Austin Psych Fest 2026 takes over the Far Out Lounge this May
Photo credit: Jennifer Greene
Music festival fans know about the Austin City Limits Festival, the massive two-weekend event held every Fall since 2002 in the capital of Texas. But Austin has many more festivals to explore, from small one-day fundraisers and showcases to favorites like the Austin Blues Festival, the Wizard Rodeo, and Luck Reunion.
For rock fans seeking a festival under the trees with a laid-back, true Austin vibe, Austin Psych Fest fits the bill. Founded by members of The Black Angels in 2008, Austin Psych Fest (APF) has expanded to multiple events in Austin, including the Levitation Festival in September and the Halloween Freakend in October.
If you have never been, you might picture Austin Psych Fest as a niche event with three days of psych music, swirling visuals, and tripped-out festivalgoers. While it has all that, this year’s lineup spans genres including psychedelic rock, alternative, funk, electro-pop, grunge-gaze, cumbia, and more.
The three-day festival takes place at the Far Out Lounge in South Austin, featuring two stages with alternating sets. Psych rock icons The Flaming Lips and The Black Angels headline, along with California R&B and soul trio Thee Sacred Souls. Since three days of music isn’t enough, there are also three Thursday kick-off shows at Red River venues featuring Frankie and the Witch Fingers, ESPRIT 空想 (George Clanton), and Austin’s The Well.
On Friday, besides The Flaming Lips, the lineup includes indie bands DIIV and Momma, grunge-gaze band Glare, and indie psych rock group Boogarins. Two Austin bands, J’Cuuzi and Almost Heaven, will open the festival and set the energy. J’Cuuzi is known for their costumes, spinning chairs, and an entourage you may join by the end of the set. If you enjoy the dance pit, both bands are sure to jump into the crowd and dance with you. Check out Almost Heaven’s “fever trying to blow” video for a dance tutorial.
Almost Heaven (Photo Credit: Jennifer Greene)
On Saturday, The Black Angels will headline and mark the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Passover. The afternoon lineup features the gritty, surf-inspired Annabelle Chairlegs and garage rocker Ty Segall. Be sure to catch Austin psych-punk band Grocery Bag, who recently made a splash at several SXSW showcases, playing one of the earlier sets.
Sunday shifts away from heavy rock, offering a day filled with Cumbia, soul, R&B, and Chica bands. The day kicks off with a DJ set from Austin guitar legend Adrian Quesada, followed by Latin-psych and cumbia band Money Chicha and Los Angeles cumbia trio Lo Lom, among others. Thee Sacred Souls will close out the day with their modern take on 60s doo-wop and soul.
In addition to the music, 10 artists will provide lights, visuals, and installations to take the psychedelic, creative, and unpredictable vibe up a notch.
Passes are available for 1, 2, or 3 days, as well as upgrade options for a deluxe experience. Tickets and more information about Austin Psych Fest, including the full schedule, can be found at levitation.fm.
