Words by Skylar Sanders
As we look ahead to 2025, the live music scene is shaping up to be nothing short of electric. With a fresh wave of talent, bold collaborations and some long-awaited returns, it’s clear that the year is set to deliver unforgettable concert experiences. Here at Loudspeaker Collective, we’re beyond excited for what’s to come, and we’ve rounded up some of the year’s most highly anticipated tours and festivals. From genre-defying acts to iconic legends hitting the road, these shows are more than just performances — they’re cultural events that promise to set the stage for a groundbreaking year in live music.
As we kick off 2025’s concert season, the anticipation surrounding upcoming tours is palpable. While we’ll be highlighting four tours that we’re most looking forward to, there are plenty of others that deserve a mention. Notable acts like Tyler, the Creator with their North American “CHROMAKOPIA Tour,” Charli xcx’s Australian and North American “BRAT 2025 Arena Tour” dates, and Lucy Dacus and Soccer Mommy’s highly anticipated returns to the stage are also drawing a lot of attention. One thing is for sure – fans will have no shortage of incredible live music experiences in the year ahead.
The Secret of Us Deluxe Tour – Gracie Abrams
Katherine: “I have been a fan of Gracie Abrams since 2021 and have been to every one of her headlining tours since “This is What It Feels Like.” I am still processing the insane amount of growth she’s had in the past year due to the release of her sophomore album and collaboration with Taylor Swift both in the studio and as an opener for “The Eras Tour.” I did get to go to “The Secret of Us Tour” this fall, but unfortunately, I was not able to get tickets to the “Deluxe Tour” next year due to the insane demand and lack of dates across the country. Despite not having tickets as of right now, I’m hoping something will fall into my lap by July, but either way, I am so proud of Gracie for booking her first arena as a headliner!”
The Grand National Tour – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Alicia: “From releasing one of the most popular songs “Not Like Us” and other singles stemming from his feud with Drake to releasing his album GNX, Kendrick Lamar has all of us in a chokehold this year. SZA finally released Lana, the deluxe edition of her Grammy-winning ’22 album SOS. They both toured their last albums Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers and SOS 2022-2024. They have featured singles on their respective albums this year as well. The last time these two toured together was in 2018, for Top Dawg Entertainment’s “Championship Tour.” I’m excited for the chemistry they’ll bring when they are on stage together. I just might cry when I hear “All the Stars.””
I Can’t Hear You World Tour – Pierce The Veil & Sleeping With Sirens
Gabe: “I have been a huge fan of both these bands for almost a decade! They have gone on tour together before in 2014, which they started in Fresno, CA. I was 11 at the time and I didn’t know about them until I was 13. I always looked back at other people’s videos and wished I would’ve been able to experience it and luckily now I will! I’m going to their LA night 1 show and I got VIP for my friends and I. I have seen both bands separately but seeing them together is going to make me explode with excitement.”
Jaz: “KALEO has been an artist on my radar for a number of years now. Ever since he released his song ‘Way Down We Go” I absolutely fell in love with his voice. His other songs are just as incredible, and his vocal performance is one of the most powerful I have ever seen. I am so excited to be able to experience it in person as well as potentially shoot the show through my music blog!”
In addition to the tours heading our way, 2025’s festival lineup promises to be just as thrilling. From massive multi-day events to smaller gatherings that showcase emerging talent, the festival scene is gearing up for a packed year. While we’ll be diving into a few of our most anticipated festivals, it’s worth noting some others that are creating serious buzz. Honorable mentions include the “Sips & Sounds Music Festival” in Austin, TX, the return of “Rolling Loud” to Inglewood, CA, and the highly-anticipated “Coachella”, showcasing a stacked lineup in Indio, CA.
Katherine: “I went to my first ever All Things Go Music Festival this fall after having wanted to go since 2022. I went to both days of the NYC location and had a blast despite the rainy conditions. I am a huge fan of All Things Go’s lineup every year, and knew I had to be there this fall after performers like MUNA, Julien Baker and Del Water Gap were announced. Some of the most memorable aspects of the festival aside from the amazing artists were the food vendors and merch options.”
Alicia: “‘What a ride it’s been… We can’t thank y’all enough for all the memories we’ve shared’, words from the Dreamville Festival organizers posted on social media. The fifth and final Dreamville Festival will have no choice but to go out with a bang. The popular music festival had over 100,000 people attend last year, with headliners such as SZA, Nicki Minaj and 50 Cent. I went to Dreamville Festival for the first time in 2022 post-pandemic and honestly, it was the best time I’ve ever had. From the beautiful Ferris wheel and the food vendors to the lineup, that year was stacked: Lil Wayne, J. Cole, Lil Baby, Kehlani, T-Pain, T.I and Jeezy. It was so good I went back the next year.”
Gabe: “Panic! is going to be performing A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out! I’m going with my two best friends, and we grew up listening to this band. I never got a chance to see them before, so this will be a first – and the fact they’re going to be playing old songs is even more exciting. I went to WWWY last year and crossed off so many bands from my bucket list, and this year is going to be even more exciting. I’m a huge sucker for nostalgia, and finding out NeverShoutNever is also performing was a surprise to me since they haven’t performed in years and haven’t been active for a while now. I’m pretty sure the lead singer mentioned that this would be their last show as a band for a long time, so being able to experience that with my best friends will be so special. I can’t wait!”
Jaz: “Byron Bay Bluesfest is an Australian festival that’s been around since 1990, and has always had an extremely solid lineup. I am so excited, as this year was meant to be the final ever Bluesfest, but due to overwhelming ticket sales and support from Australian locals, the festival will continue past 2025 – a huge milestone for Australian music! Crowded House is such an amazing band and I am so excited to hopefully see them grace the Bluesfest stage!”
Jackie: “Julien Baker and TORRES haven’t announced a tour, but they are playing several festivals. I am planning on attending some of the festivals. I am hoping they announce a tour soon! The High Water Festival lineup is great. Just the right size so it’s not overwhelming. The location is on the water so it will be pretty!”
Looking ahead to 2025, it’s clear that the live music scene is set for an incredible year. With high-profile tours like Gracie Abrams’ “The Secret of Us Deluxe Tour” and Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s collaboration on “The Grand National Tour,” there’s a lot to be excited about. Fans of Pierce The Veil, Sleeping With Sirens and KALEO are also in for memorable shows, and festival-goers can look forward to events like Dreamville’s final run and Byron Bay Bluesfest’s ongoing legacy. Furthermore, fans of musicians like Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Coldplay can get excited for the continuation of these artists’ 2024 tours, with global legs and appearances at popular festivals like The Governor’s Ball and Bonnaroo occurring this year.
Tickets for many of these tours and festivals are already on sale and others will be available soon, so now’s the time to purchase before they sell out. Whether you’re planning to check out your favorite artist or experience something new, 2025 is shaping up to be a year full of standout live performances.
Loudspeaker Collective 