Formerly known as Austin Psych Fest, Levitation is a psychedelic rock music festival that takes place in downtown Austin, Texas. Founded in 2008 by psych rock pioneers and Austin locals The Black Angels, the event was renamed Levitation to honor another of the city’s famed artists, the 60s rockers 13th Floor Elevators. However, this festival is not to be confused with the Austin Psych Fest that took place this April and was put on by the same festival organizers. (Nor is it the same as Levitate Festival held in Massachusetts.) We know, the names are hard to follow, but try not to ding the festival for its muddled branding. It’s still a good party.
The name change brought with it a more varied lineup, one that extends in punk, metal and other rock genres. Alex Mass, Black Angels member and Levitation co-founder, told Texas Monthly: “When we stopped calling ourselves Psych Fest, it opened the gates up to whatever music you think is cool.”
While this year’s lineup has yet to be announced at the time of this writing, last year still saw some of the biggest names in psych rock, including the six man Australian powerhouse King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, known for releasing multiple impressive full-length albums a year, high energy punk rockers Frankie and the Witch Fingers (think lots of crowd surfing), and the slightly parodic Viagra Boys, whose lead singer usually has his butt crack and beer belly out for ample appreciation from fans. Many of these bands are known to play almost annually, so if you feel like you missed a once in a lifetime opportunity, you probably didn’t.
If you can’t make it this year, the festival, which is also a record label, creates the Levitation Sessions: live performance films created by the artist and then streamed worldwide and released as live albums. Levitation traditionally takes place at multiple venues throughout Austin’s downtown Red River District. Over the past decade, though, event planners have curated the event in France, Chicago and Vancouver as well.
The Specs
- Attendance numbers are not available.
- Ticket prices range from $395 + tax and fees for a 4-day pass and as low as $20 for a single-show pass.
- If you’re interested in Texas-based music beyond Austin, check out this cool article that explores the state’s diverse music history.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to Texas here.
FAQs
Where is the nearest airport?
Austin–Bergstrom International Airport is nearest the festival, around seven miles from downtown Austin.
When is Levitation 2023?
It will be held over Halloween weekend, from October 26 – 29 (Thurs. to Sun.).
Can I camp?
No.
Who are the festival’s headliners?
Unwound, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Dandy Warhols, BADBADNOTGOOD and others.
What artists are playing Levitation 2023?
Badbadnotgood, Unwound, Oneohtrix Point Never, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Flying Lotus, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Black Angels, Beach Fossils, Amyl and the Sniffers, The Dandy Warhols, Uncle Acid & the deadbeats, Ty Segall & Freedom Band, Shannon and the Clams, Panda Bear, The Church, Codeine, Jockstrap, yeule, Dead Meadow, Karate, Chisel, Slow Pulp, Twin Tribes, Rose City Band, Jonathan Bree, Water From Your Eyes, LSD and the Search for God, Altin Gun, Nuov Testamento, 1000mods, Ecstatic Vision, Flat Worms, Die Spitz, Vosh, Skull Practitioners, Annabelle Chairlegs, Marion Raw, Panda Bear, Sonic Boom, Durand Jones, High on Fire, Blonde Redhead, Allah-Las, Alan Palomo, Bully, Crack Cloud, Tanukichan, Teebs, Warmduscher, Civic, Ulrika Spacek, Holy Wave, Salami Rose Joe Louis, Ganser, Money Chicha, Fat Dog, Blushing, The Well, Sam Burton, Amulets, Mercury Rev, Speedy Ortiz, Dumbo Gets Mad, Sonido Gallo Negro, Hannibal Buress, Eshu Tune, Palehound, Militarie Gun, Lorelle meets The Obsolete, Ghost Funk Orchestra, El Combo Oscuro, Turnover, Death From Above 1979, Armand Hammer, Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, Pachyman, JJUUJJUU, Mustard Service, Paul Cherry, Djunahn, Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol, Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band, Ty Segall, King Woman, Pelican, Uniform.
What venues will host the festival?
Levitation 2023 venues will include: the fest’s downtown main stage at Stubb’s, as well asl Mohawk, Empire, Hotel Vegas, Elysium, Parish, Antone’s, 13th Floor — and two new independent venues — the Concourse Project, and The Far Out Lounge.
2022 Lineup Video
Past Performances
Tame Impala, “Let It Happen,” 2015
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