Just Like Heaven Festival 2025: A Sun-Soaked, Indie Dreamland in Pasadena

If you needed a reminder of why indie music festivals still matter in 2025, Just Like Heaven Festival in Pasadena served it up on a sun-drenched platter this past May 10th. Set against the scenic backdrop of Brookside at the Rose Bowl, the one-day fest proved once again that some of the best live music moments come when you gather a community of fans, a meticulously curated lineup, and an atmosphere built for pure, unfiltered good times.

Yes — it was hot. The kind of relentless Southern California heat that makes you thankful for every bit of shade and cold drink in reach. But when you’ve got Vampire Weekend ready to headline and a lineup stacked with acts like Slowdive, Bloc Party, TV on the Radio, and Toro y Moi, a little sweat becomes a badge of honor.

From the early afternoon sets to the final encore, Just Like Heaven 2025 was one of those rare festival days where there was no weak link. Wild Nothing kicked off the day with shimmering synth-pop that immediately drew a sizable crowd to the main stage, while Toro y Moi brought a funky, groove-laden set that had the entire field moving in rhythm. Bloc Party and TV on the Radio delivered throwback energy to indie’s mid-2000s golden age, giving longtime fans a chance to lose themselves in the anthems that helped define a generation.

Then there was Slowdive — a band that continues to bewitch with their lush, atmospheric soundscapes. Their hypnotic performance, complete with stunning visuals, was one of the festival’s most mesmerizing highlights. The fact that they can still command a crowd and sound this transcendent decades into their career is a testament to the enduring power of their craft.

But it was Vampire Weekend who truly owned the night. Headlining with a perfect mix of career-defining hits and new gems from Only God Was Above Us, Ezra Koenig and company delivered an electric set punctuated by surprise covers of Tame Impala’s “The Less I Know the Better” and Grizzly Bear’s “Two Weeks.” It was one of those rare festival closers where no one wanted to leave when the final notes rang out.

Beyond the music, Just Like Heaven also delivered on creature comforts and festival atmosphere. Food trucks and local vendors offered everything from gourmet tacos to vegan burgers and craft cocktails. The vibe was effortlessly welcoming — a gathering of indie kids past and present, all united by their love for jangly guitars, shimmering synths, and songs that stick in your heart long after the sun goes down.

Dancing was abundant, singalongs were loud, and the collective joy was unmistakable. The organizers deserve credit for keeping the layout spacious and breezy, ensuring that even under the punishing sun, the festival never felt overwhelming.

When it was all over, and the crowd slowly trickled out under the Pasadena stars, one thing was clear: Just Like Heaven remains one of the finest indie festivals on the West Coast. Here’s hoping next year’s edition is just as sun-soaked, star-studded, and blissfully unforgettable.