Kilby Block Party 2025: A Celebration of Indie Across the Ages

PAPER Is Headed to Kilby Block Party 2025 — A Cross-Era Celebration of Indie Music in the Heart of Utah

This weekend, PAPER is trading in the crowded streets of New York for the open skies of Salt Lake City as we head to the Mountain West for one of the most beloved and rapidly rising festivals in the country: Kilby Block Party 2025. More than just a music event, Kilby has become a cultural pilgrimage for indie fans — a place where legends and newcomers share the stage, and where each generation of listeners finds its rhythm.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Utah’s capital, this year’s lineup is nothing short of breathtaking. From shoegaze pioneers to TikTok-era trailblazers, Kilby Block Party has curated a sonic journey that spans decades of indie evolution. We’ll be dancing, daydreaming, and yes, obsessively analyzing every set with the overthinking energy of true indieheads. This is our kind of weekend — packed with nostalgia, discovery, and the thrill of seeing your favorite track come to life under the stars.

A Festival With Indie in Its Bones
The Kilby Block Party isn’t just named after Kilby Court — it’s an extension of it. As the longest-running all-ages venue in the U.S., Kilby Court has been the launchpad for countless acts who went on to define the genre. This year’s festival honors that legacy, bringing together a genre-defying roster that feels both reflective and forward-looking.

Whether you were swapping mixtapes in the ‘90s, curating Tumblr playlists in the 2010s, or discovering artists via algorithm in 2025, Kilby has something that will speak directly to your musical soul. This is a festival built on the idea that indie isn’t bound by a specific time or sound — it’s a spirit. And this year, that spirit is alive and louder than ever.

The Icons: Legends Who Paved the Way
Kilby 2025 kicks off with a headlining set from none other than New Order, a cornerstone of post-punk and synthpop whose influence on alternative music is immeasurable. Expect a hypnotic start to the weekend as we sway to their timeless electronic landscapes and dancefloor-ready beats.

Also taking the stage Thursday is the beloved Yo La Tengo, whose lo-fi warmth and experimental spirit helped shape the identity of indie rock as we know it. If you’re looking for a masterclass in quiet power and emotional subtlety, this is the set that will define your night.

The nostalgic magic continues on Friday with Slowdive, the shoegaze titans whose shimmering guitars and ethereal vocals have only grown more resonant over time. Their set promises a sonic immersion that’s as much a meditation as it is a performance.

Then on Saturday, prepare to sing your heart out with Weezer, whose undeniable hooks and self-aware charm have made them a generational touchstone. Expect a cross-generational crowd of dads and diehards alike shouting every word to “Buddy Holly” and “Island in the Sun” with childlike glee.

The Mid-2000s Modernists: When Indie Hit Its Stride
If the early 2000s and 2010s were your musical awakening, Kilby’s lineup is your personal mixtape come to life. These were the years when indie became a household word, a playlist category, and a subculture all its own — and the acts representing that era are showing up in force.

Beach House headlines Friday night with their lush, melancholic dream pop — a sound so singular and transportive that it’s hard to imagine the indie landscape without it. Their current mini-tour across the U.S. is already the stuff of legend, and their Kilby set will no doubt be one of the festival’s most talked-about moments.

Before they take the stage, burn some energy with Car Seat Headrest, whose gritty anthems and restless spirit channel the DIY heart of indie. For something more introspective, Perfume Genius will be delivering a set filled with emotional nuance and sonic depth, especially in the wake of his latest release, Glory — a masterwork of vulnerability and atmosphere.

Saturday turns up the intensity with St. Vincent, an artist who continues to redefine what it means to be an indie rock star. Expect a set filled with theatricality, innovation, and the kind of guitar work that reminds you why live music matters. She’ll be joined by Panda Bear, whose psychedelic flourishes and dreamy textures continue to evolve, especially with his acclaimed new record Sinister Gift.

Also on our must-see list: Black Country, New Road, a band that’s been redefining the boundaries of post-rock, chamber pop, and emotional narrative. They’re one of the most exciting live acts of their generation — and Kilby is giving them the perfect stage.

The New Wave: Internet-Born Indie and Digital Darlings
Kilby isn’t just about honoring the past — it’s about spotlighting the future. Some of the most exciting sets this year come from a new wave of genre-bending, internet-native artists who are reshaping the indie landscape in real time.

George Clanton brings his signature vaporwave-meets-pop energy, sure to turn his stage into a glowing, glitchy party. Sasami is ready to shred with her heavy, industrial-infused sound that blurs the lines between noise, punk, and melody — raw and unforgettable.

We’re also buzzing for Frost Children, the hyperpop disruptors known for chaotic live energy, unfiltered creativity, and surprise drop culture that has fans perpetually on edge (in the best way). Following a viral Coachella set, Wisp is another rising act we refuse to miss. Her haunting blend of dream pop and shoegaze has quickly made her one of the most compelling new voices in the scene.

Hometown Heroes: Utah’s Indie Spirit on Display
True to its roots, Kilby Block Party continues to shine a light on local talent. This year, six Utah-based acts are getting their moment to shine. Kicking things off Thursday is Levelor, whose noisy, shoegazey sound is destined to leave an imprint long after their set ends.

Other local gems to catch include Poolhouse and Molotov Dress, both of whom are closing out Sunday with sets that promise to be as heartfelt as they are high-energy. In a festival filled with iconic names, these emerging artists are proof that the next great thing might be happening right in Kilby Court’s backyard.

Why Kilby Matters
For PAPER, Kilby Block Party is more than just a weekend of music — it’s a testament to indie’s timeless appeal. It’s a place where a 20-year-old can discover a band from 1988 that changes their life, and where a seasoned fan can be blown away by a TikTok-era newcomer. It’s a festival that refuses to cater to one moment, instead choosing to celebrate them all.

We didn’t pack our bags for just any festival. We’re making the trip because Kilby has become something rare: an event that feels personal, curated, and deeply rooted in a love of music that transcends trends. This weekend, we’ll dance, cry, scream, and maybe even take a moment to just breathe it all in — because for three days in Salt Lake City, indie music isn’t just a genre.

It’s a way of life.