Honestly, if you're looking at the Soundside Music Festival lineup and thinking it’s just another generic Northeast concert, you’re missing the actual story. It’s been a wild ride for this Bridgeport, Connecticut event. Just a couple of years ago, people knew it as "Sound On Sound," but the 2024 rebrand to Soundside changed more than just the name. It changed the vibe.
It’s personal for locals. When the 2024 lineup lost the Foo Fighters just 48 hours before the gates opened at Seaside Park, the internet basically melted. Dave Grohl's personal life drama aside, the festival had to scramble. They landed Jack White and Greta Van Fleet as last-minute "pinch hitters," and somehow, the weekend didn't just survive—it thrived. That kind of chaos defines the Soundside experience.
The 2025 Soundside Music Festival Lineup Breakdown
The 2025 roster is already locked in, and it’s leaning heavily into that "Indie-Rock-Meets-Americana" sweet spot that C3 Presents does so well.
Saturday, September 27, is built for the "alt-rock" crowd. The Killers are headlining, which feels like a safe but massive win for the organizers. They’re joined by Weezer—who, let’s be real, never fails to get a festival crowd singing "Say It Ain't So"—and Japanese Breakfast.
One name you shouldn't ignore on the Saturday bill: Djo. That’s Joe Keery (yes, Steve from Stranger Things), and his psych-pop sound is actually legit, not just an actor's side project.
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Saturday's full spread looks like this:
- The Killers (Headliner)
- Weezer
- Djo
- Japanese Breakfast
- The Last Dinner Party
- Inhaler
- Rachel Chinouriri
- Wild Rivers
- Hollow Coves
- Dipsea Flowers
Sunday, September 28, shifts gears toward something a bit more soulful and "vibey." Hozier is the main draw here. He’s basically the king of the "forest-dwelling indie" aesthetic right now. Following him is Vampire Weekend, who are still riding the high of their latest album.
The rest of Sunday includes:
- Hozier (Headliner)
- Vampire Weekend
- The Backseat Lovers
- Remi Wolf
- Chelsea Cutler
- Alex Warren
- Gigi Perez
- Brenn!
- Vundabar
- Happy Landing
The cool thing? There are no overlapping sets. Soundside uses a single-stage format, which means you don't have to sprint across a muddy field to catch your favorite band. You just stay put and let the music come to you.
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Why the Rebrand Actually Mattered
People were skeptical when Sound On Sound became Soundside. The first couple of years at Seaside Park had... let's call them "growing pains." We're talking about drainage issues and long lines that made Twitter a very angry place.
But the shift to Soundside wasn't just a marketing gimmick. They fixed the layout. They brought in better food—think local Bridgeport flavors rather than just soggy fries. By the time 2024 rolled around with Noah Kahan and the (briefly scheduled) Foo Fighters, the logistical nightmare was mostly a memory.
The "Single Stage" Trap
While catching every act sounds like a dream, the single-stage setup is a double-edged sword. If you don't like the artist currently playing, there’s no "Stage B" to escape to. You’re either at the stage, in the food line, or hanging out in the VIP Beach Club.
Speaking of VIP—if you can swing the price tag, it’s usually worth it here. Seaside Park is beautiful, but it's coastal Connecticut. The weather can turn from "sunny beach day" to "windy mist" in twenty minutes. The 2024 crowd got blasted with rain and wind, and those with access to the VIP tents were the only ones staying dry.
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Tickets and Local Hacks
Tickets aren't cheap. General Admission (GA) two-day passes usually start around $422, but if you live in Bridgeport (specifically in zip codes like 06604 or 06605), you can often snag a 15% discount. Always check the official site for the resident portal before paying full price.
Real Talk: Is it Worth the Trip?
If you’re coming from NYC or Boston, the Metro-North is your best friend. The walk from the Bridgeport station to Seaside Park is about 15-20 minutes. It's doable, but after ten hours of standing, it feels like a marathon.
Most people make the mistake of trying to Uber out right after the headliner finishes. Don't. You’ll be sitting in surge-priced traffic for over an hour. Instead, walk back toward the downtown area, grab a late bite, and let the initial surge clear out.
What to Do Now
If you're planning to attend, your first move is to register for the SMS presale on the official Soundside website. These tickets are tiered, meaning the price jumps the longer you wait.
Pack a poncho. Not a joke. Seaside Park is right on the water, and even if the forecast says clear skies, the "Sound" in Soundside means unpredictable sea breezes and sudden showers. Also, wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy; grass and thousands of feet don't mix well when it rains.
Lastly, check out the "Bleachers" ticket option if you’re over the age of 25. It gives you an actual seat with a view of the stage, which is a lifesaver for your back during those long 12-hour festival days.