Looking for the best rap festivals and hip-hop festivals in 2025!? Well, look no further, because I’ve put together the best upcoming festivals in the U.S.A that showcase some of the world’s best hip-hop artists!
“Hip-hop gave a generation a common ground that didn’t require either race to lose anything; everyone gained.” – Jay Z
Hip-hop is a globally appreciated music genre, but nobody does it better than where it all began – the USA! There’s nothing quite like the energy you can find at a USA hip hop music festival. It’s electric, it’s authentic and it’s a loud voice for many. It has grown from its beginnings within African American and Latino communities of The Bronx in New York City to being embraced and loved by all races, creeds, ethnicities and genders.
And with the popularity of hip hop comes an explosion in the number of amazing USA hip hop music festivals across this great country.
From the West Coast to the East Coast and everywhere in between, my list of the 20 best hip hop festivals in the USA is bound to fill your summer music festival calendar and beyond. While a few of these festivals aren’t solely focused on hip-hop, they book incredible artists that hip-hop fans will love!
1) Rolling Loud Festivals | California & Miami
Credit: Rolling Loud Festival
When: March 14-16, 2025 (California) | December 2025 (Miami)
Where: Hollywood Park Grounds, California
“Rolling Loud Festival is a 3-day music event that started in Miami, FL and is now the largest Hip-Hop festival in the world. We now also hosts festivals in Northern California and Southern California, with plans to expand internationally to Japan, China and Europe in the near future.
Some of the biggest names that have performed on the Rolling Loud stage includes the likes of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Future, Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Young Thug, Post Malone, Migos, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Lil Yachty, Lil B, and many more.”
2) Rock The Bells Hip-Hop Festival Cruise
When: October 27-31, 2025
Where: Miami to Bimini, Bahamas
https://www.rockthebellscruise.com/
https://www.facebook.com/rockthebellsfestival
“Let’s RUN IT BACK for Round THREE, Rock The Bells, Family! Join us for the Third Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience. Returning October 27-31, 2025, this floating festival unlike any other brings four days of performances by Hip-Hop legends, MCs, DJs, Producers, and more!
Celebrate Hip-Hop the immersive way with activities with artists, live music morning to night, and the best experiences in the game. Sailing from Miami to Bimini, Bahamas – you won’t wanna miss the fun ’cause the Rockin’ won’t stop!
Along with days and nights filled with musical performances, fun and engaging activities will be a part of the experience, too! Many times you’ll be right alongside your favorite artists. In addition to programming that we’ll plan especially for this festival, guests can enjoy the following amenities on Norwegian Jewel.”
3) Broccoli City Festival
Credit: @frankievergara_
When: July 2025
Where: Washington DC
“Broccoli City is redefining cool by mobilizing & educating urban millennials on how to create a better world. Through our programs we are creating pathways to higher standards of sustainable living, environmental education, economic opportunity, and access to high quality food and shelter.
“Hailed by Blavity as “vibrantly contributing not just to the city’s culture, but political voice — without picking sides” our signature event– Broccoli City Festival — has gathered more than 75,000 millennials for a celebration of music, art, food, culture and community service. The 2018 festival sold out to a crowd of 35,000 across two stages and featured some of today’s most talented artists including Migos, Cardi B, Miguel, Nipsey Hussle, H.E.R, Daniel Caesar, Rich the Kid and more.”
4) Dreamville Festival
Credit: Dreamville Festival
When: April 5-6, 2025
Where: Raleigh, North Carolina
https://www.facebook.com/DreamvilleFest/
“Held annually each spring in Raleigh, Dreamville Festival is an outdoor weekend music celebration curated by internationally-acclaimed hip-hop superstar J. Cole alongside his Dreamville team.
The festival serves as Dreamville’s signature annual event for its fans worldwide bringing together local residents and travelers alike to gather together and enjoy incredible music performances in one of America’s most beautiful and historic public parks, Dorothea Dix Park – Raleigh’s largest city park with over 300 acres of sprawling greenspace.
As one of the most anticipated annual events in the state of North Carolina, the festival acts as a perfect complement to the existing event landscape and cultural fabric of the city of Raleigh.”
5) Something in the Water Festival
When: April 2025
Where: Virginia Beach, Virginia
https://www.somethinginthewater.com
https://www.facebook.com/somethinginthewater
“Something in the Water is a new multi-day music festival and cultural experience put on by Pharrell Williams in his hometown of Virginia Beach, Virginia. It’s mission is to unite the community and celebrate the diversity and magic of Virginia Beach.
It is an opportunity to bring the best of what Pharrell has encountered around the world back to his hometown. The weekend celebrates opportunity and the chance to empower everyone from the youth to the small business owners. SOMETHING IN THE WATER has created a legacy highlighting the pillars that Pharrell is so personally passionate about shining a light upon and celebrating his hometown community.
The weekend aims to give back to the community that he so passionately supports. Musicians, students, artists, activists and more will converge on Virginia Beach to activate and amplify, collaborate and co-author, shift and shape the future.”
6) Days of Summer Cruise Hip Hop Festival
When: July 2025
Where: Miami, Florida – Bahamas
https://www.daysofsummercruise.com
https://www.facebook.com/daysofsummercruise/
Days of Summer Cruise is an another unique event that combines the vibes of a music festival with the excitement of a luxury cruise. This floating festival features prominent rap, hip-hop and R&B artists, creating an unforgettable experience for fans that’ll keep you grooving the entire cruise.
The cruise usually lasts a few days with stops at tropical destinations – and while aboard attendees can enjoy live performances, themed parties, meet-and-greets, and other fun activities, all while cruising in style.
7) Breakaway Music Festival
Photo credit – Tyler Church
When: April – October 2025
Where: Multi-City Festival
https://www.breakawayfestival.com
BREAKAWAY IS THE LARGEST NATIONAL TOURING FESTIVAL
Breakaway is quickly becoming one of the most beloved and trusted brands in live entertainment, renowned for its vibrant and community-focused festivals that celebrate music, connection, and unforgettable experiences.
This touring festival has rapidly expanded and organizes massive festivals across 12 different destinations. While each individual festival will have its own line-up (there will be a decent amount of crossover), Breakaway always brings in some of the hottest artists in the rap / hip-hop industry! With so many festivals to choose from – it’ll be easy for ya to check this one out!
8) Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
When: April 11-13 & April 18-20, 2025 (Two weekends)
Where: Indio, California
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is one of the most iconic and sought-after music festivals in the entire world! Known for its diverse lineup, Coachella blends genres ranging from indie and electronic to pop, rock, and hip-hop, and so much more! There literally is something for everyone at Coachella.
In recent years, hip-hop and rap have become integral parts of the festival, with globally renowned artists like Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Megan Thee Stallion, and Bad Bunny gracing its stages.
Coachella offers a space where rap and hip-hop not only thrive but also cross paths with other genres, creating an eclectic mix that appeals to a wide audience. Set against the stunning backdrop of the California desert, the festival is as much about the culture as it is about the music, offering fans unforgettable performances and collaborations across all styles.
9) Roots Picnic Hip Hop Festival
When: June 2025
Where: Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles | Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
http://rootspicnic.com/philly/
https://www.facebook.com/RootsPicnic/
The Roots Picnic is a celebrated hip-hop and R&B festival held annually in Philadelphia, showcasing a diverse blend of artists across genres. Hosted by The Roots, the festival has become a staple for fans of live music, featuring major acts like Jill Scott, Lil Wayne, and Nas in recent years. Beyond music, it often includes podcast stages, cultural panels, and unique collaborations, making it a cultural event rather than just a concert
In 2025, The Roots are bringing a special installment to the Hollywood Bowl on June 8. Titled A Roots Picnic Experience: Class of ’95, this one-night show will celebrate the pivotal year in hip-hop history. Featuring performances by Lil’ Kim, Method Man & Redman, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, E-40, and more, the event highlights hip-hop’s golden era, with The Roots serving as both performers and the backing band for various acts.
10) Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza is simply THE Chicago music festival to attend | Credit: Charles Reagan / Lollapalooza 2018
When: August 2025
Where: Grant Park, Chicago
4 days of the world’s best music in the heart of chicago
Lollapalooza is returning to Hutchinson Field at Grant Park in August 2025! Originally created in 1991 as a traveling alternative rock festival, Lollapalooza has evolved into a diverse celebration of music, art, and culture. Its lineup spans nearly all genres including rock, pop, electronic, hip-hop, rap, and plenty more!
In recent years, Lollapalooza has embraced the growing influence of hip-hop, consistently booking some of the biggest names in the genre. Past performers have included Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Travis Scott, Post Malone, Megan Thee Stallion, and Tyler, The Creator, among others. By integrating rap and hip-hop into its lineup, Lollapalooza reflects the genre’s mainstream appeal and cultural dominance, providing a platform for both rising stars and established icons.
This diversity helps Lollapalooza maintain its reputation as a festival for everyone, drawing massive crowds and creating an environment where fans of various genres converge. Let me know if you’d like more details about recent lineups or how Lollapalooza compares to other festivals!
11) Made In America Festival
Credit: Matthew Chen
When: September 2025 (Labor Day weekend)
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
“The Made in America music festival is a massive musical celebration that takes over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway each Labor Day weekend in Philadelphia. With dozens of top performers and multiple stages on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the two-day music festival curated by Jay-Z is one of the year’s can’t-miss events.
Every year, Jay-Z hand-picks a lineup of both established and up-and-coming musicians to perform throughout the weekend — and sometimes, you can even find Jay-Z singing along in the crowd.”
12) Outside Lands
When: August 8-10, 2025
Where: San Francisco, California
https://www.sfoutsidelands.com
Outside Lands is Northern California’s Biggest and Best Music Festival
“A bike valet, wine tasting tent, and local organic food vendors are just a couple of signs that you’re in San Francisco at Outside Lands. The quirky and wonderful Golden Gate Park hosts a wide range of acts and has quickly grown into a highlight of the San Fran summer. Bring a hoodie with you.”
Just because it’s August doesn’t mean that the fog won’t join the party. I’ve personally attend two different Outside Lands editions, and it’s truly an incredible experience! While the festival is not strictly hip hop, the line-ups are always super diverse and I know rap fans will find plenty of acts they’ll want to see! Plus – San Francisco as a city is always worth a visit!
Check out my festival reviews from 2017 & 2018:
- Outside Lands Music Festival: The Ultimate Golden Gate Park Party
- Outside Lands Festival 2018 | Top 10 Weekend Highlights
This annual 3-day California festival is a favorite among San Francisco locals and tourists alike, and there’s arguably no better time to visit SF because there’s so much going on! For the rap and hip fans out there, you’ll be more than happy with the eclectic line-up!
13) Cali Vibes Fest
When: June 7-8, 2025
Where: Long Beach, California
https://www.facebook.com/CaliVibrationsFest/
“With so much drama in the LBC, it’s kinda hard being SNOOP D-O Double G”
Cali Vibes Fest holds a special place for me, as I’ve had the chance to attend and experience its unique energy firsthand. The festival is a perfect blend of music, food, and laid-back California culture.
Watching Snoop Dogg perform in his hometown of Long Beach was unforgettable, especially with the ocean breeze and crowd excitement amplifying the atmosphere. The diverse lineup, featuring reggae icons and hip-hop legends, truly captures the essence of California’s music scene. If you love coastal vibes and amazing live performances, it’s an event you don’t want to miss! Let me know if you’d like tips for attending.
14) Life Is Beautiful
When: September 2025
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
“Taking place in the year-long adult party capital of the United States, Life Is Beautiful returns to Downtown Las Vegas. With acclaimed artists taking residency in various resorts and playing home to one of the biggest festivals in the world, the city has become a mecca for traveling music fans. Life Is Beautiful emerged in 2012 as a festival of electronic mashups and has continued to hold its own in the crowded Vegas market space.”
15) Lil WeezyAna Festival
When: November 2025
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
https://www.lilweezyanafest.com/
“Lil Wayne will host the 5th annual Lil WeezyAna Fest in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s event takes place at a new location, NO Lakefront Arena Festival Grounds, and promises a lineup featuring Wayne alongside fellow rap titans Travis Scott and Meek Mill. Other confirmed acts include Trey Songz, Megan Thee Stallion, Kash Doll, Saweetie, and Melli, along with surprise guests.”
16) Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival
Credit: Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival
When: November 2025
Where: Los Angeles, California
“Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, formerly known as the OFWGKTA Carnival or Odd Future carnival, is an annual American music festival and carnival curated by Tyler, the Creator and has been held annually since its inception in the fall of 2012.
17) ONE Musicfest
Credit: ONE Musicfest
When: October 2025
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
“ONE Musicfest is one of the summer’s most anticipated festival concert series. OMF takes place in the heart of Atlanta and is the largest progressive urban music & arts festival in the Southeast. Seeking to bridge the gap between diverse communities, ONE Musicfest showcases a wide variety of musical talents spanning genre, race, age and content. OMF is a bridge across cultural, generational, and economic divides.”
18) Dusk Music Festival
When: November 2025
Where: Tucson, Arizona
“The DUSK Music Festival is an annual two-day music festival held at Jácome Plaza, in Tucson, Arizona in early November.
Founded by John Rallis, Page Repp and Pete Turner in 2016, DUSK has three stages where musical artists from genres including rock, indie, country, EDM and hip hop perform for fans.”
19) Honeyland
Credit: Honeyland Music Festival
When: November 2025
Where: Houston, Texas
“The Honeyland Festival is shaping up to be the next big event serving as a one-stop shop for all things Black culture. Slated to take over Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Texas on November 11-12, the inaugural festival will feature Mary J. Blige, Jazmine Sullivan, Tems, Lucky Daye, and Chlöe Bailey as headliners.
Additional musical performances listed in the star-studded lineup include Coco Jones, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Scarface, and Tobe Nwigwe, who will serve as the festival’s “Houston Ambassador.”
20) Governors Ball Music Festival
The most iconic of the NYC Music Festivals | Photo by Greg Noire via Gov Ball’s Facebook
When: June 2025
Where: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, New York City
https://www.governorsballmusicfestival.com/
https://www.facebook.com/govballnyc
Music. Art. Food. Experiences. Community. Surprises. NEW. YORK. CITY.
“The Gov Ball experience encompasses all of these and is unlike any other festival out there. Built by New Yorkers, for New Yorkers, the festival is always evolving, always entertaining, and always striving to exceed your expectations. We started all this 8 years ago because we were music lovers who lived in a city that needed – that deserved – a contemporary music festival. Music is always our primary focus, and with 60+ artists of all genres across 4 stages, there is something for everyone.”
Hip-Hop & Rap Festivals Possibly Returning in 2025
The music festival industry can be quite challenging so there are a few festivals who look like they might not host future editions, but while updating this article I didn’t want to completely get rid of them. So take a look through a few more and give them a follow if they sound interesting to you!
LA3C Music & Food Festival
When: TBC
Where: Downtown Los Angeles, California
“LA3C is a Music & Food Festival taking place in DTLA’s Historic Core. From November 10-12, LA3C will activate four of LA’s most iconic venues including the Theatre at the Ace Hotel, the Los Angeles Theatre, the Orpheum Theatre and the Palace Theatre, as well as several surrounding lots, to bring together a spectrum of arts and vendors to celebrate what makes LA great. Leading tastemakers in LA’s food and wine scene, independent filmmakers and a world class roster of live performances come together to bridge communities, honor traditions, and inspire creativity.”
Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival
When: TBC
Where: Brooklyn, New York
“Established in 2005, The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival is New York City’s largest Hip-Hop cultural event that showcases the positive aspects of Hip-Hop culture by highlighting Hip-Hop’s legacy as an agent of artistic progression, community building and social change. In addition to musical performances, the Festival offers a number of activities for its audience, including: panel discussions, exhibitions, parties, an award show and a family-friendly block party. The Festival is more than a concert or outdoor fair. It is a family reunion for lovers of this great culture.”
Neon Desert Music Festival
When: TBC
Where: El Paso, Texas
https://www.neondesertmusicfestival.com
“Neon Desert Music Festival is a multi-day music festival held each year on Memorial Day weekend in El Paso, Texas. From the festival’s inception in 2009, Neon Desert Music Festival has continuously strived to be a yearly music event for El Paso by El Pasoans, while providing the local artistic community with an outlet to showcase their talents alongside national and international headliners. Featuring multiple outdoor stages, local and regional artist displays, and a diverse music lineup with acts from across the globe, Neon Desert Music Festival continues to be the Southwest’s premier music festival every Memorial Day weekend.”
Head In The Clouds Festival
When: August, 2024 (TBC)
Where: Los Angeles, California
https://www.facebook.com/hitcfestival
“88rising’s Head In The Clouds Music & Arts Festival made a massive return in 2021 in L.A The single day event will feature performances from the 88rising roster, as well as some of the biggest music acts from around the world. Praised by Billboard as “The Asian Hip-Hop Festival You Need To Know,” the inaugural Head In The Clouds Festival made a groundbreaking impact in September 2019 as the first Asian-centric music festival to launch in the United States. Returning for year two, the festival will be a day long celebration of Asian youth culture and creativity, highlighting the best in music, food, art, and fashion from around the globe.”
Hive Music Festival
When: TBC
Where: Salt Lake City, Utah
Hive is all about hip hop. The most recent festival in 2021 was headlined by Post Malone. It’s primarily a vehicle for some of the most promising young artists in the genre. But there is also the stated promise of at least one unannounced major act every year. The festival takes place in downtown Salt Lake, so there is no camping. Patrons are asked to find local accommodation and attend the shows between 11 am and 11 pm each day of the festival. The festival is officially all ages and is a high-energy celebration and platform for a truly evolving genre.”
Am I Missing Any Epic Hip Hop Festivals in the U.S.A?
There really are so many incredible festivals around the country with world-famous hip-hop stars! If you think I need to add any specific hip-hop/rap festivals to my list, please let me know!
Image via Tyler Church
Looking for more music festivals in America?
My travel blog is filled with articles that discuss the best parties, events, and music festivals all over the world! Check out a few of these articles below and start planning your next big adventure! There are tons of after movies to check out, awesome line-ups, and much more!
- The 20 Best EDM Festivals in the USA
- Top 25 Country Music Festivals in the USA
- Top 20 Metal Festivals in the USA
- 27 Epic Virginia Music Festivals To Experience Before You Die
- Top 20 Boston Music Festivals For the Bucket List
- Top 20 San Diego Music Festivals | The Ultimate SD Festival Bucket List
- The Top 25 Music Festivals in ARIZONA To Experience Before You Die
- The 30 Best Music Festivals in Australia To Experience Before You Die
- The Top 10 Music Festivals in Colorado To Experience Before You Die
- Top 14 Music Festivals in OREGON To Experience Before You Die
- Top 21 Music Festivals in LAS VEGAS To Experience Before You Die
- 15 Epic Music Festivals in MICHIGAN To Experience Before You Die
- 20 Vancouver Music Festivals To Add To Your BUcket List
Image via Tyler Church
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