Shaky Knees Festival 2025: Day 1 Review + Massive Photo Gallery

Rolling into Shaky Knees this year felt familiar but refreshed. With the move to Piedmont Park, everything opened up in the best way – wide lawns, shady pockets under the trees, and the Atlanta skyline watching over the whole thing. It’s a softer, breezier layout compared to the old Central Park location, and by the time the sun dipped behind the buildings, it already felt like home for the weekend.

I have covered Shaky Knees for years, and 2025 immediately settled into that perfect mix this festival does so well: legacy acts, rising stars, and bands that pull people in from across the park the moment you hear the first note. There is a reason I keep traveling from Denver to Atlanta… Shaky Knees packs a huge punch without feeling too overwhelming. It’s like visiting an old friend who makes great playlists (and serves beer).

Shaky Knees Bands I Covered on Friday

Inhaler

Inhaler brought modern indie-rock with a sense of confidence that belied their still-young career. (Obviously being the son of U2’s Bono helped out with this too.) We were all sweating hard as they got pelted by the afternoon sun as they kicked off the fest, but no one minded. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Elijah Hewson, bassist Robert Keating, guitarist/keyboardist Josh Jenkinson and drummer Ryan McMahon and they are blowing up really fast. This was my second time seeing them and I’m certain not the last.

IDLES

IDLES were pure, joyful mayhem – exactly the kind of cathartic release that Shaky Knees always seems to bring every year. The band came out swinging, and the crowd responded instantly. Dancing, shouting, laughing, and yes, a bit of that lovable chaos they inspire so well. Their mix of heaviness, humor, and heart is such a specific energy, and it hit hard in the best way as I shouted along after I was done photographing. I have to say IDLES were probably my favorite set of the whole festival.

Sublime

Sublime delivered a warm, nostalgic wave across the park – a sun-bleached blend of reggae, punk, and surfy grooves that had everyone swaying whether they meant to or not. Their set felt like slipping into familiar memories without needing it to be the past. Just easy, feel-good summer music.

The Marías

This was my first time seeing The Marías becuase everyone said DO NOT MISS THEM, and they were right. Their silky, atmospheric sound paired perfectly with the early evening glow, giving the crowd a chance to breathe after the IDLES whirlwind. Dreamy vocals, smooth arrangements, and that understated confidence that makes their live shows feel like a slow exhale. It was one of the prettiest sets of the whole weekend.

Deftones

Deftones closed the night with a gorgeous storm of sound – heavy, textured, and cinematic all at once. Their live presence always feels larger than the stage, and hearing those massive riffs and vocals spread out over Piedmont Park was something special. The set moved between ferocity and softness in a way only they can do, and the crowd was locked in from the first note to the last. A killer end to Day 1.

Overall Vibe

The move to Piedmont Park gave Friday a sense of space that past Shaky Knees Fridays didn’t always have. The stages were a bit more fluid to move between, and the whole place seemed to radiate late-summer ease. The lineup flowed beautifully: uplifting indie rock, explosive punk energy, sunny nostalgia, velvety dream-pop, and finally the heavy, emotional sweep of Deftones to close things out.

It was one of those opening days that sets the tone for the whole weekend – full of variety, good energy, and just enough chaos to remind you you’re at a real rock festival. Day Two and Three coming soon!

Shaky Knees 2025 Photo Gallery: Day One

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