BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. — The Summer Smash Festival is set to return to Chicagoland from June 20-22, 2025, at SeatGeek Stadium, promising an exciting lineup that features some of the biggest names in hip-hop. Organized by Lyrical Lemonade and SPKRBX, the festival will highlight the much-anticipated return of Young Thug, who will perform publicly for the first time since his release from prison.
This year marks the seventh edition of the festival, which has become known as the largest independent hip-hop festival in the world. Berto Solorio, co-founder of the Summer Smash Festival and founder of SPKRBX, expressed his excitement, stating, "We are excited to present the 7th edition of the largest independent hip-hop festival in the world and can’t wait to show the fans what we’ve been working on."
Co-founder Cole Bennett of Lyrical Lemonade echoed this enthusiasm, saying, "I feel lucky to be able to throw the party of the year with my best friends. May this be the best one yet. Lucky number 7." The festival will kick off on Friday, June 20, with a co-headlining performance by Don Toliver and YEAT, who will debut a highly anticipated joint collaboration. Saturday will feature rap superstar Future, while Sunday will see the return of Young Thug, who has not performed since March 2022.
Young Thug’s performance is particularly notable as it comes after a tumultuous period in his life. He was arrested in May 2022 and charged with participating in criminal street gang activity, leading to a lengthy trial that concluded with a guilty plea in October 2024. Following his release, he has been eager to re-enter the music scene. Earlier this year, he featured on Lil Baby’s track "Dum, Dumb, and Dumber," marking his first official post-jail single. He has also collaborated with Playboi Carti on a new song.
Other notable artists in the Summer Smash lineup include Chicago MCs G Herbo, Saba, and FamousDex, alongside Chance the Rapper, who will close out one of the two main stages on Sunday night. The festival will also feature performances from Sexyy Red, Quavo, Sahbabii, Nav, Ski Mask the Slump God, Trippie Redd, NLE Choppa, Nettspend, OsamaSon, Soulja Boy, 1900Rugrat, and Che, among others.
As the festival approaches, a new batch of general admission, VIP, and Platinum tickets will be released for purchase on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. CT. These tickets follow a successful presale that saw the initial allotment sell out quickly. Prices for the new tickets are set to increase as the event draws closer, making it essential for fans to act fast.
Young Thug’s return to the stage is particularly significant within the context of his recent legal troubles. After being sentenced to 15 years probation and no prison time, he is also required to deliver anti-gang and violence presentations at schools and community organizations, reflecting his commitment to using his experiences to educate others.
The Summer Smash Festival has a reputation for bringing together a diverse array of artists, and this year is no exception. The festival will not only feature established stars but also provide a platform for emerging talent, ensuring that fans have the opportunity to discover new music. In addition to the headliners, the lineup includes both established artists and rising stars, creating a festival atmosphere that caters to a wide variety of musical tastes.
In previous years, Summer Smash has drawn massive crowds, with last year's event attracting around 120,000 fans. The festival's success can be attributed to its ability to curate a lineup that resonates with audiences and its commitment to providing a unique experience for attendees.
As anticipation builds for the 2025 Summer Smash Festival, fans are eager to see how the event unfolds, particularly with Young Thug's highly anticipated performance. His return to the stage is not only a personal victory but also a significant moment for the hip-hop community, as it showcases resilience and the power of music to bring people together.
The festival is expected to be a highlight of the summer, offering fans an unforgettable experience filled with music, energy, and celebration. With a lineup that features some of the hottest names in the industry and the promise of surprise collaborations, Summer Smash 2025 is shaping up to be an event not to be missed.
As the countdown to Summer Smash begins, fans are encouraged to stay updated on ticket sales and lineup announcements through the festival's official website and social media channels. With the excitement surrounding this year's event, it’s clear that Summer Smash 2025 will continue to solidify its status as a premier destination for hip-hop fans.
