Park City Song Summit 2025 Review: No doubt about it—2025’s unmissable mountain festival

The 2025 Park City Song Summit took place in Park City, Utah, August 14 – 16.  Park City Song Summit is a multi-day music and wellness event featuring intimate conversations and musical performances.  2025 headliners included Greensky Bluegrass, Goose, Dawes, The Terrapin Family Band, and many more.

Words and Images by Diego Cuevas – Diego Cuevas Snaps

Park City Song Summit celebrates its fifth year with astounding success. Utah’s mountain landscape never sounded better.

Park City Genuinely Cares for Its Attendees

Park City Song Summit was expected to be a hit this year. With artists like Goose, Greensky Bluegrass, and The Terrapin Family Band, it made it impossible for locals from Park City or from outer cities or states to miss this amazing event.

I couldn’t help but write about how much this event meant to people—to those wanting to run to the front of the main stage or to those grabbing the best seat by having camping chairs in a designated area, sitting, sipping on a beer, or sharing a slice of pizza with their family.

Their energy was unmatched. As a photographer, you’re usually tucked behind the scenes, unnoticed, blending into the background. But in this setting, people approached me as if I were their best friend—smiling, chatting, or simply asking for a photo. It felt a bit less like documenting and more like being part of the Park City family.

Park City’s setting was something from another world. Being able to sit down, look at an amazing venue and the mountains—you kind of want to camp. And the music, WOW, the music was from another world. But that doesn’t stop us there. The setup was done perfectly for attendees to enjoy the best of both worlds: music and its surroundings.

Their VIP area felt like something straight out of a movie. Classy, the best of the best to show, and undeniably top-tier. Park City doesn’t play when it comes to experience. Every detail spoke of intention, comfort, and excellence.

​How did the Song Summit start?

With none other than Cactus Tree, a Utah local from a city in between the mountains called Logan. With her blend of alternative indie and alternative pop and the radiant energy she transmits, the stage felt nothing short of magical. With a background of Utah’s mountains, it was like stepping into another world. Listening to her sing felt like if we were all floating together. Her voice was flawless, and the sound of her guitar wrapped around us like air. 

Her stage radiated with pure joy; it felt like it was her home. The way she sang and smiled, it lit up the entire space. I’d invite anyone to experience her live and share the light she brings.

Leaving This Magical Stage, Welcome Peech!

Peech, taking the stage right after Cactus Tree, was not only very talented but also local to Park City, Utah. He was welcomed with open arms—and with his new music. His Country and Rap style was nothing but exciting, a fresh addition to the Summit’s usual lineup. You’d think that entering a fest like this, the first thing you’d hear would be Americana, Rock, or Bluegrass. But no—Peech changed the setting, welcoming every age, every generation onto their stage. He left his mark, his legacy, leaving a trace of joy and love for every Country and Rap lover. And for those who never liked those genres? Well, with Peech… they did!

Welcoming to the stage, Dawes & Friends

Between grabbing a slice of pizza, a burger, or even a beer, we all know that choosing Dawes is better than any of those. Still, this doesn’t take away from the delicious food provided at the event, such as the legendary “Dang Brother Pizza.”

Festivals don’t wait for you to finish your fries, and Dawes & Friends didn’t either. They hit the stage and crushed it.  As they started playing, no matter where you were—playing cornhole, buying beer or merch—I’ll tell ya, it sounded like a shockwave reaching out to the tip of the mountains and beyond, just so you could hear it.

Dawes has this energy that makes you want to vibe all night. Their crowd was chanting, dancing, enjoying it as if it were the last concert of the day. They had an hour and a half to play, to stand out from all the other artists. As their set grew bigger, with each song elevating their energy, solos became inevitable.​

Day 1 is not done yet, and it gets better

Presenting Greensky Bluegrass, absolutely KILLING it on stage. I’d never listened to Greensky before. Not even heard of them. But as both photographer and attendee that day, they pulled me in right away. Their music wasn’t my usual style, but it was definitely different. Raw and Real. 

From Michigan, bringing their bluegrass style to Park City felt natural, felt like home. It’s no surprise they were met with such warmth. The crowd didn’t just listen, they embraced Greensky.

Being in the very front gives you a different perspective on how things are. The crowd was in sync; the one thing the world needs right now was present in one place—in Park City, Utah. Greensky Bluegrass made this possible through their music, through the joy they bring to the stage. I’m so happy I was part of this performance.

Ready to come back for day 2

Starting day two, the headliners were a big draw. But the newer artists? Just as unforgettable. So many—like Autumn, Merakirozes, and the Trombone Shorty Academy—each one hyped up the crowd in their own way.

As the day started and the gates opened, crowds ran toward both stages. Autumn opening the day was like a refreshing, beautiful walk in the park—everyone getting their things ready, preparing for a life spectacle.

It was like energetic music playing in the background as you walk through New York Square or the famous streets of LA. However, this felt more homey, more vintage. After all, Park City is nothing like those big cities—it sits quietly in the middle of the mountains. Isn’t that today’s topic?

Merakirozes, setting up a different expectation

Song Summit isn’t about sticking to the usual; it’s about pushing boundaries. That’s where Merakirozes came from. Hailing from Utah, they brought a bold blend of folk-rock that felt experimental. They were raw, expressive vocals, far from the polished pop or classic Americana. They challenged the Song Summit crowd to listen differently, and they absolutely delivered. 

Festivals like this are all about sharing a new experience, whether you are with friends, family, or flying solo. It’s about discovering new artists and turning to the person next to you, saying, “Did you hear that?” Merakirozes was one of those discoveries. Their glow was pure authenticity and love.

I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to witness new artists and get a sense of who they truly are.

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Terrapin, Trombone Shorty Academy, and Goose made the party

If you weren’t there, here’s something you need to know—Song Summit turned into a wind zone. The gusts picked up so fast, and what started as a lively Terrapin Family Band set had to be cut about 15 minutes early. The Song Summit team was aware of this and decided to wrap it up before it got too dangerous. Still, even with the abrupt ending, their energy left a mark—one that felt like the beginning of something else.

The Trombone Shorty Academy didn’t just perform—they lit up the Song Summit. This was the party everyone needed after those last short 15 minutes from Terrapin. Even nature couldn’t quiet the celebration they started. It was the moment Song Summit needed—and one they won’t forget.

From that point on, the party surged forward—straight into the arms of Goose. The anticipation had been building since day one. You could feel it in the crowd. People had been waiting, some for months, coming from neighboring states like Wyoming, Colorado, and Idaho, just to see them live. When Goose finally took the stage, it wasn’t just a performance—it was a release. A unique moment. The moment that makes it a festival.

It was simply amazing.

Out of all the standout tracks, when they played “So Ready,” the energy shifted. The crowd lit up; it felt like the stage and audience shared one heartbeat. 

Song Summit’s Ending

At this festival, there was one thing I realized: this is what the world needs today. As a photographer, I’m in charge of seeing things through a lens—a smiley face, a dog catching a ball, or someone eating. Today’s news is sad enough to hide what really matters. This. Happiness and fun moments are what I would recommend to everyone.

If you’re reading this, come to the next Park City Song Summit. Not only will you be welcomed, but you’ll have a blast—and I’ll invite anyone and everyone to come to this fest, take pictures, record this time, and treasure it.