Vampire Weekend Nail a High-Energy Headlining Set at Just Like Heaven Festival

As the sun dipped behind the mountains of Pasadena on May 10th, the air grew thick with anticipation for the headlining performance at the Just Like Heaven Festival — and Vampire Weekend did not disappoint. Bringing their signature blend of indie rock, endless rhythms, and baroque pop, the band delivered an electrifying set that not only showcased their timeless hits but also gave fans a taste of their latest work, making it the perfect finale to an unforgettable day.

Taking the stage in front of an already buzzing crowd, Vampire Weekend quickly established that they were more than ready to take the festival home. Their setlist was a beautiful balance of fan favorites and fresh tracks from their latest album, Only God Was Above Us, marking the festival’s high-energy conclusion with an incredible mix of nostalgia and new material.

Opening with the infectious "Mansard Roof," the crowd immediately surged forward, echoing every word back to Ezra Koenig with an energy that never let up. Tracks like “Oxford Comma,” “Harmony Hall,” and “Diane Young” flowed effortlessly into each other, the perfect soundtrack for a festival crowd basking in the warm Californian night. The band’s signature blend of upbeat, guitar-driven anthems with intricate arrangements had the audience moving and grooving, even as the final notes of the day lingered in the air.

But it wasn’t just the classics that made the show a standout. Vampire Weekend took the opportunity to showcase several new songs from Only God Was Above Us, which were received with equal enthusiasm. Tracks like “This Land Is Not Your Land” and “Don’t Let Me Down” proved that the band’s ability to craft tight, catchy songs has only sharpened over time. The new material felt at home in the set, fitting seamlessly with the familiar favorites while still introducing something fresh to sink your teeth into.

In true festival headliner style, Vampire Weekend threw in a few surprises to keep the energy at its peak. Most notably, the band covered Tame Impala’s “The Less I Know The Better” and Grizzly Bear’s “Two Weeks,” both of which added a touch of psychedelic flair to their performance. These well-chosen covers were a nod to their musical influences and a fun, unexpected treat for the crowd, who reveled in the playful renditions of two indie giants' hits.

Koenig’s charismatic presence and the band’s impeccable musicianship kept the performance tight and engaging throughout. Each band member — Chris Baio, Chris Tomson, and Rostam Batmanglij — contributed to the band’s flawless execution, blending intricate rhythms and textured melodies that felt both expansive and intimate. The visual projections behind them enhanced the psychedelic vibes of the evening, adding another layer to an already mesmerizing performance.

The show reached a euphoric climax with "This Life," followed by a spirited version of “Campus,” closing the set with a combination of nostalgia and triumph. By the time the final chords rang out, there was no doubt that Vampire Weekend had given everything they had. The crowd’s roar of approval was deafening, and it was clear that the band had delivered one of the best sets of the festival.

As the crowd dispersed, the overwhelming sense of joy and satisfaction lingered in the air. Vampire Weekend had closed Just Like Heaven Festival with the perfect set: energetic, varied, and full of surprises. It was the ideal end to a day of unforgettable performances, showcasing just why Vampire Weekend continues to be one of indie rock’s most enduring and exciting acts.