Highlighting the Best Moment from Shaky Knees Music Festival 2025
Our cherished experience from the 2025 Shaky Knees Music Festival will forever hold a special place in our hearts. The event drew to a close with a spectacular fireworks display while the timeless tunes of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” lingered in the air, leaving attendees with lasting memories. Celebrating its 12th year, the festival departed from its usual May schedule for the very first time.
Highlighting the festival were the performances by headliners who stole the show, igniting mosh pits at Deftones’ Friday set, receiving a theatrical performance from My Chemical Romance on Saturday, and concluding the weekend with a dose of nostalgia and humor from Blink-182 accompanied by a vibrant fireworks show.
Shaky Knees Festival, well-known for showcasing indie rock artists, made a permanent move to September this year. The festival took over Piedmont Park in Atlanta for three days of music across four stages – Peachtree, Piedmont, Ponce De Leon, and Criminal Records, offering attendees an eclectic mix of artists from various music genres.
Several moments stood out during this year’s Shaky Knees Festival:
The Marías enchanted the audience on the Piedmont Stage with their lead singer María Zardoya, a Puerto Rican native who captivated fans with her bilingual singing. Their performance included fan favorites like “Care for You,” blending melodies from The Cardigans’ “Lovefool” and their hit song “No One Noticed.” The band recently wrapped up their U.S. tour and announced upcoming projects, including Zardoya’s debut solo album, “Melt.”
South London band Fat Dog brought their energetic fusion of punk rock and electronic chaos to the Ponce De Leon Stage, delivering an unforgettable performance that showcased their album “WOOF” alongside hit singles like “Pray To That” and “Peace Song.”
My Chemical Romance dazzled the crowd on the Peachtree Stage with a riveting performance of their album “The Black Parade,” transforming the stage into an immersive rock opera that transported fans to the fictional dictatorship of Draag.
Joey Valence & Brae injected a dose of high-energy hip-hop into the festival on the Criminal Records stage, urging fans to let loose and enjoy hits like “THE BADDEST” and “SEE U DANCE,” culminating in their explosive track “PUNK TACTICS.”
“Weird Al” Yankovic added a comedic flair to the festival as he entertained the audience on the Piedmont Stage with his iconic parodies, donning multiple eye-catching costumes and showcasing his musical talent with his signature accordion.
Lucy Dacus closed out the festival on a poignant note on the Ponce De Leon Stage, delivering an emotional set that included fan favorites from her discography and a heartwarming moment where she officiated a marriage on stage during her performance of “Best Guess.”
The 2025 Shaky Knees Festival was a remarkable event that brought together music lovers from all walks of life, showcasing a diverse range of talent and unforgettable performances that will be cherished for years to come.