Shaky Knees Music Festival kicks off their 2026 version of the festival this Friday, September 18th for the fest’s second year at Atlanta’s iconic Piedmont Park. It’s a stacked weekend continuing until late Sunday with a ton of tough choices throughout the weekend. Welcome to our preview of the 2026 Shaky Knees as we break down each timeslot throughout the weekend. Who are the must sees of this year’s fest? We got you.
Once again, Shaky Knees is back at Piedmont Park with the weekend sold out and a lineup making the festival bigger than ever. Like past years, not only is there the actual festival itself starting on Friday with the first artists up at 4:30pm and then Saturday and Sunday kicking off at 11:45am with Songs For Kids, there are also Late Night Shows at venues around Atlanta after the festival ends on Friday Night and Saturday. Reminder, Late Night Shows are separate tickets from the festival, many are already sold out, some low tickets, but if a tough decision arises during the fest, it’s an option. Bet you can find tickets even to the sold out ones if need be. Make friends, keep an open ear. Not everyone will be able to make it all day the festival to the after shows.
As far as the festival itself, now is the time to start making those final plans. Get to know the festival map. Figure out your plans on how to get there too. Once you get inside the festival grounds, it’s easy to find your way. It’s Atlanta, and getting there is always the bigger deal. Piedmont Park is one of the busiest parks in the country right smack in the middle of Midtown Atlanta surrounded by an area that is lively almost 24 hours a day.
If you plan on driving and parking, don’t. Good luck if you do. MARTA is absolutely the way to go if you can, but whether it’s driving, Uber, or MARTA, give yourself extra time just in case (of course, especially if driving or Uber) to get there. The area surrounding the park is busy in normal times, but now add in a festival loading in and out, people trying to get to the fest, it can be a lot slower than expected to finally enter the festival grounds. Know the entrances.
Hydrate. Bring sunscreen, and also, plan for rain, even heavy rain and muddy grounds if that is going to bother you. Even if the Weather channel is predicting no rain for the weekend, do not trust that. It’s Atlanta. It’s still hot, and it’s looking like it’s going to stay hot this weekend, which means there could be pop up storms at any point. How many times just this year has certain parts of the city of Atlanta had heavy storms causing flooding, while 1 mile away they didn’t get a drop of rain? It seems like every time you turn on the news this summer, so be prepared even if you aren’t expecting it. Piedmont Park certainly has plenty of history of festival mudpits over the years even if it didn’t happen at Shaky Knees last year.
Other than that, go have fun. Dance. Hug the person next to you. Crowd surf. Enter the mosh pit at your own risk. But just go enjoy the music, and be respectful of the people around you and their experience. There should be no problems. This crowd is there to take it all in and see some seriously great, classic artists, and the new wave of artists coming up behind them.
All of that goes without saying, but for us, it’s all about planning out our days and figuring out which artists we must see. Like most Shaky Knees years in the past, there are once again 4 stages, with 2 artists playing on each side of the festival at a time, rotating stages, besides the kickoff Saturday and Sunday by Songs For Kids, and the headliners, which don’t have competing artists playing.
No matter if you are super pumped for any of the headliners, The Strokes on Friday, Twenty One Pilots on Saturday, or Gorillaz closing out the fest on Sunday, or maybe some of them aren’t your thing, we know those artists by now know how to put on a great live show and the budget to do it. But it’s always the meat of the rest of the schedule that always makes this a great festival for us. This preview isn’t for the headliners.
Throughout the 2026 lineup, there’s legends, nostalgia, pure up and comers you’ve never heard of, and everything in between. To us, the fun is discovering an artist live that unexpectedly blew you away. Happens every year. But then again, there is legends that you just can’t miss when the opportunity arises.
So for those still trying to workout their Shaky Knees 2026 schedule, this preview is you. Below we break down each time slot from the start on Friday, until the last time slot on Sunday before Gorillaz closes it down, pitting each artist against each other with a little snippet on each artist, trying to give you an idea what to expect from their set. We also throw in at the end of each, our pick, just for fun. But the hope here is that you find that something new during the fest that you love, whether that is the same as our pick or different.
We also throw in our confidence level on our pick. Let’s be real, music is totally up to the individual, but we are trying to convey where we are at with it. Some of these time slots are an extremely tough choice as we’d prefer to see both artists instead of having to choose, others are easy choices for us (even if sometimes we’d also like to see the other artists in that time slot, but for us our pick is a must see), while we are neutral about some timeslots, meaning we don’t have a strong feeling one way or the other, but either could be a good choice.
Where will you be during these timeslots? Who are the must see acts of Shaky Knees 2026, drop a comment. Below is where we are at for the 2026 festival. It should be another great one!
*Reminder, continue to check the Shaky Knees schedule for any changes. While they’ve always done a great job in the past of having sets rolling on time, things can and do change. Just before publishing, Jimmy Eat World had to drop off due to medical emergency. It sounds as though SK is working on a replacement, and that should be announced soon, but that could make these timeslots below moot if artists get moved around due to the change. Shaky Knees does do a great job of keeping up-to-date through socials and if you sign up for their texts. The socials will even post an easy to read on your phone, downloadable schedule for each day the morning of. Download their app.
The Schedule: Tough Decisions Await
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH – SHAKY KNEES 2026 DAY 1
BEN HOWARD or CARTEL – 4:30pm-5:30pm
Over on the Piedmont Stage, if you’re looking to ease into the first day of the festival with some gorgeous, atmospheric afternoon tunes, British singer-songwriter Ben Howard is your guy. While he might not be pumping high-octane energy through the park, his intricate guitar work and rich, reflective songwriting makes for a wonderfully mellow, immersive way to start off the weekend. Let the afternoon grooves wash over you.
Meanwhile, playing over on the Ponce De Leon Stage, if you lean toward the heavier, more nostalgic pop-punk side of the rock spectrum, Atlanta’s own Cartel will scratch that itch. Emerging from the mid-aughts pop-punk boom with razor-sharp hooks, they bring a completely different energy to this opening time slot that will certainly draw a passionate, sing-along-heavy crowd looking to bounce. (Note: If you’re missing them here, they are playing a Late Night Show Friday Night at the Masquerade’s Purgatory venue)
OE’s Pick: Ben Howard
Confidence Level: Neutral
This one really comes down to what you like and are looking for out of the first set of the 2026 lineup. Gorgeous vibes, or some pure energy. You really can’t go wrong and both artists should be full of loyal followers.
HOT MULLIGAN or GOLDFORD– 5:30pm-6:30pm
Over on the Peachtree Stage, Michigan’s own Hot Mulligan brings their fiercely passionate, emotionally raw brand of emo/pop-punk to the early evening crowd. If you want high energy, cathartic sing-alongs, and a sea of fans screaming every single word back at the stage, this is your destination. They’ve built up a massive, fiercely loyal underground following over the last few years through relentless touring and sheer emotional honesty, meaning their set is going to be an absolute blast of pure, unbridled joy. (They will also be playing a Late Night Set Saturday night at Masquerade in Hell)
But then, over on the Criminal Records Stage, singer-songwriter Goldford offers a completely different sonic palette. Fusing classic and modern soul with introspective folk and soaring, cinematic pop, he brings a powerhouse voice and a deeply moving atmosphere to the park. Backed by millions of streams and a knack for raw, heartfelt storytelling, it’s the kind of performance that commands your attention and lets you soak in some incredible talent.
OE’s Pick: GOLDFORD
Confidence Level: Neutral
If we are going to pick Ben Howard to start, might as well continue that sort of vibe with Goldford and see what he is all about until it’s time to step things up with Geese. This one once again should be purely up to which vibe you are looking for to start the 2026 fest.
GEESE or SNOW STRIPPERS – 6:30pm-7:30pm
Over on the Piedmont Stage, Brooklyn’s own Geese present a must-see set for anyone tracking modern rock’s most exciting upward trajectories. It feels like just yesterday they were playing Shaky Knees as a bunch of teenagers awkwardly rocking around the stage, but the hype surrounding them right now is entirely real. Blending unique, angular post-punk with sprawling, ambitious songwriting that is successfully carrying distinct rock-and-roll innovation into the mainstream, they’ve evolved into a powerhouse live act. Witnessing their growth firsthand from those early festival days to a major momentum-heavy slot makes this one of the ultimate anchor sets of the weekend.
While Geese is taking the festival by storm, over on the Ponce de Leon Stage, electropop duo Snow Strippers offer a completely different lane that should have the crowd ready to dance. Consisting of Graham Perez and Tatiana Hazel, this group has been blowing up across major festival bills with their high-energy blend of hyperpop, sleek danceable beats, and hazy, club-ready aesthetics. If you want to trade guitars for a heavy dose of intoxicating, electronic atmosphere that commands a completely different kind of crowd movement, Snow Strippers should do the trick for a wild set.
OE’s Pick: Geese
Confidence Level: Very Easy Choice
No brainer here. Geese is one of the hottest, most talked about bands in the world right now. Can’t wait to see how they’ve grown live.
TURNSTILE or ALICE PHOEBE LOU – 7:30pm-8:30pm
If you want a masterclass in how a modern rock-and-roll band can completely shatter boundaries, look no further than Turnstile. Playing over on the Piedmont Stage, they’ve exploded into massive mainstream prominence by refusing to stay in any one lane. Even if traditional hardcore isn’t usually your thing, their landmark recent work stitches together hardcore, pop-punk, grunge, alternative, and indie rock, etc.—often cycling through multiple genres within the span of a single song. Backed by intense critical acclaim and relentless hype that is 100% deserved, they bring an unstoppable, white-hot live energy and a famously chaotic, jubilant crowd that makes them an absolute must-see. This set should be WILD!
If Turnstile just isn’t your thing, head over on the Criminal Records Stage, where singer-songwriter Alice Phoebe Lou offers a gorgeous, deeply magnetic alternative. With her spellbinding vocals, lush indie-folk textures, and dreamy, atmospheric arrangements, she commands a completely different kind of captivating stage presence. It’s the kind of mesmerizing, warm-glow set that makes you feel entirely transported.
OE’s Pick: Turnstile
Confidence Level: Easy Choice
It hurts to skip an artist as genuinely wonderful as Alice Phoebe Lou, but Turnstile is going to be one of those classic Shaky Knees, adrenaline-soaked highlights of the entire weekend. Can.Not.Wait.
FONTAINES D.C. or DANNY ELFMAN – 8:30pm-9:30pm
Over on the Ponce de Leon Stage, Dublin’s finest are bringing a masterclass in modern post-punk. While their early work drew comparisons to other post punk favorites from across the pond such as IDLES and Shame —acts that have famously owned past Shaky Knees lineups—Fontaines D.C. have really expanded their sound over the years, into one of the most innovative rock ‘n’ roll bands in the world. The Fontaines D.C. set may not have the full on punk chaos of a set as IDLES and Shame have done in the past, but this is easily one of the most antipcated acts on the lineup this year. And crazy enough, it’s their first time playing the festival, so this is an absolute must see of a set.
Then again, the Ponce De Leon Stage has legendary composer and icon Danny Elfman, who offers a wildly eccentric, theatrical spectacle. Whether you know him as the mastermind behind Oingo Boingo or the legendary voice and mind behind Tim Burton’s most iconic cinematic soundtracks, Elfman brings an unhinged, high-energy live production that mashes up orchestral grandeur with chaotic new-wave rock and dark art-pop. It’s a total trip of a performance that you simply don’t get to see every day.
OE’s Pick: Fontaines D.C.
Confidence Level: Easy Choice
Danny Elfman is a legendary in his own right, but Fontaines D.C. making their long-overdue Shaky Knees debut is a can’t-miss set.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH – SHAKY KNEES 2026 DAY 2
OLD MERVS or SOPHIE’S BODY – 12:00pm-12:45pm
Hailing all the way from Western Australia, indie-rock duo Old Mervs bring an infectious, sun-soaked burst of energy to the Piedmont Stage. Riding high with surf-rock vibes, David House and Henry Carrington-Jones specialize in upbeat and undeniably catchy guitar anthems. If you want a breezy, feel-good rock set that gets the afternoon moving with a grin on your face, these mates are the way.
Over on the Ponce Stage, Boston’s own Sophie’s Body brings a punchy, high-contrast dynamic to the early slot with their self-described “bubble-grunge” sound. Fronted by Sophie McMinn, the four-piece blends heavy, distorted 90s-style guitar riffs and driving drums with soaring early-2000s pop-punk melodies. It’s gritty, energetic, and brings a sharp, youthful bite that will wake up the crowd.
OE’s Pick: Sophie’s Body
Confidence Level: Tough Choice
This is a tough one that really you could go either way and not sure you could really go wrong here. Both should be interesting in their own way.
THE INSPECTOR CLUZO or HOTEL FICTION – 12:45pm-1:30pm
Hailing all the way from southwest France, this fiercely independent blues-rock duo brings an explosive, no-nonsense energy to the early afternoon on the Peachtree Stage. Composed of longtime friends Laurent Lacrouts and Mathieu Jourdain (who spend half their year running an organic family farm when they aren’t touring the globe), The Inspector Cluzo plays with just a guitar, a drum kit, and massive amounts of raw, garage-rock grit. If you want a high-octane blast of hard-hitting blues rock, this should be a fantastic set.
Then again, over on the Criminal Records Stage is Athens, Georgia’s own Hotel Fiction, who brings a gorgeous, genre-fluid indie-rock charm right to their home state turf. Formed by Jade Ireland and Jessica Thompson while students at UGA and later expanding into a full, dynamic five-piece band, they’ve built a stellar reputation with their shimmering guitars, dreamy keys, and catchy indie-pop sensibilities. Following standout releases like their debut LP Soft Focus and sophomore album Staring at the Sun, this should be a warm, vibrant, and incredibly welcoming energy for the early festival crowd.
OE’s Pick: Hotel Fiction
Confidence Level: Neutral
Really it depends which direction you are looking for out of your early Saturday vibes. Love supporting local, and Hotel Fiction has a nice sound that should make it easy to start your Saturday off.
VILLANELLE or FAT, EVIL CHILDREN – 1:30pm-2:15pm
Over on the Piedmont Stage, alt rock/grunge-leaning project Villanelle brings an intriguing, sharp-edged sound to the early afternoon. Built around distorted guitar textures and a moody atmospheric weight, they deliver a compelling slice of modern rock that leans into heavier, darker tones. (Bonus: if you don’t catch Villanelle at the fest, they are playing a Late Night Set Saturday night at Center Stage in Vinyl)
On the other side of the fest at the Ponce Stage, up-and-comers Fat, Evil Children step up with a raw, DIY, sound full of folk rock that should melt hearts, bring sing-alongs, and plenty of energy. These young cats already showed plenty of promise with their debut album released in 2024, and have the makings of some real up and comers worth checking it.
OE’s Pick: Fat, Evil Children
Confidence Level: Neutral
Not sure there is really a bad choice here; two different up and coming artists with some real chops. But we think there is something real there with Fat, Evil Children that should stand out in a live setting.
ELIO MEI or RUM JUNGLE – 2:15pm-3:00pm
On the Peachtree Stage, Elio Mei brings a unique, imaginative, theatrical slice of indie-pop to the afternoon. Building a massive following through clever storytelling and fantasy concepts, Mei delivers a rich, narrative-driven performance. While most of Elio Mei is built in the bedroom, there is plenty of intricate instrumentation, making for an immersive mid-day escape.
For this timeslot on the Criminal Records Stage, we’ve got more Aussie’s in Rum Jungle, who brings a different wave of energy. Hailing from Newcastle and riding high on their album Marginalia, this indie-rock four-piece specializes in sun-soaked, driving guitar anthems that channel the loose, high-energy spirit of early garage-rock and coastal alt rock. They are built for the live stage, offering an infectious, upbeat rhythm designed to get the afternoon crowd moving and grooving in the open air.
OE’s Pick: Rum Jungle
Confidence Level: Neutral
Rum Jungle should be some fun guitar licks that can melt hearts while transporting into a zone of sun soaked fun. Sounds good here.
SIR CHLOE or REHASH – 3:00pm-3:45pm
On the Piedmont Stage, indie-rock project Sir Chloe—led by vocalist and songwriter Dana Foote—brings a captivating mix of dark, moody rock and infectious pop hooks. Having built a big streaming following and earned high-profile tour slots alongside heavyweights like Beck and Cage the Elephant, they excel live with balanced, biting, guitar-driven sounds with sleek, hypnotic grooves. It’s edgy, atmospheric, and packs plenty of punchy momentum for the mid-afternoon crowd.
Then again, over on the Ponce de Leon Stage, underground outfit Rehash steps up to deliver a blast of raw, unvarnished rock-and-roll energy. Built on fast tempos, tenacious guitar lines, and a no-frills attitude, they bring a garage-rock intensity designed to keep the crowd moving.
OE’s Pick: Rehash
Confidence Level: Neutral, but also sort of Tough
Not sure there is a wrong answer here, but Rehash feels like it may be a smaller, but more engaged/energetic type of crowd, which should bring a more memorable set.
THE RAPTURE or GEORDIE GREEP – 3:45pm-4:30pm
Legendary dance-punk pioneers The Rapture bring an iconic blast of early-2000s indie-sleaze history to the Peachtree Stage. Fusing driving post-punk basslines, cowbells, and frantic electronic dance grooves into anthems like “House of Jealous Lovers,” they helped define an entire era of underground club-rock crossover. Catching them live delivers a heavy hit of pure, sweaty, nostalgic momentum that practically forces you to move your feet.
Not to be outdone, over on the Criminal Records Stage is former Black Midi mastermind Geordie Greep, who brings a brilliantly unhinged, wildly unpredictable solo spectacle. Following a stellar debut solo album packed with maximalist, theatrical, and experimental sounds, Greep translates the chaotic avant-garde energy of his past band into something wildly fresh, danceable, and hella fun. Brazilian music, Bossa Nova, somba, there will be a little bit of everything. It’s an ambitious, genre-hopping trip that treats every song like a high-wire act.
OE’s Pick: Geordie Greep
Confidence Level: Tough Choice
There is no wrong answer during this time slot, and hate that you may have to miss one or the other. Luckily, The Rapture is playing a Late Night Set in Hell at Masquerade on Friday night, while Geordie Greep will also be at Vinyl at Center Stage on Friday. So conceivably, your festival weekend could include both must see acts. But for the purposes of picking, we’ve seen the absolutely insanity of Black Midi, and while Geordie Greep’s solo work is much different from the band there is no doubt that his set is going to wild, and well different, making his set a must catch.
MINUS THE BEAR or PEACH PIT – 4:30pm-5:30pm
Indie rock royalty Minus the Bear are back after reuniting last year after previously stopping touring in 2018. The band will bring a masterclass to the Piedmont Stage, with intricate, guitar-driven precision and nostalgic cool. Known for their signature tapped guitar riffs, infectious electronic textures, and sophisticated arrangements, catching them live is a treat for anyone who appreciates technical wizardry.
Vancouver’s beloved “camp-pop” outfit Peach Pit on the other hand, bring their warm, sun-drenched indie-pop vibes to the Ponce Stage. Anchored by jangly, shimmering guitar hooks and Neil Smith’s smooth, laid-back vocals, they specialize in breezy, feel-good anthems that effortlessly turn a festival field into a giant sing-along. (Bonus: Peach Pit will also be at Terminal West for a Late Night Set on Friday night)
OE’s Pick: Peach Pit
Confidence Level: Tough Choice
Two different vibes here, but we will say Peach Pit expecting a good time type of set.
JIMMY EAT WORLD or CONGRESS THE BAND – 5:30pm-6:30pm
Alternative-rock royalty Jimmy Eat World step up for what is bound to be one of the most nostalgic, emotionally resonant sing-alongs of the entire weekend on the Peachtree Stage. Having spent decades crafting definitive anthems like “The Middle,” “Pain,” and “Sweetness,” Jim Adkins and company remain a masterclass in consistency, pairing driving, soaring guitar hooks with timeless hooks that sound just as vital today as they did at the height of the 2000s emo-alt explosion. It’s a guaranteed massive crowd moment loaded with pure heart and stadium-sized energy. (Bonus: they will also rock the Masquerade Stage in Hell on Friday night for a Late Night Set)
Meanwhile, over on the Criminal Records Stage, Congress The Band brings an underground wildcard presence to the afternoon. While they might not carry the multi-decade household-name status of their stage-opposite peers, but they offer a fresh, gritty indie-rock energy if you’re looking to check out something brand new on the festival grounds. (They also have a Late Night Set Friday night at Center Stage)
OE’s Pick: Jimmy Eat World
Confidence Level: Easy Choice
Going nostalgia here, for what should be a memorable set.
*****Update, just before publishing Jimmy Eat World had to cancel due to frontman Jim Adkins having a medical emergency and needing surgery. It sounds as though the festival is working on finding a replacement and an announcement could come soon. Hopefully this doesn’t move the schedule around making this article moot, LOL, but for right now, it is an easy choice, Congress The Band!
BLOOD ORANGE or TAKING BACK SUNDAY – 6:30pm-7:30pm
Over on the Piedmont Stage, Dev Hynes brings his visionary Blood Orange project to the park for a spellbinding, genre-blurring performance. Melding lush R&B, shimmering synth-pop, post-punk textures, and deeply reflective lyricism, Blood Orange offers a sophisticated, deeply emotional, and effortlessly cool atmosphere. It’s a masterclass in modern artistry and groove that completely shifts the mood of the evening into something transcendent and unforgettable.
But if you are still looking to purely rock, head over on the Ponce de Leon Stage for long-running alt-rock stalwarts Taking Back Sunday. This will be an absolute masterclass in early-2000s emo and pop-punk nostalgia. Armed with iconic, throat-shredding anthems like “MakeDamnSure” and “Cute Without the ‘E’,” Adam Lazzara and company are guaranteed to ignite a massive, passionate sing-along where every single person in the crowd is screaming the words at the top of their lungs.
OE’s Pick: Blood Orange
Confidence Level: Tough Choice
Blood Orange is just going to be so unique and hypnotic, that it’s hard to miss.
PIERCE THE VEIL or PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS – 7:30pm-8:30pm
Post-hardcore and alt-rock heavyweights Pierce the Veil bring a massive, stadium-sized spectacle to the Peachtree Stage for what should be one of the wilder sets of the weekend. Armed with sweeping, theatrical anthems like “King for a Day” and a dedicated fan base that knows every single word by heart, Vic Fuentes and company deliver an intense, emotional, and arena-ready live performance that commands the audience.
But then over on the Criminal Records Stage is Australia’s own Psychedelic Porn Crumpets. which should bring one of those classic, unhinged sets at the Criminal Records Stage that Shaky Knees is known for. Fusing blistering, high-velocity psych-rock, mind-bending guitar wizardry, and a relentless garage-rock energy, this should be a fun one. It’s fast, loud, and chaotic. We foresee lots of crowd surfing happening here.
OE’s Pick: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets
Confidence Level: Easy Choice
Totally understandable if Pierce the Veil is your thing, but we will be at the Criminal Records Stage for these cats, no doubt.
THE PRODIGY or PAVEMENT – 8:30pm-9:30pm
This is an interesting one with two “classics”. Over on the Piedmont Stage is UK electronic-dance-punk legends The Prodigy. In one way, The Prodigy feels like they could land more at an EDM type fest over SK, but of course, there is so much more than just the electronics to them, and they feel like a win for the 2026 Shaky Knees lineup. The Prodigy brings their high-octane, industrial-rave fury to the fest, armed with mainstays like “Firestarter” and “Breathe” that will have this festival hype. Prepare for sensory overload and a massive open-air rave.
Then again, over on the Ponce de Leon Stage, true indie-rock royalty Pavement offer a masterclass in slacker-rock and noise pop for a completely different experience. Led by Stephen Malkmus, the iconic 90s architects of lo-fi indie pull from a legendary catalog of clever, guitar anthems and laid-back swagger. Legends.
OE’s Pick: Pavement
Confidence Level: Easy Choice
No doubt The Prodigy will be a spectacle, but Pavement’s influence over indie rock has been all over Shaky Knees since the very beginning and is what this festival has always been about. Can’t miss this one.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH – SHAKY KNEES 2026 DAY 3
SUNDAY MOURNERS or SHOWING TEETH – 12:15pm-1:00pm
To start off the third and final day of SK26, the Piedmont Stage kicks off with Sunday Mourners, who brings a razor-sharp, post-punk style. There is definitely some Television and Parquet Courts type angular rhythms that should cut through the early afternoon air. There should be plenty of passion coming from these guys on the stage. Yeah this should be a fun one.
Perhaps up another notch, over on the Ponce de Leon Stage, Showing Teeth steps up to kick off the afternoon with a heavy blast of gritty, raw underground energy. Built on aggressive guitar work and a punishing, unyielding pace, they provide a heavier, wake-up call. There is an interesting mix here of some screamo type hardcore, with some more electropop, which should make for one of the more unique sets of the festival weekend.
OE’s Pick: Sunday Mourners
Confidence Level: Easy Choice
Showing Teeth should be no doubt interesting, but out of the bands on this festival lineup that we didn’t previously know, Sunday Mourners immediately stood out with that sort of spoken word type angular punk with witty lyrics, and a whole lot of juice. This is right up our alley.
CARDINALS or PORCH LIGHT – 1:00pm-1:45pm
Hailing from Cork, Ireland, Cardinals have been generating a lot of buzz and critical ink across the the pond. Now they are bringing the show to the Peachtree Stage at SK26. Blending melodic guitars with cinematic arrangements and emotional storytelling, these lads have grand, soaring indie rock sound. They are rapidly becoming one of the most talked new acts, making this early slot a prime opportunity to catch a rising band right on the verge of a major breakout.
On the other side of the fest at the Criminal Records Stage, Porch Light brings a fresh, dynamic alt-rock energy into the mix. With the building momentum for their debut album Hush (which releases this Friday the 18th), they deliver crisp arrangements, driving rhythms, and a catchy, guitar-driven sound designed to ease the early that should have your head bobbing in the early afternoon breeze.
OE’s Pick: Cardinals
Confidence Level: Tough Choice
Not sure what’s going on over in Ireland, but they are putting out some good tunes lately. Certainly was so glad we didn’t miss CMAT at last year’s SK, that was one of the sets of the weekend, so we definitely aren’t going to miss this opportunity to see another up and coming Irish artist coming into the fest with a ton of buzz across the pond.
VIOLET GROHL or THE TWO LIPS – 1:45pm-2:45pm
Violet Grohl is a fascinating case over on the Piedmont Stage. At 20 years old, she released her debut album earlier this year with a blend of rock ‘n’ roll that starts with plenty of influence from her famous Dad, but goes well beyond just 90’s rock alt rock and grunge. We can debate her being a Nepo baby and all that; there’s no doubt she got a leg up and plenty of help along the way. The thing is, the album has good stuff, she’s got some chops, no doubt and should already know how to put on a great live show. It should be a fun spectacle, we just hope that if the guy that’s been at Shaky Knees in the past that looks like Dave Grohl shows up, we hope for her sake that he is wearing his “Not Dave Grohl” shirt again so she doesn’t get confused.
The Case for The Two Lips: On the other side of the spectrum on the Ponce Stage, The Two Lips bring a different vibe. It’s vibrant, breezy with clean beats and soothing vocals, that should bring an euphoric party vibe to the early crowd. It will be a different kind of live spark, but a nice one at that. (Bonus: they do have a Late Night Set in Purgatory at The Masquerade on Saturday night, which should be some good late evening vibes)
OE’s Pick: Violet Grohl
Confidence Level: Tough Choice
Both should be good times, right now leaning Violet, why not, it’s Grohl. But The Two Lips could be rather nice, especially if there’s a nice breeze out.
COHEED AND CAMBRIA or BIG SPECIAL – 2:45pm-3:45pm
This one feels like a big one on the Peachtree Stage for this time slot. Coheed and Cambria are modern progressive rock legends, bringing their prog-rock/post-hardcore spectacle to Shaky Knees. Driven by Claudio Sanchez’s unmistakable soaring vocals and an epic, catalog of towering guitar anthems, they deliver a grand, emotionally heavy live performance
Hailing from the UK, breakout up-and-comers BIG SPECIAL bring a completely raw, visceral, and fierce energy to the Criminal Records Stage. Blending powerful spoken-word, with heavy post-punk, Joe Hicklin and Callum Maloney tackle working-class grit with a magnetic intensity. It’s tenacious, urgent, and one of the most talked-about new live acts breaking through the underground.
OE’s Pick: BIG SPECIAL
Confidence Level: Tough Choice
Ready to see what these raw new comers are all about.
JET or OK GO – 3:45pm-4:45pm
Australian garage-rock revivalists Jet come to the Piedmont Stage with a heavy dose of swagger and that mid-2000s stadium arena sized sound. Remember those global anthems like “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” and “Cold Hard Bitch”? It’s good to see these guys back around and ready to rock the festival.
But of course, then there is the Ponce Stage where indie-pop innovators OK Go will bring an explosion of razor-sharp melodic hooks and infectious energy. While globally legendary for their mind-bending music videos, their live show proves they are far more than just a visual internet phenomenon. Driven by endlessly catchy power-pop gems like “Get Over It” and “Here It Goes Again”, Damian Kulash and the crew deliver a joyful, danceable, and intensely fun atmosphere.
OE’s Pick: Jet
Confidence Level: Tough Choice
Really is a tough choice here, and there’s probably not a wrong a answer. Both have years of cred and certainly know how to put on a great live show. But when else are we going to go see Jet live? This might as well be the time.
SANTIGOLD or AMERICAN HI-FI – 4:45pm-5:45pm
Genre-defying artist Santigold brings an electrifying, hyper fusion of alt pop, indie-electronic beats, a punk attitude, with global dance rhythms to the Peachtree Stage. Delivering infectious, razor-sharp anthems since she first popped on the scene in the early 2000s, Santigold’s live performances are known for being a vibrant, multi-sensory experience full of rhythm, and an F U attitude.
For this timeslot, the Criminal Records Stage is bringing a bit of pop-punk nostalgia with alt rock stalwarts American Hi-Fi. Anchored by their massive, inescapable breakthrough hit “Flavor of the Weak,” the band delivers a punchy, driving set built on youthful rebellion with plenty of soaring guitars.
OE’s Pick: Santigold
Confidence Level: Tough Choice
Really both bring early-2000s nostalgia, but Santigold’s wildly different in her own way that’s worth seeing.
MODEST MOUSE or BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY– 5:45pm-6:45pm
This is going to be one heck of an ending to the 2026 Shaky Knees starting here. Indie rock legends Modest Mouse will be ready to have the crowd Floating On at the Piedmont Stage. Since making their name in the late 90s, the band is still going strong with another great album, An Eraser And A Maze, released in June, the band’s eighth studio album. Live, they remain an unpredictable, fiercely intense force.
Then again, if you are looking for a different type of pure nostalgia, hip-hop royalty Bone Thugs-N-Harmony are on the Ponce Stage. Remember those rapid-fire deliveries next to some melodic harmonies? Serious, just the thought of classics like “Tha Crossroads” and “1st of tha Month” sounds like one big ole, in unison (well trying to be anyways), festival crowd having the time of their lives doesn’t it?
OE’s Pick: Modest Mouse
Confidence Level: Tough Choice
No denying Bone Thugs would be something fun, different, and heck, when else are we going to catch them? But Modest Mouse though. Just can’t not see them when the chance arises.
WU-TANG CLAN or FCUKERS – 6:45pm-7:45pm
You could probably say similar things about Bone Thugs in this timeslot. But while there is no doubt Bones Thugs-N-Harmony have left their mark and will kill the nostalgia game, when you are talking the real real, TRUE hip-hop royalty Wu-Tang Clan is all that and so much more. As a collective, they represent the absolute pinnacle of East Coast rap supremacy. The iconic beats and collective talents, makes Wu-Tang’s set on the Peachtree Stage an unmissable bucket-list type set. .
If you’d rather catch something new and unique though, the final set at the Criminal Records Stage for the weekend has buzzy underground electronic-indie outfit Fcukers, who bring a fresh, incredibly infectious energy. Fusing driving, club-ready dance grooves, slacker-rock attitude, and late-night downtown cool, they have quickly become one of the most exciting breakout live acts on the circuit and should provide one hype set. (Bonus: If you catch nniss Wu-Tang, but do want to catch Fcukers, Late Night set over at Terminal West Saturday night)
OE’s Pick: Wu-Tang Clan
Confidence Level: Easy Choice
Why: Fcukers are a phenomenal modern discovery with massive dance-floor appeal, but when hip-hop royalty of Wu-Tang’s magnitude is sharing the field, you simply have to catch them when you can.
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM or KNOCKED LOOSE – 7:45pm-9:00pm
LCD Soundsystem returns to Shaky Knees on the Piedmont Stage. Having already left permanent marks on the festival as previous headliners, James Murphy and company have had an on and off again, type thing going. We are currently on, and Shaky Knees 2026 is better for it. This should be pure, unadulterated live magic.
If the communal dance party of LCD doesn’t do the trick for you, how about a communal mosh pit? Modern hardcore heavyweights Knocked Loose bring a completely different kind of shockwave to this timeslot. This set will be an absolute, unmitigated bloodbath of chaotic, high-pulsing energy, and insane energy. (Good news though, if you love a good mosh pit and dance party,you could hit LCD in this slot, and catch Knocked Loose Saturday night for their Late Night set at Masquerade in Heaven)
OE’s Pick: LCD Soundsystem
Confidence Level: Easy Choice
Knocked Loose is sure to be one insane spectacle, but we have to opt for the transcendent LCD Soundsystem set with all our friends.
