The blazing, peppery sun and scorching temperatures didn’t stop indie bands from delivering unforgettable performances at Just Like Heaven Festival 2025, held at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
Underground favorites with fiercely loyal followings took to the stages with energy, sweat, and a whole lot of heart, bringing life to one of the most revered platforms for artists outside the mainstream. This festival remains a haven for those tired of overproduced, commercial music, offering a raw and sincere experience instead.
This year, Stardust Stage and Orion Stage were the heart of the action. From early in the day, festival goers sought patches of shade as they geared up for a vibrant journey packed with nostalgia and discovery.
Wild Nothing kicked things off with their shimmering synth-pop. Toro y Moi brought irresistible funk grooves that got everyone moving. Then came the emotional heavy-hitters: Bloc Party, TV on the Radio, and Slowdive, three titans of 2000s indie rock. Their sets unleashed a wave of bittersweet nostalgia across a diverse, dedicated crowd that lives for soaring guitars, dreamy synths, and bold artistic choices. Slowdive cast a spell with their immersive soundscapes, offering one of the most introspective and meditative moments.
Vampire Weekend closed the night with a magnetic and generous performance, weaving classics like “A-Punk” and “Oxford Comma” with fresh gems from their new album, “Only God Was Above Us.” They even paid homage to their peers with covers like Tame Impala’s “The Less I Know the Better” and Grizzly Bear’s “Two Weeks.”
But Just Like Heaven is a full-on experience. Food trucks served up gourmet tacos, vegan burgers, and craft cocktails that added a culinary edge to the day. For those needing a break from the heat or the crowds, there were cool, curated zones, a lively dancefloor with DJ sets, and a vinyl treasure hunt in blissful air conditioning.
In addition to the headliners, this year’s edition gave ample room to both legendary and emerging artists. Chris Cruse, Panda Bear, Hercules & Love Affair, Perfume Genius, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and Rilo Kiley delivered standout sets on the Stardust Stage. Meanwhile, the Orion Stage showcased the likes of Them Jeans, Of Montreal, Peter Bjorn and John, Beach Fossils, Grouplove, Courtney Barnett, The Drums, and Empire of the Sun, each adding their unique flair to an already unforgettable day.
Under the intense California sun, Just Like Heaven 2025 proved that Indie isn’t just alive; it’s thriving.
