"Far Out Frequencies": A Guide to the 2025 Austin Psych Fest

Written and designed by Bridget Cole

Founded by the Austin-based band The Black Angels, Austin Psych Fest has been rocking the Austin airways since 2008. Originally hosted at the Red Barn during South by SouthWest, it has since travelled to many venues across the city. In 2015, the festival was rebranded as LEVITATION in homage to headliners, The 13th Floor Elevators. After overcoming many challenges, such as cancellations due to weather, a hiatus, and a global pandemic, Austin Psych Fest was brought back in 2023 in its original form to be held during the spring and designated LEVITATION to be held during the fall. 

Austin Psych Fest aims to honor the city of Austin's 1960s psych-rock history, and this year's lineup will do that and more. This year, the fest will be held at the Far Out Lounge and Stage at 8504 South Congress Avenue. Friday attendees will experience the sounds of Explosions In The Sky, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Black Mountain, and Kadavar. On Saturday, you can see Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon, as well as DARKSIDE, STRFKR, SASAMI, and Geordie Greep. Sunday is packed with indie rock royalty, including the highly anticipated set by Dinosaur Jr., where the group will be performing their 1994 album, Without a Sound, in its entirety. The fest's last day also includes the stylings of  Yo La Tengo, La Luz, Boa, Loz Mirlos, and Dean Wareham playing Galaxy 500. 

This playlist features just some of these incredible artists featured at this year's Psych Fest to give you a taste of what the weekend has to offer. Give it a listen and start planning your own Austin Psych Fest must-sees!