Austin Psych Fest began in 2008, as a DIY event and quickly expanded over the years into an international destination for the underground music scene. The event was rechristened LEVITATION, in a nod to the Austin’s psychedelic rock godfathers The 13th Floor Elevators. Austin Psych Fest returned in April 2023 celebrating its 15 year anniversary with a 3 day throwback to the original multi-stage, single venue format – bringing an intimate gathering on the Spring side of the calendar, and LEVITATION in the Fall. APF honors the city’s 1960s psychedelic rock heritage and channels it into the here and now – drawing indie rock icons, experimental rock and tripped-out sounds to an appropriately laid-back South Austin setting.
Since Austin Psych Fest’s inception, organizers have sought to create a thriving center for the independent music scene locally and internationally, in the original home of psychedelic rock: Austin, Texas.
For updates and additional information, keep up with Levitation on Instagram here.
THE HISTORY OF LEVITATION & AUSTIN PSYCH FEST:
Founded in 2008 by members of The Black Angels and friends, Austin Psych Fest sparked a movement, inspiring the creation of similar events across the globe. Austin Psych Fest was renamed LEVITATION in honor of Austin’s psychedelic rock pioneers The 13th Floor Elevators, who reunited and performed at LEVITATION 2015 for the band’s 50th anniversary. The event has stayed true to its original mission – to be a hub for the psych rock scene – while expanding into the worlds of metal, electronic music, punk, and all manner of independent and underground music.
For over a decade, LEVITATION has delivered lineups that span psych, dream pop, punk, indie, metal, darkwave and electronic music – helping carry the spirit of 1960’s sonic experimentation into modern times. It’s a beloved record collection manifested into a 4 day weekend, with lineups that span continents and generations: a heady amalgamation of vintage gear, immersive light shows and visuals, buzzing amps, moody synths, good vibes and good times in Austin, Texas. LEVITATION returns this Fall – September 25-27, 2025.
