2025 Zion Canyon Music Festival!
Music under the Red Cliffs: Why the 2025 Zion Canyon Music Festival is a Can’t-Miss
There’s a magical energy in the air each fall in Springdale, Utah, when the Zion Canyon Music Festival rolls around. As the leaves begin to turn and the summer crowds thin, the valley transforms into a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, musical discovery, and true local flavor. The 2025 edition (September 26-27) promises to deliver far more than just two nights of great tunes — it’s an immersive experience where nature, community, and live music collide in the best possible way. Here’s why this year’s festival is a fantastic reason to pack your bags and head to Zion.
The Setting: Zion in Autumn
Breathtaking scenery: There’s no backdrop quite like the red cliffs, winding canyons, and vast skies of Zion National Park. Late September is ideal — cooler daytime hiking in the canyon, golden light that makes everything glow, and calm evenings perfect for stargazing or relaxing on a patio.
Fewer crowds: The high summer season is waning, which means more space to explore trails, quieter vistas, and more relaxed lodging and dining availability.
Perfect weather mix: Warm days, crisp nights — you can hike, swim, and then wind down with live music under the stars without the extremes of mid-summer heat or deep cold.
The Lineup: Who’s Playing
The 2025 Zion Canyon Music Festival brings together a strong, varied lineup across genres, with both local flavor and artists you’ll want to see.
Here’s a look at who’s performing:
Friday, September 26
The Slackers – Legendary Ska/Reggae/Soul from NYC, bringing decades of energetic performances.
Paige and the Overtones – Emotive vocals, honest songwriting; someone who’s been making waves in the Vegas scene.
Debra Fotheringham – Folk/roots voice, songwriter, percussionist — a more introspective but powerful live act.
Saturday, September 27
AJ Lee & Friends – Roots-inspired, energetic band, razor-sharp musicianship.
MEGA-SCOPES – A fusion of electronic rhythms, dance, hip-hop and acoustic, synths and bass, creating an ethereal yet groovy vibe.
White Rose Motor Oil – Alt-Country / Garage Country / Cow-Punk from Denver, bringing grit, twang, and style.
Cory Mon Trio – Classy blend: folksy, bluesy, rocky, funky — strong voices, honest songs.
Tom Bennett – One-man band country/blues, using foot percussion, resonator guitar, harmonica — raw and powerful.
Headliners to look out for: The Slackers, AJ Lee, MEGA-SCOPES are billed as the bigger names in the mix.
The Bit & Spur: More than just a Venue
The festival takes place in the back field of The Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon in Springdale.
A few reasons this makes the experience richer:
Local flavor & food: Bit & Spur is more than a scene-setter; it’s what you want for food and ambience before, during, or after sets. With Southwestern/American fare, fresh ingredients, and options for cocktails, brews, etc. Bit and Spur restaurant and saloon
Views & vibe: The restaurant is located right at the entrance to Zion National Park, so you’re surrounded by towering cliffs, gardened patios, sunsets, the natural beauty that defines the area.
Lodging proximity: Staying in Springdale means you’re close — no long drives to the festival site; easy access to the park; flexibility to explore during the day.
Why This Year is Special & Why It’s a Great Time
15th annual: The festival has matured; you get more polished production, better artist selections, good community support.
Blend of genres: There’s something for everyone — ska & reggae, country & blues, electronic fusion, roots and folk. If you like live music but want variety, this lineup delivers.
Two nights of music + music in beautiful surroundings: The mix of music + scenery + community = significant value. Music under the stars, food trucks or vendors, local art, etc.
Timing is ideal: Trails are still open, temperatures are moderate, daylight’s perfect for hiking before evening sets, nights cooling off. Also, seeing Zion when autumn is just beginning gives you that beautiful golden light and fewer people.
What to Know Before You Go
Tickets: Two-day passes, single-day tickets – check the official site.
Accommodation: If the canyon casitas are booked (check here )Springdale has lodges, inns, VRBOs — but festival weekends fill up, so reserve early.
What to bring: Layers for changing temps (warm during the day, chilly at night), good hiking shoes, water gear, sun protection, maybe a light blanket or chair for night shows.
Explore Zion: Use daytime to hike; popular trails like Angels Landing, The Narrows (if water levels allow), Observation Point, etc. Also less strenuous hikes have spectacular views and are more peaceful this time of year.
Conclusion
If ever there was a moment when music, nature, and community align to make something magical, the 2025 Zion Canyon Music Festival is it. With an eclectic lineup, an unforgettable setting at the Bit & Spur, and the majesty of Zion National Park just steps away, this is more than a concert—it’s an experience.
Whether you’re a local or a traveler, an adventure-seeker or a music lover, this festival gives you the chance to step into something rare: nights of music under desert stars, days of canyon hikes, and moments when you feel small in the best way — surrounded by red rock, good sound, and good people.