Music Festival Radar: July
Spotlighting independent, nonprofit, community-led, or artist-produced events worth traveling to
It’s peak festival season and July is home to tons of events all across North America. If the scale of Lollapalooza is your kind of thing, it’s coming up fast! But if not - here are some smaller, under-the-radar festivals happening across the US and Canada in July that are worth the trip:
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Bass Coast / Merritt, BC / July 18-19
Bass Coast is an independent & artist owned festival with accolades that include two consecutive wins of DJ Mag’s ‘Best Boutique Festival in North America’ and 'Best Midsize Festival in Canada' by Canada Music Awards. “The fact that it’s run by women, free of corporate sponsorship, and rooted in artistic expression has resulted in a carefully curated audience: one that is intelligent, creative, and dedicated, in various ways, to the advancing human potential.”
She Rises Fest / Taos, NM / July 18-19
She Rises Music Festival is a transformative celebration of women in music, set against the stunning backdrop of Taos, New Mexico. Our mission is to empower female artists, foster community connection, and create lasting impact by supporting Music Helps Nonprofit programs for traumatized children, children in hospitals, and women in shelters.
Folk on the Rocks / Yellowknife, NT / July 18-20
FOTR is one of Canada’s top summertime music and cultural festivals, drawing performers from the NWT, Nunavut and all across Canada for the North’s biggest party under the midnight sun. More than 35 hours of programming on six stages, including a children's area and a beer garden, promises fun and enjoyment for all ages. Along with the music, crowds can savour international and traditional cuisine at the food fair, check out non-profit groups and activities, and buy Northern creative works in the artisan tent.
Mosswood Meltdown / Oakland, CA / July 19-20
Oakland’s beloved festival Mosswood Meltdown is returning July 19th and 20th, 2025 to Mosswood Park. Acts will be announced shortly, and of course, the festival would not be complete without the inimitable and esteemed John Waters, who celebrates his 11th year as host in 2025. As CBS Bay Area praised, Mosswood Meltdown is “one of the most entertaining two-day celebrations of punk in the Bay Area” (CBS New Bay Area). This is a weekend not to be missed!
Timber! Music Festival / Carnation, WA / July 24-26
Timber! takes place in the rural splendor of Carnation, Washington with the setting of a densely forested 574-acre park situated at the confluence of two rivers. At Timber!, Artist Home carefully plans, programs, and produces music uniquely accompanied by the great outdoors. Celebrating along a river in the woods and under a summer sky, audiences can immerse themselves in a wonderland of music, nature, and one-of-a-kind adventure that sparks authentic connection and unforgettable memories. Artist Home is an Indigenous-owned company committed to supporting up-and-coming artists who are too often overlooked and underserved, creating opportunities for listeners to discover them in intimate, community-rich settings alongside other artists they already know and love.
SOJOURN / Toronto, ON / July 25-27
SOJOURN is a collaborative effort and community-driven grassroots festival between three of Toronto’s most trusted promoters. Programming includes rare Canadian sets from the legends of the scene, special B2Bs, and outdoor sessions designed for full-day flow. Carefully considered lighting and spatial design return throughout the venue, alongside food and rest areas that allow space to reset.
Underground Music Showcase / Denver, CO / July 25-27
For 25 years, the Underground Music Showcase has been more than just a festival—it’s been the heartbeat of Colorado’s music scene. From its gritty, grassroots beginnings to becoming the state’s largest and longest- running music festival, UMS has been the stage where local legends are born, careers are launched, and legacies are built. This year [it’s final year], we’re turning up the volume on everything that makes UMS iconic. We're celebrating every era of the festival, from the underground anthems of its early days to the genre-bending performances that define it now.
Wicker Park Fest / Chicago, IL / July 25-27
As one of Chicago’s most anticipated summer festivals, and dubbed "Chicago's Best Street Festival of the Summer " by the Chicago Tribune, Wicker Park Fest is one of Chicago’s top-drawing festivals, attracting visitors from across Chicagoland and the country with its fantastic music line-up. Wicker Park Fest reflects the neighborhood’s rich musical heritage, vibrant nightlife and acclaimed restaurants. Building on the area’s unique character, the weekend celebrates the neighborhood with eclectic music, great local food, arts and crafts, and retail vendors.
Let us know of any upcoming hidden-gem fests we should know about in the comments!