The Shaky Knees Music Festival is gearing up for what promises to be one of its most explosive years yet, with its 2025 lineup announced and set to take place from September 19 to 21 at the picturesque Piedmont Park in Atlanta. Known for its eclectic mix of rock and alternative music, this year’s lineup boasts major headliners including Deftones, My Chemical Romance, and Blink-182. Each of these bands has made significant waves since their breakout years, solidifying their status as icons of the genre.
The festival's founder, Tim Sweetwood, originally started the event to celebrate the rich history of rock music and has steadily expanded it since its inception. This year, the festival shifts to Piedmont Park, marking its first major relocation since 2018, when it was held at Central Park. It also fills the slot left by the hiatus of another local favorite, Music Midtown.
Described by local radio program director Steve Craig as, "the festival always does a great job with the lineup,” the event promises to deliver nostalgia with performances from nu-metal pioneers Deftones and pop-punk veterans Blink-182, both synonymous with the 90s and early 2000s music scene. My Chemical Romance's presence is particularly notable, following their recent sold-out stadium tour.
Outside of the headliners, the 2025 festival will host over 50 acts, covering genres from alternative and rock to hip-hop. Notable performers include Grammy-winning rock star Lenny Kravitz, who has not played Atlanta in nearly seven years, and social-political rap pioneers Public Enemy. The lineup features returning fan favorites like Alabama Shakes, praised for their soulful blend of genres, and Vampire Weekend, known for their catchy indie pop hits.
The festival isn’t just about nostalgia, though—newer acts like the indie folk-rock luminary Lucy Dacus and the explosive post-punk band Idles signify the broadening of the festival’s music palette, with something to please everyone.
Music fans attending this year’s festival can also look forward to standout performances from other acts like Pixies, Sublime, and The Black Keys, rounding out what promises to be memorable afternoons and nights filled with live music. Interestingly, comedic legend “Weird Al” Yankovic is slated to appear as a special guest, offering his unique take on popular culture.
When it boils down to logistics, fans are advised to get their tickets early. Presale tickets will be available starting on February 27 at 10 AM, with prices starting at approximately $310 for general admission three-day passes, increasing based on demands and individual tiers. For those seeking exclusive experiences, VIP packages offer unique amenities like access to lounges with dedicated restrooms, exclusive viewing areas, and more.
The inclusion of layaway plans, starting as low as $25, makes attending the festival more accessible, welcoming longtime fans and first-timers alike to what has become one of the Southeast’s premier music events. Last year, the festival hit record attendance numbers, and expectations are high for this year.
Founded to capture the essence of rock music, Shaky Knees Festival is not only recognizing musical legends but also pushing to highlight new artists who are likely to shape the future of the genre. With such diverse representation across its lineup, this year may set the stage for even more evolution within the music festival scene.
Festival-goers can keep updated with the latest announcements and ticket information through the official Shaky Knees festival website and their social media channels. The excitement is palpable as music lovers prepare for another unforgettable experience at Piedmont Park this September.