Coca-Cola Sips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 8, 2025. With Paul Russell, Austin Ashtin, Nessa Barrett, DJ Cassandra, Chelsea Cutler, Jeremy Zucker, Arcy Drive, AJR, Claire Rosinkranz, and Benson Boone. (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!
Paul Russell
Paul Russell performing at theSips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Paul Russell is a singer, songwriter, and producer known for his infectious blend of pop, R&B, and electronic influences. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Russell first gained attention with his self-produced tracks and viral covers on social media, showcasing his smooth vocals and knack for catchy melodies. His breakout single, "Say Cheese", became a fan favorite, highlighting his playful lyricism and upbeat energy. Russell's music often explores themes of love, self-expression, and joy, resonating with a wide audience. With his DIY approach and charismatic personality, he continues to build a growing fanbase and establish himself as a fresh, dynamic voice in the pop music landscape.
Austin Ashtin
Austin Ashtin performing at theSips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Austin Ashtin, a DJ and electronic music producer based in Colorado, is known for his dynamic sets and genre-blending sound that spans house, techno, and bass music. With a passion for creating high-energy experiences on the dance floor, Ashtin has become a staple in the local electronic music scene, performing at clubs, festivals, and events across the region. His productions often feature driving beats, lush synths, and infectious grooves, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the craft. As both a DJ and producer, Austin Ashtin continues to build a reputation for his ability to connect with audiences and deliver unforgettable performances.
Nessa Barrett
Nessa Barrett performing at theSips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Nessa Barrett is a singer-songwriter and social media personality known for her emotive music and raw, introspective lyrics. She first gained fame on TikTok, where her relatable content and striking personality quickly amassed a large following. Barrett transitioned into music with her debut single "Pain", which showcased her haunting vocals and vulnerability, resonating deeply with fans. Her music often explores themes of mental health, love, and self-discovery, blending pop, alternative, and dark pop influences. With the release of her debut EP, pretty poison, and subsequent projects, Nessa Barrett has solidified her place as a rising star in the music industry, captivating audiences with her authenticity and artistry.
DJ Cassandra
DJ Cassandra performing at theSips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)DJ Cassandra is a dynamic and versatile DJ and producer known for her electrifying sets and ability to blend genres like house, techno, and hip-hop into seamless, high-energy performances. She has built a reputation for her infectious energy, technical skill, and ability to read and captivate crowds. Whether spinning at clubs, festivals, or private events, DJ Cassandra brings a unique flair to her performances, often incorporating her own productions and remixes. With a growing presence in the electronic music scene, she continues to expand her reach, earning recognition for her talent and dedication to the craft.
Chelsea Cutler and Jeremy Zucker
Chelsea Cutler and Jeremy Zucker performing at theSips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Chelsea Cutler and Jeremy Zucker, two acclaimed singer-songwriters and producers, teamed up to create brent, a collaborative project that showcases their shared musical chemistry and emotional depth. Both artists, known for their introspective lyrics and genre-blending styles, first gained attention as independent acts before joining forces. Their collaborative EP, brent, and its follow-up, brent ii, feature a mix of heartfelt ballads and upbeat tracks, blending Cutler's soulful vocals and Zucker's melodic production. The duo's music explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with fans. Together, Chelsea Cutler and Jeremy Zucker have created a unique and compelling sound that highlights their individual talents while forging a powerful creative partnership.
Arcy Drive
Arcy Drive performing at theSips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Arcy Drive is an emerging indie rock band known for their energetic sound, catchy hooks, and heartfelt lyrics. The band blends elements of alternative rock, pop, and punk to create a dynamic and relatable style. With a focus on storytelling and raw emotion, their music often explores themes of youth, love, and self-discovery. Arcy Drive has been gaining traction with their electrifying live performances and a growing catalog of releases, earning them a dedicated fanbase. As they continue to evolve and refine their sound, Arcy Drive is poised to make a significant impact in the indie rock scene.
AJR
AJR performing at theSips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)AJR is a New York City-based indie pop band composed of brothers Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met. Known for their eclectic, genre-blending sound and DIY approach to music production, AJR creates songs that combine pop, electronic, and orchestral elements with clever, often humorous lyrics. The band gained widespread recognition with hits like "I'm Ready", "Weak", and "Bang!", which showcase their knack for crafting infectious melodies and relatable themes. AJR writes, produces, and records all their music in their living room, giving their work a uniquely personal touch. With their innovative sound and energetic performances, AJR has become a standout act in modern pop music, earning a dedicated global fanbase.
Claire Rosinkranz
Claire Rosinkranz performing at theSips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Claire Rosinkranz is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her breezy, indie-pop sound and relatable, youthful lyrics. She gained widespread attention with her viral hit "Backyard Boy", which showcased her catchy melodies, laid-back vibe, and quirky charm. Drawing inspiration from her musical family and upbringing, Rosinkranz blends elements of pop, indie, and alternative music to create a fresh and upbeat style. Her debut EP, BeVerly Hills BoYfRiEnd, further established her as a rising star in the indie-pop scene. With her infectious energy and authentic songwriting, Claire Rosinkranz continues to captivate listeners and grow her fanbase.
Benson Boone
Benson Boone performing at theSips & Sounds Music Festival at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas on March 7, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)Benson Boone is a singer-songwriter and musician known for his powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and pop-driven sound. Boone first gained attention after appearing on American Idol, where his talent and charisma quickly made him a fan favorite. Although he left the competition early, he continued to pursue music independently, releasing his debut single "GHOST TOWN", which showcased his emotional depth and soaring vocal range. Boone's music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection, resonating with a wide audience. With his raw talent and authentic approach, Benson Boone is rapidly establishing himself as a promising new voice in the pop music landscape.
Sips & Sounds Music Festival
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