The music world is set to erupt with activity as Friday, September 26, 2025, marks the start of a monumental weekend. This date heralds the arrival of several major music festivals across the United States, alongside a slate of highly anticipated new music releases from prominent artists. Fans can look forward to a dynamic mix of live performances and fresh sonic explorations, making this a truly significant moment in the contemporary music calendar.
Major Music Festivals Take Center Stage
The weekend of September 26-28, 2025, will be dominated by a trifecta of large-scale music festivals, each offering a unique experience to attendees.
All Things Go Music Festival is set to illuminate both Columbia, Maryland, at Merriweather Post Pavilion, and New York City’s Forest Hills Stadium. Known for its keen eye in curating both emerging talents and established artists shaping the future of music and culture, this year’s festival promises a diverse lineup. Headliners and featured artists include Noah Kahan, The Marías, The Last Dinner Party, Doechii, Lucy Dacus, Clairo, Remi Wolf, and Djo, among many others. The festival has garnered significant acclaim, even earning nominations for Music Festival of the Year, and is recognized for fostering an inclusive community.
Simultaneously, Ohana Festival will return to the picturesque Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California, for its annual celebration of music and environmental awareness. Scheduled from September 26 to 28, the festival will feature performances from headliners Eddie Vedder & Earthlings, Green Day, and Hozier. The lineup also boasts an impressive roster including Kings of Leon, Cage The Elephant, Leon Bridges, and Garbage. Ohana Festival distinguishes itself by integrating its core pillars of oceans, activism, and conservation into the festival experience, featuring storytelling stages and panels with environmental leaders.
In Ocean City, Maryland, the Oceans Calling Festival will transform the classic boardwalk into a vibrant hub of music, food, and entertainment from September 26 to 28. This three-day event will host over 40 acts across three stages. Headlining this year are alt-rock powerhouses Green Day, Noah Kahan, and Fall Out Boy, with Weezer also set to deliver a major performance. Beyond the music, festival-goers can enjoy culinary delights from local vendors and access to the Jolly Roger at the Pier amusement park, making it a multifaceted coastal experience.
A Wave of New Music Releases
Beyond the festival grounds, September 26, 2025, marks a significant date for new music, with several artists dropping highly anticipated albums and singles.
Doja Cat is set to release her fifth studio album, ‘Vie’, a project described as an ’80s-inspired pop offering that delves into themes of love, romance, and sex. The French title, translating to ‘Life,’ also nods to the Roman numeral ‘V’ on her collarbone, symbolizing this career milestone. The album, featuring production from Y2K and Jack Antonoff, explores intimacy and navigates euphoria and heartbreak, blending ’70s funk grooves, ’80s synth textures, and ’90s R&B warmth. The album’s lead single, “Jealous Type,” was released in August, setting the stage for this diverse collection.
English singer-songwriter Olivia Dean will release her second studio album, ‘The Art of Loving’, following her critically acclaimed debut, ‘Messy.’ Released via Capitol Records and Polydor Records, the album is described as a “tender, intentional deep dive” into various dimensions of love, including romantic, platonic, and self-love. Singles such as “Nice to Each Other,” “Lady Lady,” and “Man I Need” have preceded the album’s release, showcasing Dean’s honed songwriting craft.
Perrie Edwards, formerly of the global phenomenon Little Mix, is stepping into her solo career with the release of her self-titled debut album, ‘Perrie’. The 16-track project is positioned as her most personal work to date, exploring themes of parenthood, relationships, and friendship. The album promises a sonic journey through rock, Motown, disco, and country influences, featuring previously released singles like “Forget About Us” and “If He Wanted To He Would.”
Adding to the day’s new music is social media star Nezza, who will drop her new single “Tasty.” Known for her Spanglish pop sound, Nezza brings a blend of early 2000s pop and R&B vibes with this latest offering. Her single release follows a period of heightened public attention after her performance of the U.S. National Anthem in Spanish at a Los Angeles Dodgers game.
This convergence of major music festivals and significant album Music Releases underscores the vibrant and ever-evolving nature of the trending music scene. The weekend of September 26, 2025, promises to be a defining moment for artists and fans alike, offering a rich tapestry of live music experiences and new sounds to discover.
