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Austin Psych Fest: A Look Back at Austin’s Pioneering Psychedelic Music Festival

From its DIY beginnings to a globally recognized event, the festival returns to The Far Out Lounge this spring with a lineup spanning psych rock, indie and experimental sounds

Automatic at Austin Psych Fest at the Far Out Lounge on April 28, 2023. (Photo by David Brenden Hall)
Automatic at Austin Psych Fest at the Far Out Lounge on April 28, 2023. (Photo by David Brenden Hall)

A staple of the city’s underground music scene since 2008, Austin Psych Fest is set to take over The Far Out Lounge from April 25-27. The festival brings a diverse mix of genres, ranging from psychedelic rock and shoegaze to cumbia and experimental sounds, continuing its tradition of showcasing boundary-pushing artists in an intimate, immersive setting. Headliners include post-rock giants Explosions in the Sky and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, indie legends Dinosaur Jr. and Yo La Tengo, and genre-bending acts like Darkside and Kim Gordon.

This year’s festival builds on its 2023 revival under its original name, following years of adaptation and reinvention. What began as a DIY experiment in a small Austin venue has grown into a globally recognized event while maintaining its independent spirit.

2009 Psych Fest. (Photo by Valerie Fremin)
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Merchandise for The Black Angels at the second annual Austin Psych Fest in 2009 at the Radio Room. (Photo by Valerie Fremin)
Austin Psych Fest in 2011 at Seaholm. (Photo courtesy of Austin Psych Fest)
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Austin Psych Fest at The Seaholm Power Plant in 2011. (Photo courtesy of Austin Psych Fest)
The Vandelles performing at Austin Psych Fest at Mohaw in 2010. (Photo by Chris Becker)
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The Vandelles perform at Austin Psych Fest at Mohawk in 2010. (Photo by Chris Becker)
Tame Impala performing at Austin Psych Fest in 2015. (Photo by Roger Ho)
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Tame Impala performs at Austin Psych Fest in 2015 at Carson Creek Ranch. (Photo by Roger Ho)

A journey through time

Founded by Austin-based psychedelic rock band members, The Black Angels, Austin Psych Fest debuted in 2008 as a single-day event at the Red Barn during SXSW. Over the years, it expanded to venues like the Radio Room, Mohawk, and Seaholm Power Plant before finding a home at Carson Creek Ranch in 2013. The festival grew in reputation, drawing international acts and adding immersive experiences like on-site camping.

In 2015, it rebranded as Levitation, paying homage to the 13th Floor Elevators. That year’s lineup featured a rare reunion of the pioneering psych band alongside The Flaming Lips and Tame Impala. However, severe weather forced the cancellation of the 2016 edition, leading to a temporary hiatus and eventual shifts in format. After years of adaptation—including venue changes and a pandemic pause—the festival returned to its original name in 2023, settling into The Far Out Lounge.

“We’re happy to be a slice of old Austin, a nod to the best parts of how things used to be—a town of musicians, cowboys, hippies, geeks, and creatives,” said Austin Psych Fest Co-founder Rob Fitzpatrick. “Austin Psych Fest is a throwback, and we love that. The venue, The Far Out Lounge, really captures that feeling—it’s like a giant backyard party in South Austin where everyone’s welcome.”

The crowd at Austin Psych Fest under a sea of colorful lights at The Far Out Lounge. (Photo courtesy of Austin Psych Fest)
The crowd at Austin Psych Fest under a sea of colorful lights at The Far Out Lounge. (Photo courtesy of Austin Psych Fest)

This year’s Austin Psych Fest lineup

  • Friday features post-rock innovators Explosions in the Sky and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, alongside heavy psych rockers Black Mountain and Kadavar, plus Austin’s own Octopus Project.
  • Saturday brings electronic psychedelia and indie royalty, with Darkside, Grammy-nominated Kim Gordon, electro-rock outfit STRFKR, and rising acts Wombo and Sasami.
  • Sunday is a celebration of indie rock history, with Dinosaur Jr. performing “Without a Sound” in full, Yo La Tengo co-headlining, and Peruvian cumbia pioneers Los Mirlos making their Texas debut. Additional performances include Bôa, La Luz, and Dean Wareham of Galaxie 500.

The festival experience extends beyond its central lineup. Pre-festival shows kick off on April 24 at Mohawk and Hotel Vegas, while late-night performances continue throughout the weekend at venues like The 13th Floor.

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The Black Angels perform at Austin Psych Fest. (Photo by Ismael Quintanilla III)
The Black Angels perform at Austin Psych Fest. (Photo by Ismael Quintanilla III)

Staying independent in a changing landscape

Despite the rise of corporate-backed mega-festivals, Austin Psych Fest remains independent and artist-driven.

Fitzpatrick emphasized the festival’s grassroots approach. “We’re independently owned and artist-focused, homegrown right here in Austin,” he said. “Our customers are the kind of people who know the food just tastes better at the local spot, and we’re happy to be that dependable neighborhood diner that doesn’t change much.”

In a city where the music scene is constantly evolving, Austin Psych Fest remains a steadfast celebration of artistic exploration and countercultural spirit. “Buy the ticket. Take the ride,” Fitzpatrick says, echoing the festival’s ethos.

Tickets are on sale now. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website. Follow them on Instagram for updates.