--- title: "2025 Music Festival Season: Exclusive Interviews, Performances, and the Next Shows" description: Recap of 2025's festival season with exclusive interviews, performances, and behind-the-scenes video. Get to know 15-year-old musician, Phinley McKee image: https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hubfs/2025.09.04-Watermelon-18.jpg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/2025-music-festival-season#main-content) [![MFP Logo - Stage 2 Flat Black Orange-1](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MFP%20Logo%20-%20Stage%202%20Flat%20Black%20Orange-1.jpg?width=1600&height=1600&name=MFP%20Logo%20-%20Stage%202%20Flat%20Black%20Orange-1.jpg "MFP Logo - Stage 2 Flat Black Orange-1")](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com) [![MFP Logo - Stage 2 Flat Black Orange-1](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MFP%20Logo%20-%20Stage%202%20Flat%20Black%20Orange-1.jpg?width=1600&height=1600&name=MFP%20Logo%20-%20Stage%202%20Flat%20Black%20Orange-1.jpg "MFP Logo - Stage 2 Flat Black Orange-1")](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com) - [Home](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com) - [Podcast](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/podcast) - [Campfire Blog](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog) - [Festival Documentaries](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/music-festival-documentary-films) - [Band Interviews](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/band-interviews) - [Get in Touch](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/contact) Search Toggle Menu Search Toggle Menu - [Home](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com) - [Podcast](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/podcast) - [Campfire Blog](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog) - [Festival Documentaries](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/music-festival-documentary-films) - [Band Interviews](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/band-interviews) - [Get in Touch](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/contact) - Example Link - Example Link - Example Link 2 min read # 2025 Music Festival Season: Exclusive Interviews, Performances, and the Next Shows [![Picture of Neighbor N8](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hubfs/Neighbor%20N8%20-%20MFP%20Headshot.png) Neighbor N8](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/author/neighbor-n8) : Sep 19, 2025 11:28:29 AM [music festival venues](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/tag/music-festival-venues) [music festival news](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/tag/music-festival-news) ![2025 Music Festival Season: Exclusive Interviews, Performances, and the Next Shows](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hubfs/2025.09.04-Watermelon-18.jpg) In episode 59 of the [Music Festivals Podcast](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/), I take you on a guided walk through everything that has happened so far in the 2025 festival season and give you a look at what's still to come. It's a special milestone episode—59 shows in—and I wanted to do something different. Whether you’re planning your next big festival adventure or just love hearing real stories from the road, this one is for you. This year has taken us coast to coast (the furthest trip being to Buena Vista, Colorado for the 2024 Renewal) and brought together an incredible lineup of moments, interviews, and performances. I walk you through the packed season so far—14 festivals attended, 8 band interviews, 13 conversations with camp neighbors, and four mini-festival documentaries.  There’s also a personal side to this journey—late-night episode edits, last-minute camper rental snafus (shout out to Outdoorsy for coming through in a pinch), and the slow but steady growth of the Music Festivals Podcast into something much bigger. My aim has always been to make you feel like you already know a festival, venue, or campground before you ever show up, and I’m grateful for every neighbor who’s joined me along the way. ### Phinley McKee is Something Special This episode highlights a breakout performance from an emerging artist from Lancaster, Ohio named [Phinley McKee](https://www.youtube.com/@PhinleyMckeeMusic). Seriously, you’ll want to see his set if you missed it so stay tuned for the full set to be published soon.  You can also go back to the [Hookahville 61 Live Stream on Sunday afternoon](https://www.youtube.com/live/DQ2-lKe6Pvk?si=Bq2W7KrO0Rn5uaXV) to watch. But yeah .... at age 15, this kid is sure a special talent.  I have no idea how the words and music come into his mind, but he writes and preforms with a wisdom gained from living many lives. ### What a Long Strange Trip It's Been I also offer behind-the-scenes glimpses at my own journey—from a software guy to a music festival documentarian, with all the trials, hustle, and gratitude in between. I announce the exciting growth of the team for 2026 and plans to branch out into more genres and more live streams, including a potential shot at covering Burning Man. If you’re festival-curious or living vicariously from your couch, there’s something here for you. Catch this episode for a full recap of where we’ve been this year, live performances, heartfelt interviews, and a preview of what’s still on the horizon—including the upcoming Lazy Jam (with stream info and tips on how to watch from home). If you haven’t already, check out the full episode, subscribe on YouTube, and join the Neighborhood newsletter for all the behind-the-scenes news, special features, and exclusive deals. Let’s keep bringing the festival spirit home together. ### Festival Performance of the Week: Slinky and the CobbleTones LIVE in Berryville VA This week's festival performance of the week comes from my trip down to the Watermelon Pickers Festival in Berryville, VA a few weeks back.  The band - [Slinky and the CobbleTones](https://slinkycobblestone.bandcamp.com/) - was the winner of the 2024 festivals bluegrass band competition.  And, on fiddle, you'll meet your festival organizer and promoter [Stacey Sinclair](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/watermelon-pickers-festival-2025-preview-stacey-sinclair).  Go back and learn about her story - her passion for keeping this festival alive is contagious.   Video Credit: [Watermelon Pickers Festival 2025 — Slinky and the Cobbletones LIVE in Berryville VA](https://youtu.be/_19B5pq1pR8?si=ZvSzmfQtjAvOSfT9) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![TuneHatch: A Dating Website for Bands, Promoters and Local Venues](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hubfs/2024-12-02_17-27-53.png)](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/tunehatch-dating-website-bands-promoters-local-venues) #### [TuneHatch: A Dating Website for Bands, Promoters and Local Venues](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/tunehatch-dating-website-bands-promoters-local-venues) ![Picture of Neighbor N8](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Neighbor%20N8%20-%20MFP%20Headshot.png?width=30&name=Neighbor%20N8%20-%20MFP%20Headshot.png) [Neighbor N8](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/author/neighbor-n8) : Dec 6, 2024 6:07:27 AM Hey Neighbors - welcome back! This week, we’re heading to Nashville to take a closer look at a startup platform that has potential make a big... [music festival venues](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/tag/music-festival-venues) [music festival news](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/tag/music-festival-news) [Read More](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/tunehatch-dating-website-bands-promoters-local-venues) [![ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band: An Inside Look with Professor Dan Boner](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hubfs/professor%20dan%20boner.webp)](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/etsu-bluegrass-pride-band-professor-dan-boner) #### [ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band: An Inside Look with Professor Dan Boner](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/etsu-bluegrass-pride-band-professor-dan-boner) ![Picture of Neighbor N8](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Neighbor%20N8%20-%20MFP%20Headshot.png?width=30&name=Neighbor%20N8%20-%20MFP%20Headshot.png) [Neighbor N8](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/author/neighbor-n8) : Jan 24, 2025 10:34:41 AM Heyo Neighbors—we're changing the strings on this week on the episode away from WinterWonderGrass. A few weeks back, I had the chance to sat down... [music festival venues](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/tag/music-festival-venues) [music festival news](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/tag/music-festival-news) [winter festivals](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/tag/winter-festivals) [Read More](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/etsu-bluegrass-pride-band-professor-dan-boner) [![Lazy Jam #7 Festival Preview with Promoter OJ Wilson](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hubfs/Lazy%20Jam%207%20Schedule%201x1.png)](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/lazy-jam-7-festival-preview-oj-wilson) #### [Lazy Jam #7 Festival Preview with Promoter OJ Wilson](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/lazy-jam-7-festival-preview-oj-wilson) ![Picture of Neighbor N8](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Neighbor%20N8%20-%20MFP%20Headshot.png?width=30&name=Neighbor%20N8%20-%20MFP%20Headshot.png) [Neighbor N8](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/author/neighbor-n8) : Aug 22, 2025 3:41:05 PM In episode 54 of the Music Festivals Podcast, I sit down with OJ Wilson, the heart and mind behind Lazy Jam, to talk through the incredible... [music festival venues](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/tag/music-festival-venues) [music festival news](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/tag/music-festival-news) [Read More](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/lazy-jam-7-festival-preview-oj-wilson) ##### About Music Festivals Podcast About Music Festivals Podcast ![NeighborN8 No Background](https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NeighborN8%20No%20Background.png?width=323&height=242&name=NeighborN8%20No%20Background.png) I'm your host [@neighborN8fests](https://www.instagram.com/neighborn8fests/) (follow me on Instagram) and I am stoked to be your neighbor in this little festival adventure we're on.  Join me every Friday as we dive into the music festival scene with onsite footage, interviews, performances and even festival camping hacks so that you can know before you go... Music Festivals Podcast is a weekly podcast with new episodes every Friday everywhere you get your podcasts. Find daily videos of live festival performances and more on the [YouTube Channel.](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClgQs3tJlctNKPDLJ0_Fgyg) Want to get in touch? [Email Neighbor Nate.](mailto:neighborn8@musicfestivalspodcast.com) ##### Featured Festival Highlights Featured Festival Highlights   - Privacy Policy - Become a Guest - Sponsor a Season © 2026 Music Festivals Podcast is a production of NRMedia Group, LLC | All Rights Reserved ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Neighbor N8", "url" : "https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/author/neighbor-n8" }, "dateModified" : "2025-09-19T15:28:29.926Z", "datePublished" : "2025-09-19T15:28:29.000Z", "headline" : "2025 Music Festival Season: Exclusive Interviews, Performances, and the Next Shows", "image" : [ "https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hubfs/2025.09.04-Watermelon-18.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/blog/2025-music-festival-season", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/hubfs/MFP%20Logo%20-%20Stage%202%20Flat%20Black%20Orange-2.jpg" } } } ```