Written by Rebecca Hollman
Photos by Grant Hodgeon, Roger Ho, Ismael Quintanilla III, Pooneh Ghana
Shaky Knees is taking a major leap in 2025: it’s relocating from its longtime home in Central Park (Old Fourth Ward) to Piedmont Park, and shifting its annual date from early May to September 19–21, 2025. This strategic move marks a defining moment for the festival—and for Atlanta’s fall music calendar.
Headliners & Highlights
- Deftones will kick things off on Friday (Sept 19), joined by Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, The Marías, Pixies, IDLES, Spoon, Inhaler, Joey Valence & Brae, Lambrini Girls, and Sarah Kinsley.
- My Chemical Romance headlines Saturday (Sept 20), supported by Cage The Elephant, The Black Keys, Public Enemy, The Backseat Lovers, TV On The Radio, The All‑American Rejects, Johnny Marr, The Beaches, Mannequin Pussy, Bilmuri, CMAT, Scowl, Michigander, Fat Dog, Hey, Nothing, and more.
- Blink‑182 closes out on Sunday (Sept 21), with Vampire Weekend, Alabama Shakes (returning after years away), Lucy Dacus, Devo, Wet Leg, 4 Non Blondes, Franz Ferdinand, Stereophonics, The Stews, Fleshwater, Murder by Death, Mdou Moctar, Improvement Movement, English Teacher, and more. A surprise appearance from “Weird Al” Yankovic caps the weekend as a Sunday pop culture surprise guest.
The full lineup spans over 50 acts across four stages, offering an exciting mix of legendary names and rising stars. The official daily schedule—including set times and stage placements—is live on the festival’s website. This year’s redesign into fall still maintains a classic three-day structure with expanded amenities and viewing options across four stages: Peachtree, Piedmont, Ponce de Leon, and a fourth activation stage.
From Central Park to Piedmont Park: A Bigger, Greener, More Iconic Home
Piedmont Park—widely recognized as the historic venue for Music Midtown—offers a dramatically more expansive and scenic setting for live music. With 200 acres of lush lawns, greenery, and skyline views, it’s perfectly suited to accommodate a larger crowd and amplify the festival experience.
Since 2018, Shaky Knees had been held at Central Park, following previous runs at Atlantic Station and Centennial Olympic Park. The move to Piedmont Park not only increases its capacity and infrastructure but also helps Shaky Knees reclaim the energy and visibility associated with Atlanta’s premier September venue.
Transitioning from Spring to Fall: Filling the Music Midtown Void
Traditionally held in the first weekend of May, Shaky Knees made the switch to mid-September for 2025. This change aligns with the October–September timeframe that Music Midtown has historically occupied. With Music Midtown officially on hiatus in 2025—and no confirmed return yet for 2026—Shaky Knees effectively stepped into the slot, helping sustain Atlanta’s live music momentum in the autumn season.
Tickets & Experience Levels
- Presale launched on Feb 27 at 10 a.m. ET, with public ticket sales immediately after if quota remains.
- General Admission (GA) and 3‑Day GA passes are available, with GA starting at approx. $171/day and 3‑Day passes around $440 (subject to demand/fees).
- Upgraded tiers include GA+, VIP, and Platinum, offering premium perks like front‑of‑stage access, shaded lounges, exclusive viewing areas, complimentary snacks, beverages, and late‑night artist performances. The Ultimate Ticket Package even includes access to artist village and late‑night shows.
In Summary
The 12th Annual Shaky Knees Music Festival sets a high bar for 2025: three major headliners—Deftones, My Chemical Romance, Blink‑182—surrounding a city‑shaping blend of indie, punk, legacy acts, and fresh voices. The move to Piedmont Park and a shift into September is a bold new chapter for one of Atlanta’s most beloved music gatherings.