Alternative music lovers can now look forward to the festival of the year, as Levitation has just announced its 2024 lineup. Held Halloween weekend — this year that means Thursday, October 31, to Sunday, November 3 — this semi-spooky festival in multiple venues famously brings a host of less-than-mainstream acts, from the niche legends to the new and experimental.
Although the annual timing to line up with Halloween does nod to the darkness that many of the acts embody (which is ultimately what keeps them out of the limelight), this isn't necessarily an edgy showcase. Some especially well-known acts this year include the contemplative singer-songwriter Soccer Mommy, the euphoric chillwave producer Tycho, the iconic dream pop project Washed Out, and the genre-defining shoegaze group Slowdive.
That's not to say the whole lineup is gentle and moody. The headliner of headliners, playing all four nights, is Osees, a garage rock band that is a regular at festivals like Levitation.
So are psych rock group The Black Angels, one of Austin's best-known and longest playing alternative music exports, carrying the torch since 2004. The Jesus Lizard have been around Austin even longer, delivering irreverent garage rock since 1987. Younger Austin bands on the lineup include Die Spitz, Night Drive, and Rickshaw Billie's Burger Patrol, among others.
Shows will be spread out across at least 10 venues across Austin, including several in the Red River Cultural District (like Stubbs, Mohawk, and Empire) as well as some as far-flung as the Far Out Lounge.
A full lineup is available below and at levitation.fm. Four-day passes (starting at $457.83 including fees) and single-show tickets (starting at $27.06 including fees) are available for purchase now. Some shows will have day-of tickets for an increased price.
Levitation lineup, October 31 to November 3.Poster courtesy of Levitation
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri