Atlanta’s Spotlight Rock Festival Returns in 2025
For over a decade, Shaky Knees Festival has been a staple for rockers, and in 2025, it’s bigger than ever. The festival prides itself on bringing together legendary acts and rising stars in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. Traditionally held in the spring, the festival is making a rare fall appearance this year. Early this fall, musicians will take stage from September 19-21, 2025, at the familiar Piedmont Park.
With headliners Deftones, My Chemical Romance, and Blink-182, fans are promised an electrifying weekend once again, despite the unfamiliar time of year. But that’s not all, Shaky Knees 2025 is bringing the heat to another level. This year, there are stars that may outshine some of the headliners. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
The Shakey Knees Festival 2025 Lineup is Too Hot to Handle
Headliners That Bring The Hype:
- Deftones (Fri.) – The legendary alt-metal group opens the festival on Friday with their signature crushing riffs.
- My Chemical Romance (Sat.) – Emo icons return to reclaim their throne with anthems like “Welcome to the Black Parade” on Saturday night.
- Blink-182 (Sun.) – Pop-punk pioneers close out the weekend, ensuring Sunday night ends on a high-energy, crowd-surfing note.
Other Major Acts Who May Steal the Show:
- Lenny Kravitz – Rock and roll collide with vintage style. Look out for riveting performances of “Fly Away” and “American Woman.“
- The Black Keys – Expect the indie rock band with bluesy influence to bring nostalgia to the big stage.
- Cage The Elephant – One of the biggest bands of the 2010s returns for what’s certain to be an unforgettable show.
- A headline-worthy band.
Festival Hidden Gems
Beyond the headliners, Shaky Knees always delivers when it comes to up-and-coming rock artists. Make sure to check out the full lineup and keep an eye out for a festival playlist curated in preparation.
A Brief History of The Shaky Knees Festival
Founded in 2013, Shaky Knees started as a small but mighty festival dedicated to alternative and indie rock—a refreshing departure from EDM festival trends. Over the years, it’s expanded from a two-day event to a three-day bender. Now, it’s one of the most respected rock festivals in the U.S., bringing legendary acts like The Strokes, Foo Fighters, and The Smashing Pumpkins.
Shaky Knees stands out for its loyalty to Rock and Roll. As other festivals pack their schedules with pop, rap, and EDM artists to draw larger crowds, this Atlanta-based event keeps it real and rowdy. The festival is a true haven for fans who love gritty guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and performances that demand mosh pits.
What to Expect
If it’s your first time at Shaky Knees, here’s what you should know:
The Venue – Piedmont Park: A large and scenic location in the heart of Atlanta, providing lots of space for crowds and great views of the stages. Expect shade, great vendors, and an exciting atmosphere.
The Crowd: Expect a mix of rock fans from nostalgic 2000s kids, old-school dad rockers, modern rock lovers, and everything in between. While the energy’s high, don’t worry about a chaotic mainstream crowd.
Setlist Conflicts & Must-See Shows: With a lineup this jam-packed with talent, some tough choices will need to be made. This writer recommends doing some heavy research and planning to prepare for how you care to execute your weekend.
Where to Score Tickets
Make sure to score your tickets at the official website before they sell out. You won’t want to wait long.
