Coca-Cola Sips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. With Dazzle Camouflage, Ashe, Disko Cowboy, Suki Waterhouse, Blusher, Khalid, and Gus Dapperton. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
The Sips & Sounds Music Festival, held on March 7-8, 2025, at Austin's iconic Auditorium Shores, once again solidified its reputation as a premier event in the city's vibrant music scene. Presented by Coca-Cola, this year's festival seamlessly blended top-tier musical performances with Austin's unique cultural flair, offering attendees an unforgettable experience.
Auditorium Shores, nestled along the banks of Lady Bird Lake, provided a picturesque backdrop for the festival. The venue's proximity to downtown Austin allowed for easy access, and the skyline views, combined with the natural beauty of the park, created an inviting atmosphere that resonated with both locals and visitors. The layout was thoughtfully designed, ensuring ample space for multiple stages, food vendors, and relaxation areas, allowing attendees to navigate the festival grounds with ease.
The festival boasted an impressive roster of artists, catering to a wide array of musical tastes. Friday night was headlined by the electrifying Halsey and the soulful Khalid, both delivering performances that captivated the audience. Halsey's dynamic stage presence and Khalid's smooth vocals set a high bar for the weekend. Saturday continued the momentum with Benson Boone and AJR taking center stage, both acts infusing the festival with energy and engaging performances.
Supporting acts such as Suki Waterhouse, Chelsea Cutler & Jeremy Zucker, Ashe, Nessa Barrett, and Gus Dapperton added depth to the lineup, each bringing their unique sound to the festival. True to its name, Sips & Sounds offered a curated selection of food and beverage options that delighted the palate. Local food vendors showcased Austin's diverse culinary scene, from traditional barbecue to innovative vegan dishes. Coca-Cola's presence was evident, with branded beverage stations providing refreshing drinks, ensuring festival-goers stayed hydrated and satisfied throughout the event.
Aligning with the opening weekend of South by Southwest (SXSW), Sips & Sounds benefited from the influx of music enthusiasts in Austin. This synergy enhanced the festival's atmosphere, fostering a sense of community among attendees.
The 2025 Sips & Sounds Music Festival successfully delivered a weekend of exceptional music, delectable food, and vibrant community engagement. Its thoughtful organization, diverse lineup, and integration with Austin's cultural landscape made it a standout event. As the festival continues to grow, it undoubtedly contributes to Austin's reputation as the "Live Music Capital of the World," leaving attendees eagerly anticipating next year's edition.
Fan reviews:
It was amazing! The music, the food and drinks were amazing! I would love to go again next year.
This festival was a great time! The lineup was great and all the performances were so good! It was a great venue for a festival like this.
Great set up, it’s wonderful to go to an event and they provide free water stations, cooling areas, and even a fun A/C pop up tent partnered with Cinemark. This festival did its best to look out for concert goers and keep up hydrated and safe, this is something I can never say about other festivals I’ve attended, I wish more events and concerts in general would offer the amenities that Sips & Sounds offer. Excellent work!
Dazzle Camouflage
Dazzle Camouflage performing at theSips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Dazzle Camouflage is an indie-electronic band known for their atmospheric soundscapes, intricate production, and genre-defying approach to music. Based in the U.S., the band blends elements of synth-pop, post-punk, and experimental electronic music to create a unique and immersive sonic experience. Their music often features haunting melodies, layered textures, and introspective lyrics, drawing comparisons to acts like Radiohead and The xx. With a focus on innovation and emotional depth, Dazzle Camouflage has cultivated a dedicated following and continues to push creative boundaries in the indie music scene. Their releases and live performances showcase a commitment to artistry and a distinctive vision that sets them apart.
Ashe
Ashe performing at theSips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Ashe is a singer-songwriter known for her heartfelt lyrics, soulful voice, and genre-blending sound that fuses pop, indie, and electronic influences. She gained widespread attention with her breakout hit "Moral of the Story," which became a global sensation after its inclusion in the Netflix film To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You. Ashe's music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, resonating with a wide audience. Her debut album, Ashlyn, further solidified her place in the pop landscape, showcasing her storytelling prowess and melodic sensibilities. With her authentic approach and relatable artistry, Ashe continues to captivate listeners worldwide.
Disko Cowboy
Disko Cowboy performing at theSips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Disko Cowboy is the brainchild of Dave Wrangler, a DJ and producer known for his iconic Vinyl Ranch DJ parties, which have been "world famous" since 2007. His music and events set the pulse for contemporary urban cowboy culture with an unexpected mashup of classic country, disco, and EDM1. Disko Cowboy has shared the stage with a range of idols, from Diplo to Orville Peck, and has collaborated with international brands like Wrangler, Chanel, and Tom Ford.
Suki Waterhouse
Suki Waterhouse performing at theSips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Suki Waterhouse is a British model, actress, and singer-songwriter known for her multifaceted career and distinctive style. She first gained recognition as a model, working with major fashion brands and gracing the covers of prestigious magazines. Waterhouse transitioned into acting, appearing in films like The Divergent Series: Insurgent, Assassination Nation, and Daisy Jones & The Six. Alongside her modeling and acting work, she has pursued music, releasing dreamy, indie-pop tracks that showcase her ethereal voice and introspective songwriting. Her debut EP, Milk Teeth, and subsequent releases have earned her a dedicated following in the music world. With her effortless charm and creative versatility, Suki Waterhouse continues to captivate audiences across multiple artistic disciplines.
Blusher
Blusher performing at theSips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Blusher is an Australian pop trio from Melbourne, consisting of Lauren Coutts, Jade Ingvarson-Favretto, and Miranda Ward. Formed in 2021, the band members were all solo artists before coming together to create their unique blend of high-energy electro-pop. Their debut EP, "Should We Go Dance?" released in 2023, showcases their love for pop music and the joy of female friendship.
Khalid
Khalid performing at theSips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Khalid is a singer-songwriter known for his smooth, soulful voice and genre-blending sound that combines R&B, pop, and electronic influences. Born Khalid Donnel Robinson on February 11, 1998, in Fort Stewart, Georgia, he gained widespread recognition with his breakout hit "Location". His debut album, American Teen, became a critical and commercial success, earning him multiple Grammy nominations and establishing him as a voice of his generation. Known for introspective lyrics and relatable themes, Khalid has since released acclaimed projects like Free Spirit and collaborated with artists such as Billie Eilish, Normani, and Disclosure. With his laid-back charm and genre-defying music, Khalid has become one of the most influential young artists in contemporary music.
Gus Dapperton
Gus Dapperton performing at theSips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Gus Dapperton is an indie pop artist known for his distinctive style, blending dreamy synth-pop with introspective lyrics. Born Brendan Rice in Warwick, New York, he adopted the stage name Gus Dapperton and gained attention for his unique fashion sense and DIY approach to music. His sound is characterized by lush production, catchy melodies, and a nostalgic yet modern vibe. Dapperton rose to prominence with early EPs like Yellow and Such and You Think You’re a Comic!, followed by his debut album Where Polly People Go to Read. His sophomore album, Orca, showcased a more mature and emotional depth. With a growing fanbase and a reputation for captivating live performances, Gus Dapperton continues to be a standout figure in the indie music scene.
Sips & Sounds Music Festival
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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