After six years, Mountain Jam, the Northeast’s iconic rock and camping music festival, is making its long-awaited return from June 20 to 22, 2025. With a new location at the scenic Belleayre Ski Mountain in Highmount and a lineup of top-tier performers, the festival is set to reclaim its place as a cornerstone of the local summer festival scene.
Mountain Jam has long been a cherished event for music enthusiasts, known for blending incredible performances with the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains. Founded in 2005 by Gary Chetkof and Radio Woodstock, the festival began as a one-day gathering and evolved into a multi-day celebration of music and community. Over the years, it has hosted legendary acts like Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Black Keys, Robert Plant, and The Allman Brothers Band.
This year’s iteration promises to honor that legacy while offering a fresh, intimate experience. The main stage will be nestled at the base of Belleayre Mountain, creating a natural amphitheater with excellent sightlines. Festivalgoers can enjoy three days of live music from a carefully curated lineup of artists that reflect the spirit of Mountain Jam.
Headliners Khruangbin and Mt. Joy will lead the charge, along with Connecticut indie groovers Goose. The lineup also includes fan favorites like Grateful Dead cover band Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, modern rock/bluegrass outfit Trampled by Turtles, and Michael Franti & Spearhead. Other notable acts include moe., Julien Baker & TORRES, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Dogs in a Pile, and Karina Rykman, among others. With a mix of genres and styles, the festival promises something for everyone, from rock and bluegrass to indie and jam bands.
A New Home, A New Chapter
For 15 years, Mountain Jam was synonymous with Hunter Mountain ski resort. In its last iteration in 2019, the festival tried on Bethel Woods, the original site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, as its venue. And then…pandemic. Moving to Belleayre Ski Mountain marks a new chapter for Mountain Jam as well as a return of independent production by its original team.
Known for its rich history and stunning vistas, Belleayre provides a perfect backdrop for the festival. Its modern amenities, including scenic gondola rides and ample lodging options, will ensure a comfortable experience for attendees. This smaller, more focused venue aims to enhance the sense of connection between performers and fans, a hallmark of Mountain Jam’s ethos. “Mountain Jam has continuously evolved over the past 20 years,” says founder Gary Chetkof. “This return to a mountain setting reflects our commitment to creating a better, more intimate experience for fans.”
Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday, November 22, at 10am, with options ranging from general admission to VIP packages, including camping and hotel accommodations. Fans are encouraged to secure their spots early, as the festival’s return is expected to draw longtime devotees and newcomers alike.
For music lovers, Mountain Jam 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and community in the heart of the Catskills. As it takes its next step at Belleayre Mountain, this storied event continues its tradition of uniting people through music in one of the most beautiful settings in the Northeast.
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This article appears in November 2024.
