From local shows in NYC to international metal in Denmark, students weigh in on the best music festivals to catch this summer.
By: Thomas Paul LaRose
As the spring semester comes to a close, many college students are searching for plans to fill a part of their summer break. While there’s countless activities to consider, now more then ever, young adults find themselves attending music festivals.
Lollapalooza, one of the biggest upcoming summer festivals, will return to Grant Park in Chicago from August 1st to 4th. This year’s headliners include Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tyler, The Creator. Single-day general admission starts at $189, while four-day passes reach $415.
While VIP options are currently on a waitlist and cost significantly more than standard tickets. The festival promises a variety of genres, which could attract music lovers who may have varying tastes.
“As a fan of music in general, I have a deep respect for all types of festivals,” said Max Lapinski, a sophomore music major at CSI. “But Lollapalooza’s a strong pick to me. You’ve got variety with the artists! you’ve got pop music, country, even nu metal out of Korn.”
Despite that being a great option though, CSI Students may be looking for something closer to home.
A great option for those to consider is the Governor’s Ball in New York City. The event will be held June 7 to 9 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. It features a mix of artists, including Tyler, The Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, Hozier, and Clairo.
General admission starts at $179 for one day. Three-day passes are currently on a waitlist due to high demand. Its proximity to Staten Island makes it an easier option for CSI students.
“A music festival I would love to go to is the Governor’s Ball,” said Louis Peritore, a sophomore communications major with an interest in music production. “They’ve got great artists performing—some of my favorites being Tyler, The Creator and Clairo.”
Now while these festivals have taken into account the majority of music lovers, some people may look towards something heavier, the type of music that makes you want to jump up and dive headfirst into a mosh pit. For fans of heavy metal willing to travel abroad, Copenhell 2025 is a standout. The festival takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark from June 18 to 21.
Known as one of the world’s top heavy metal events, it features bands like Slipknot, Dream Theater, and the crazy man himself, Abbath Doom Occulta. One-day tickets cost around $162, though full multi-day pricing is still being finalized. Copenhell draws a global crowd and offers a rare opportunity to see legendary metal acts in one place.
“Copenhell is always a safe bet when it comes to these types of festivals,” said Tyler Walsh, a freshman music major at CSI. “There’s a lot of notorious ones, of course, but not only is Copenhell typically huge when it comes to the number of artists they bring out—they also end up having some of the best European bands attend.”
Whether students stay local or travel far, summer festivals are more than just concerts. They offer a sense of escape and connection through music. For many, music is a both therapeutic and revitalizing thing for people—it’s a way to make lasting memories with friends before fall semester begins.
Although ticket prices may be steep, students often find the experience worth the cost. These music festivals present everyone with a chance to see their favorite artists live while exploring different places and sounds.
“It’s not cheap, sure,” said Peritore. “but for three days of nonstop music, it’s worth saving up for.” With lineups set and tickets moving fast, now is the time to plan ahead, because tickets are selling fast.
