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Austin Psych Fest Draws Fans for a Weekend of Psychedelia, Lights and Local Music Legends

The Far Out Lounge transforms into a cosmic backyard party with performances by Kim Gordon, Yo La Tengo, Explosions in the Sky and more

Austin Psych Festival
A dancer dressed as an astronaut crowd surfs during STRFKR’s high-energy set at Austin Psych Fest at the Far Out Lounge on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Cassie Butterfield)

During one of Austin’s busiest weekends for festivals, Austin Psych Fest stood out as a haven for indie, experimental and psychedelic rock fans. From April 25–27, the Far Out Lounge hosted dozens of performances from boundary-pushing artists.

Set against a packed weekend that also included the Austin Blues Festival, Field Guide Festival, Eeyore’s Birthday Party and Old Settler’s Music Festival, Austin Psych Fest curated a lineup that drew music lovers dressed as aliens, wizards and tie-dye-clad revelers into its South Austin backyard venue.

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The “Willie” stage at Austin Psych Festival. (Photo by Sabrina Macias)
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Colorful lights fill the Far Out Lounge during Austin Psych Fest in South Austin. (Photo by Cassie Butterfield)
Ira Kaplan, singer and guitarist for Yo La Tengo, performs during Austin Psych Fest at the Far Out Lounge on April 27, 2025.
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Ira Kaplan, singer and guitarist for Yo La Tengo, performs during Austin Psych Fest at the Far Out Lounge on April 27, 2025. (Photo by Cassie Butterfield)
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A dancer dressed as an astronaut crowd surfs during STRFKR’s set. (Photo by Cassie Butterfield)
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Background dancers for STRFKR pose backstage before the band’s performance. (Photo by Cassie Butterfield)
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Sasami performs at Austin Psych Festival on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Cassie Butterfield)
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Bôa performs at Austin Psych Festival on April 27, 2025. (Photo by Cassie Butterfield)

Cosmic wonderland

This year’s festival featured a dynamic range of performers, from iconic names like Kim Gordon, Yo La Tengo and STRFKR to hometown favorites including Explosions in the Sky, The Octopus Project and Ringo Deathstarr. With no overlap in the schedule, fans were able to catch every set without having to make tough choices — a rarity in today’s festival landscape.

One of the standout moments came during STRFKR’s high-energy set, where astronauts and aliens danced across the stage amid bursts of confetti. Bathed in swirling smoke and bursts of colorful light, the Far Out Lounge took on a playful, vibrant and otherworldly feel.

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(Photo by Sabrina Macias)
Austin Psych Festival
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(Photo by Sabrina Macias)
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(Photo by Sabrina Macias)
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(Photo by Sabrina Macias)
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(Photo by Sabrina Macias)
Austin Psych Festival
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(Photo by Cassie Butterfield)
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(Photo by Cassie Butterfield)
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(Photo by Sabrina Macias)
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(Photo by Sabrina Macias)
Austin Psych Festival
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(Photo by Sabrina Macias)

Austin Psych Fest 2025

The festival experience extended beyond the main stage, with pre-festival shows at Mohawk and Hotel Vegas on April 24 and late-night performances throughout the weekend at venues like The 13th Floor.

Austin Psych Fest was first launched in 2008 by members of The Black Angels and has since grown into a cornerstone for fans of psychedelic music. Its sister festival, Levitation, returns to Austin later this year, set for September 25–28.

For more information on Austin Psych Fest and upcoming Levitation events, visit levitation.fm.

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