Atlanta is about to get loud. Shaky Knees Festival returns to Piedmont Park September 19–21, bringing three days of rock, punk, and emo nostalgia to the heart of the city. Since 2013, Shaky Knees has built its reputation as the festival for guitar-driven music, and this year the lineup leans hard into emo-night energy with acts that defined a generation.

Fans can expect headliners like Blink-182, Cage the Elephant, and Sublime, alongside indie staples and rising names that keep the torch burning. Whether you grew up screaming along to “I Miss You” or just discovered the the emotional punch of emo choruses, this weekend promises a space where old favorites and fresh sounds collide.

But Shaky Knees isn’t just about the music. The festival fills Piedmont Park with local Atlanta food trucks serving everything from smoky Southern BBQ to vegan-friendly bites. Between sets, fans can hit photo booths, stock up on exclusive merch, or recharge at on-site stations before diving back into the crowd.

More than 60 bands will hit the stages, making it impossible to catch everything, but that’s part of the magic. The festival is about finding your moment, whether it’s belting lyrics with thousands of strangers, discovering a new favorite band, or just feeling that rush of community.

This weekend, Atlanta becomes the epicenter of emo and alt-rock energy. If you’re heading to Shaky Knees, prepare for sore voices, shaky knees, and memories that stick long after the amps go quiet.