Psychic Salamander 2025 went off without a hitch in Carnation, Washington. Put on by Modest Mouse, this festival was more than just a music event; it was a full-on experience. Hosted at Remlinger Farms, a working farm complete with concert grounds and an amusement park, festival-goers had free access to the rides all weekend. Huge bonus if you’ve got kids – I do, and mine had a blast. It made the festival feel welcoming for families without losing any of its indie-rock edge.

The Headliners

Mattress kicked things off and added a dose of quirky, avant-garde energy, pushing the boundaries of what “festival rock” can sound like.

The Vaudevillian rounded things out with a more vintage, theatrical feel – adding character and diversity to the lineup.

Built to Spill delivered the kind of thoughtful, guitar-driven indie-rock they’re famous for. Doug Martsch’s signature guitar work was hypnotic, reminding everyone why they’re considered legends of the genre.

Courtney Barnett kept things grounded and intimate with her conversational songwriting and fuzzy guitar tones. Her ability to make a festival crowd feel like a living-room jam session is unmatched.

Sun Atoms leaned into psychedelic textures, pairing trippy instrumentation with a dreamy mood that fit the festival vibe perfectly.

Friko, one of the fresher names on the bill, brought youthful intensity with an indie-rock sound that felt both urgent and timeless. They’re a band to watch.

Yo La Tengo offered something completely different – a set that drifted between dreamy, experimental, and noisy walls of sound. They’re masters of keeping you guessing, and the live show proved it.

Sleater-Kinney brought fierce energy and grit, blending punk urgency with razor-sharp instrumentation. Their set was a punch of raw power that had the crowd buzzing. A band that formed out of Olympia, Washington, and one that I have been wanting to see live for awhile.

Naturally, Modest Mouse anchored the festival, celebrating their legacy while still bringing the kind of raw, unpredictable energy that’s made them a cornerstone of indie rock for decades.

Closing out each night were The Flaming Lips, whose live shows are nothing short of psychedelic art installations. Their Sunday night performance of The Soft Bulletin was breathtaking — rainbows, confetti, balloons, and a sea of smiling faces. In a world that feels heavy at times, their show was pure joy for me.

What made Psychic Salamander special wasn’t just the music, but the atmosphere. Between sets, festival-goers explored art installations, local vendors, and the quirky farm setting. Families could hop on amusement rides while others grabbed food and lounged under trees before returning to the main stages.

By the end of the weekend, one thing was clear: Psychic Salamander isn’t just another festival. It’s carving out its own identity in the Pacific Northwest as a space where indie rock icons, rising artists, and fans of all ages can come together in a colorful, joy-filled environment. For me, The Flaming Lips’ set was the highlight — I’ve never seen a concert so vibrant and uplifting. But honestly, there wasn’t a dull moment all weekend.

If you get the chance to go in future years, don’t hesitate. This one’s already shaping up to be a PNW tradition worth keeping.