This year’s Shaky Knees Festival once again transformed Piedmont Park into a three-day celebration of live music, community, and nonstop energy. Known for its eclectic lineups and welcoming atmosphere, the 2025 edition gave fans plenty to remember, from legendary headliners to quirky crowd favorites and exciting rising stars.
One of the defining moments of the weekend came when My Chemical Romance lit the stage on fire with their headlining set. Fans screamed every lyric, and when the first notes of “Welcome to the Black Parade” rang out, Piedmont Park turned into one massive choir. It was the kind of iconic festival moment that makes Shaky Knees so beloved.
But the magic stretched far beyond one band. Lenny Kravitz brought pure rock-and-roll swagger to the stage, pairing soulful vocals with soaring guitar solos that had the crowd moving from start to finish. Later in the weekend, Vampire Weekend closed out a night with a vibrant, high-energy set that leaned into their upbeat catalog. Against the backdrop of Atlanta’s skyline, their playful rhythms and clever lyrics kept the crowd buzzing deep into the evening.
The Marías delivered one of the weekend’s most stylish sets, pairing dreamy, bilingual soundscapes with a sleek stage aesthetic that drew listeners into their cinematic world. On the flip side, Wet Leg brought wit and edge, tossing out sharp riffs and playful lyrics that had fans dancing and laughing in equal measure.
Weird Al Yankovic proved once again why he’s a festival wildcard favorite. His set was part comedy, part rock concert, complete with outrageous costume changes and parody classics like “Amish Paradise” and “White & Nerdy.” The crowd’s joy was infectious – proof that sometimes the best festival moments come from sheer silliness.
Adding to the eclectic mix, Devo reminded everyone why their cult status has endured for decades. With synth-heavy hits, quirky visuals, and undeniable energy, their set was both nostalgic and futuristic at once. When “Whip It” dropped, the entire park was on its feet, grinning ear to ear.
Outside the music, the festival grounds buzzed with activity. Piedmont Park’s wide lawns filled with picnic blankets, food truck lines hummed with energy, and fans swapped stories about their favorite sets while refueling between shows. The mix of veteran attendees and first-time festival-goers created a warm, communal vibe that carried throughout the weekend.
By the time the last notes faded into the night, it was clear Shaky Knees 2025 had once again delivered on its promise: three days of music that balanced nostalgia, discovery, and pure entertainment. From My Chemical Romance’s explosive headlining set to the genre-spanning performances of The Marías, Weird Al, and Devo, the festival reminded us all why live music matters – and why Shaky Knees remains one of the Southeast’s most essential music traditions.