5 Artists You Can't Miss at Shaky Knees 2025

Shaky Knees 2025 once again promises three days of stacked lineups, buzzing crowds, and the kind of electric performances that turn a regular festival weekend into a memory you’ll never forget. With headliners, rising stars, and cult favorites all sharing stages across Atlanta’s Central Park, it can feel overwhelming trying to choose where to be. To help you out, here are five artists you absolutely can’t miss at this year’s Shaky Knees.

1. Cage the Elephant

Few bands bring the same level of high-voltage chaos and charisma as Cage the Elephant. Known for frontman Matt Shultz’s unpredictable stage presence—whether he’s diving into the crowd or performing in an elaborate costume—the Kentucky rockers make every set feel like a headline-worthy moment. Expect a setlist that swings from singalong anthems like Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked to explosive new material that’s already winning over fans.

2. Alabama Shakes

After a long hiatus, Brittany Howard and the Alabama Shakes are back—and their return is one of Shaky Knees’ biggest stories this year. Their blend of soulful vocals, bluesy grit, and soaring rock arrangements is tailor-made for a festival crowd. Fans have been eagerly awaiting their comeback, and this performance promises to be both nostalgic and forward-looking.

3. Wet Leg

The British indie duo Wet Leg have been festival darlings since their breakout single Chaise Longue, and they’ve only grown sharper and more playful onstage since then. Their witty lyrics, danceable grooves, and cheeky banter are bound to bring an afternoon dose of fun. If you want a set where you’ll be laughing, singing, and probably dancing with strangers, Wet Leg is the move.

4. Sublime with Jakob Nowell

The legacy of Sublime lives on through Jakob Nowell, the son of late frontman Bradley Nowell. With his natural energy and fresh spin, Jakob has brought new life to the band’s classic catalog of ska-punk hits. Tracks like Santeria and What I Got feel both timeless and recharged in the hands of the next generation. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this is a must-see set that bridges past and present.

5. Joey Valence & Brae

If you want pure adrenaline, Joey Valence & Brae deliver. The duo’s blend of hip-hop, electronic beats, and old-school Beastie Boys-inspired energy makes for one of the most fun festival sets you can stumble into. Expect wild crowd participation, breakneck pacing, and a dance pit that feels like one giant party. Shaky Knees thrives on eclectic energy, and JVB might just steal the show with theirs.