Your Ultimate Guide to Must-Attend Music Events for Independent Artists in 2025

For independent musicians, staying visible and connected within the music industry is vital. Attending major events can open up networking opportunities, provide platforms to showcase talent, and offer insights into the latest trends and technologies. Below is a list of some key global events in 2025 that independent artists should consider attending or participating in:

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Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)

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Dates: October 15-19, 2025
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
ADE is one of the world's most influential electronic music conferences and festivals. Independent musicians can connect with industry professionals, attend panels, and showcase their work in an environment brimming with creativity.

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SXSW (South by Southwest)

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Dates: March 7-16, 2025
Location: Austin, Texas, USA
A melting pot of music, film, and technology, SXSW is perfect for independent artists looking to network, perform, and gain exposure. The music festival portion highlights a diverse range of genres and provides opportunities for up-and-coming musicians to shine.

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The Great Escape
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Dates: May 14-17, 2025
Location: Brighton, UK
Known as the "festival for new music," The Great Escape features over 450 emerging artists. It also offers a conference component with insightful sessions for musicians and industry professionals.

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MIDEM+
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Dates: June 4-7, 2025
Location: Cannes, France
As a global hub for music business professionals, MIDEM+ offers independent artists opportunities to connect with labels, publishers, and tech companies. Panels, networking events, and artist showcases make this a must-attend for anyone serious about their career.

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‍Reeperbahn Festival
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Dates: September 17-20, 2025
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Reeperbahn is a vibrant mix of festival and conference, with performances by emerging and established artists. It’s a key event for discovering new talent and exploring innovations in the music business.

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Canadian Music Week (CMW)
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Dates: April 28 - May 3, 2025
Location: Toronto, Canada
CMW is one of the premier entertainment events in North America, featuring music showcases, networking sessions, and a music summit focused on the industry's latest trends and technologies.

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Winter Music Conference (WMC)
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Dates: March 24-28, 2025
Location: Miami, Florida, USA
Primarily focused on electronic music, WMC is an essential event for DJs, producers, and independent electronic artists. Panels, workshops, and networking opportunities abound in this sunny backdrop.

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Indie Week Canada
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Dates: November 19-23, 2025
Location: Toronto, Canada
Indie Week is a fantastic opportunity for independent artists to perform, connect with industry professionals, and gain international exposure. It emphasizes the indie community, making it an approachable event for new artists.

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Primavera Pro
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Dates: May 27-31, 2025
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Running alongside the renowned Primavera Sound Festival, Primavera Pro is a meeting point for music industry professionals. It’s an excellent platform for independent musicians to network, learn, and perform.

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International Folk Alliance Conference
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Dates: February 19-23, 2025
Location: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Focused on folk and roots music, this event offers showcases, panels, and networking opportunities for artists in these genres. It’s a welcoming space for independent musicians to connect with like-minded professionals.

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Whether you're an indie artist just starting out or someone looking to expand their reach, these events provide excellent opportunities to network, learn, and perform. Mark your calendars and start preparing to make the most of these pivotal moments in 2025!

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You can meet the Octiive team at most of these events! Reach out to us at support@octiive.com to schedule a meeting or learn more about how we can support your music career.

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