) cater to varied tastes, a post-COVID trend.
- Intimate Settings: Hillberry’s 3,000-attendee cap and Mutations’ grassroots venues meet demand for personal experiences.
- Local Focus: US festivals highlight regional acts, boosting local economies (e.g., Memphis’ $200 million music tourism).
Culturally, these festivals celebrate regional identities, from Memphis’ blues heritage to Whitby’s gothic allure, fostering community and creativity.
Planning Tips
- Tickets: Buy early (February–June 2025) for savings. Use official platforms to avoid scams.
- Travel: Book flights or trains early (US: $100–$300; UK: £10–$50). Carpool to save on parking.
- Accommodation: Reserve hotels or Airbnbs 3–6 months out. Camping is cost-effective for US festivals.
- Packing: Bring layers, reusable bottles, and clear bags. Check venue policies.
- Stay Informed: Follow festival social media and join forums like Reddit’s r/festivals for tips.
Conclusion
October 2025 offers a vibrant array of Music festivals 2025 in the US and UK, from Mempho’s soulful Memphis vibes to Seven Stars’ cosmic Virginia campout. Secure tickets early, pack for fall weather, and immerse yourself in music and community. Whether jamming in the Ozarks or dancing in Brighton, these festivals promise unforgettable memories.
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