Clemson University to host second annual Clemson Music Fest April 11-12

By Philip Sikes, Clemson University

 

Clemson University and Southern Entertainment, with support from the City of Clemson, is set to host the second-annual Clemson Music Fest (CMF). The two-day festival is scheduled to take place on April 11-12, 2025 at the Upper Intramural Field and looks to build on the energy and excitement of last year’s inaugural event — quickly becoming one of the premier music festivals in the region.

 

Jessie Murph, The All-American Rejects and BigXthaPlug headline a diverse group of artists that will be performing at Clemson Music Fest. Murph will be one of the lead acts at both the Coachella and Bonnaroo music festivals later this year and has recorded hits such as “What’s It Gonna Be” and “I Would’ve Loved You.” The All-American Rejects are a Grammy-nominated pop-funk band with more than seven million monthly listeners on Spotify. BigXthaPlug is a rising star in the rap industry who infuses Southern hip-hop with his own unique style. The full lineup of artists will be available at clemsonmusicfest.com.

 

Clemson students will receive an email with a passcode for early access to purchase tickets beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15 before they go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 17. Tickets can be secured for just $19 down with a payment plan. Festival ticket packages will be available at clemsonmusicfest.com.

 

“Clemson Music Fest is quickly becoming a signature event that gives music lovers and the Clemson community a chance to come together and celebrate,” says Bob Durkin, festival organizer and co-founder of Southern Entertainment. “Partnering with TRZ Management and Clemson University allows us to create an experience where students can unwind, reward themselves for their hard work, and enjoy an unforgettable weekend of music and fund. We’re excited to build on the success of last year and make year two even more memorable.”

 

A Destination Festival

The inaugural CMF took place in April 2024 and was a resounding success. Headlined by T-Pain, Mt. Joy and Two Friends, the unique event brought 11,500 fans to Clemson’s campus for more than 15 hours of live music over two days from a wide variety of artists and genres. CMF 2025 aims to grow its reputation as a music festival in the region, bringing together top-tier talent and local flavor.

 

“This live entertainment event provides an opportunity for students to create wonderful memories and be part of a growing Clemson tradition,” says Vice President for Student Affairs Doug Hallenbeck. “In year one, our students benefited through experiential learning opportunities with industry experts by actively engaging in internships on creative teams for marketing and promotional plans for the event. We are excited to create even more wonderful memories for students and the broader community through the festival in 2025.”

 

A Tradition in the Making

From chart-topping artists to local food vendors, art installations and interactive activities capturing the Clemson Experience, CMF is much more than a music festival — it brings the Upstate community together.

 

“The atmosphere both nights was awesome,” says Brendan Merkle ‘24, a Clemson alumnus who contributed to the 2024 festival’s marketing efforts. “People were singing and dancing and it was completely packed out. It was an honor to be involved in this new tradition.”

 

Explore Clemson

From hiking trails to Lake Hartwell, and from vibrant downtown spots to a welcoming community spirit, Clemson provides a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable festival experience for visitors. Explore accommodation options at visitclemson.org.

 

“As Clemson University prepares to host the second annual Music Fest, we are excited to welcome visitors to experience the best of Clemson,” says Mayor Robert Halfacre. “This is an awesome opportunity for local businesses to open their doors and showcase what makes Clemson special. As this event evolves and grows, we hope it continues to unite the Clemson community and beyond, bringing people together to enjoy great music and celebrate our city. We can’t wait to ‘See You Here.’”

 

Event Details

CMF 2025 will be held at Clemson University’s Upper Intramural Field, located at 2614 Williamson Road, Clemson, SC 29631. For ticket updates and the latest news, visit clemsonmusicfest.com.

Clemson University photo


January 13, 2025