Concerts allow for someone to enter another world. Being present and one with the music and nothing else in the back of your mind can be life changing. Just four years ago, I had never been to a concert, but once I experienced my first one — the Jonas Brothers — I felt a shift in my brain. Concerts quickly became the place where I happily spent most of my money. Going to the venue, picking out merch, and screaming my absolute heart out is unique to the concert experience and also something I will never, ever be able to replace. So it’s no surprise I am looking forward to 2025 because it’s full of concerts. From an emerging folk artists to artists with over 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Here is my opinionated list of the top 10 upcoming concerts (in no particular order) of 2025:
Note: Ticket prices may have changed since the publishing of this article.
- Coldplay – With over 90 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Coldplay hits the road in 2025. Their “Music of the Spheres” tour follows their new album “Moon Music, after taking a couple of years off.” The three words I would use to describe Coldplay’s music are anthemic, emotional, and atmospheric, with their overall genre being sad-pop. Some of their most streamed songs are “Yellow,” “Sky Full of Stars,” and “Viva La Vida.” Get ready to sing your heart (and maybe cry as well) on either May 31 or June 1 at Stanford Stadium. Tickets are currently available for at least $360, so while it’s pricey, they are known to put on an unbelievable life-changing experience.
- Lord Huron – For the sad music lovers, I have the perfect concert for you! The band Lord Huron has what some might call gut-wrenching music, but their sound is also mystical, spirited, and truly magical. With over 30 million monthly Spotify listeners, Lord Huron is giving their fans a treat with their 2025 World Tour. They will be playing at the Greek Theater on Oct. 15, where some of their popular songs like The Night We Met or Ends of the Earth will be echoed off the Berkeley Hills. Tickets are being sold for a minimum of $83, making this concert one of the cheapest of 2025. Junior Baila Portmann, who will be attending the concert, said, “I’m excited to hear how Huron chooses to play ‘The Night We Met’ live since it is such a beautiful song.”
- Tate McRae – Many call her the new pop queen. 21-year-old Tate McRae is taking the music industry by storm. Recently releasing her new album, “So Close to What,” and beginning her Miss Possessive Tour, McRae is getting busy, having gone from barely selling out small venues in San Francisco to now almost selling out the Chase Center. In just a matter of years, she’s garnered 46 million Spotify streams. The Chase Center will welcome McRae on Sept. 24, with tickets continuing to quickly sell out for at least $162… don’t wait to purchase them! Junior Kadence Yim, who saw McRae last year, said, “The concert was so fun and energetic; the music was amazing, and I loved all of the dances.”
- Kendrick Lamar and SZA – This iconic Super Bowl duo is returning to stadiums around the United States and Europe! Since this tour is a double headline tour, the concert could attract up to twice the amount of fans compared to a single headline tour. The Grand National Tour, starting in April of this year, is predicted to draw a huge crowd, together they have 209 million Spotify monthly listeners. On May 29, Oracle Park in San Francisco will house these 2 impressive artists for their massive world tour. A downside to this duo headline concert is the prices, the lowest ticket being $530 and selling fast. Junior Gabbie Thomas, who saw SZA during her solo tour, said, “The SZA concert was magical, engaging, and lively. her dancing, visual effects, and vocals brought the arena to life for an unforgettable experience.”
- The Weeknd – With his seventh concert tour concluding in September of this year, The Weeknd has traveled the world. The Weeknd is oftentimes known for his unique voice and lyrics while also bringing an amazing time to the fans who buy tickets to his show. 124 million listeners have supported him on Spotify since his first tour back in 2012. Performing at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, The Weeknd will continue the same tour he has been doing since 2022. Sing along to Blinding Lights or Timeless on either July 8 or 9 in Santa Clara, with tickets at a minimum of $115.
- Role Model – A rising pop artist is headed to the Bay Area on April 3! Role Model opened for another pop sensation, Gracie Abrams, on her most recent tour and is beginning his solo tour. His tour, named the “No Place Like Tour,” is an energetic and frankly humorous show. In between songs, he will be cracking jokes or mimicking Sabrina Carpenter. While he will be coming to the Fox Theater in Oakland during Miramonte’s spring break, people looking for an exciting activity out of the house could enjoy the company of Role Model. Role Model streamers are piling up fast as he now has 4.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, so get your tickets for at least $154. Senior Bea Hearey, who saw Role Model open for Gracie Abrams said, “Role Model was super entertaining because the music was really good and he engaged a lot with the audience.”
- Post Malone – Post Malone is currently on his “Big A** Stadium Tour” across the U.S. He continuously puts on an electric concert and will be doing so for the Bay Area on July 1. With almost 69 million monthly listeners, Malone draws a big crowd when he goes on tour. Don’t miss the chance to see Malone at Oracle Park for at least $193. This being his 4th tour, he knows what he’s doing on stage to make sure anyone who buys a ticket has a great time.
- The Lumineers – At the bittersweet end of this summer, as another school year commences, The Lumineers are returning to the Bay Area, bringing a spark of folk joy to cap off the sunny evenings (or something like this lol). Aug. 3 marks the date in which this popular folk band will come back to the Chase Center for the second time. They have 21 million monthly listeners that have risen rapidly after the release of their new album, “Automatic,” which also prompted their 2025 Automatic tour. The Lumineers put on a concert where it makes the crowd feel like one big family. Make sure to join this family in time for the concert in Aug. for $106.
- Gregory Alan Isakov – This folk artist is still making his name known in the industry and is doing a great job. Gregory Alan Isakov has been to the Bay Area more times to count and continues to come back despite his hometown being Boulder, Colorado. He continuously says he loves the Bay Area and he demonstrates this in his surreal concert experience. This year, he is coming back to the Greek Theater to play on Sept. 11. With his 7.5 million monthly listeners, more and more people are beginning to discover Isakov’s enchanting music, so get tickets for only $55. Junior Livia Segall, who has seen Isakov twice now and bought tickets once again, said, “I am so happy to be returning to the Greek theater in September once again to see one of my favorite musical artists, Gregory Alan Isakov. I can’t wait to watch the sunset in the Berkeley hills while enjoying Isakov’s unique poetry and wonderful band.”
- Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel – These two iconic artists are embarking on a duo headline show where they are only playing at select venues across the country. As they are both very accomplished artists, they have 32 million monthly listeners combined. Nicks was a part of the hit band Fleetwood Mac, making her following even greater. Take a step back in time with these two artists, who have been playing before today’s high schoolers were even born. Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara will host them, with tickets starting at $163.
These venues and artists allow fans to have a night of release. The stress of high school can be overwhelming, but these concerts that are so close to our homes could bring even the most stressed-out Miramonte senior a cathartic, joyful experience – especially if the night is shared with friends. While the prices do get steep, no matter what concert you go to, the artist will make it worth every penny.
