News Summary
The Sips & Sounds Music Festival returned to Austin, Texas on March 7-8, 2025, attracting music lovers with a diverse lineup including headliners Halsey and Benson Boone. Set against the scenic backdrop of Lady Bird Lake, the festival featured 17 artists, a family-friendly environment, local culinary delights, sustainability initiatives, and interactive activities like a Silent Disco. The event coincided with SXSW, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere, and promises to remain an integral part of Austin’s music scene for years to come.
Austin Hosts Coca-Cola’s 2025 Sips & Sounds Music Festival
Austin, Texas welcomed the return of the Sips & Sounds Music Festival on March 7-8, 2025. This highly anticipated event took place at Auditorium Shores along the picturesque Lady Bird Lake, providing a stunning backdrop of the Austin skyline for attendees.
Festival Highlights
The festival featured a diverse lineup of 17 artists over two days, with performances from headliners such as Halsey and Benson Boone, both of whom are Grammy-nominated artists. Other notable performers included Khalid, AJR, Suki Waterhouse, and emerging stars like Nessa Barrett and Gus Dapperton. The festival showcases a mix of musical talent, attracting a wide array of music lovers.
Specific standout moments included performances from local favorite DJ Cassandra and a variety of other artists which contributed to the festive atmosphere. The event coincided with the beginning of SXSW, marking it as a vibrant hub for music enthusiasts in the city.
Family-Friendly Environment
The Sips & Sounds Music Festival is designed to be family-friendly, with the goal of introducing children to live music experiences. Families were welcomed with a special admission policy allowing children under the age of two to enter for free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Culinary Delights
A wide array of food options were available for festival-goers, showcasing local Austin culinary staples. Attendees had the opportunity to enjoy popular local favorites including Amy’s Ice Cream, Burro Cheese Kitchen, and Southside Flying Pizza. The food selections contributed to the overall experience, making it a comprehensive festival for both music and culinary enthusiasts.
Sustainability Initiatives
The festival also placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, featuring multiple “Recycle & Refresh” stations to encourage recycling throughout the event. Dedicated volunteers from Keep Austin Beautiful worked to ensure that eco-friendly initiatives were effectively implemented, aligning with the growing trend of sustainability in event management.
Interactive Activities
A key attraction was the Silent Disco, which drew significant interest from festival attendees, providing a unique way for fans to dance and enjoy music without disrupting the surrounding environment. The Coca-Cola Fan Zone was another popular feature, offering refreshing drink options to keep participants hydrated during the festival.
Official Response
The success of the festival sparked excitement among sponsors, including Coca-Cola. The company’s VP of Commercial & Digital at Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages highlighted the enthusiasm surrounding the festival’s return and praised the impressive lineup of artists, reflecting the event’s growth and popularity in the region.
Future Prospects
Since its inception in 2023, the Sips & Sounds Music Festival has quickly established itself as an integral annual event within Austin’s vibrant music scene, appealing to both locals and visitors. With its family-friendly atmosphere, diverse lineup, culinary attractions, and commitment to sustainability, the festival is positioned for continued growth and success in the coming years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Austin’s Economic Landscape Shifts During SXSW 2025
Sips & Sounds Music Festival Returns to Austin in 2025
SXSW Festival Brings Creativity to Austin
Additional Resources
- Melodic Magazine
- Wikipedia: South By Southwest
- San Antonio Express-News
- Google Search: Sips & Sounds Music Festival
- Billboard
- Google Scholar: Music Festivals
- Austin Monthly
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Halsey
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google News: SXSW 2025
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
