Dr. Dog Unveiled as Philly Music Fest Surprise Headliner

Dr. Dog, photo by Wyndham Garnett

Dr. Dog have been announced as the surprise headliner for this year’s Philly Music Fest. Returning from Oct. 13-19, the ninth annual Philly Music Fest will welcome a total of 22 bands based in the City of Brotherly Love, showcasing the scene’s rich and diverse sonic culture through rock, hip-hop, punk, Americana and more. Dr. Dog will lead the citywide bill with two headline performances at Ardmore, Pa.’s Ardmore Music Hall on Sept. 23 and 24.

“Dr. Dog playing Philly Music Fest is a nine-year dream come true. Each year, Dr. Dog is my first email, my first call,” said Greg Seltzer, the event’s producer and founder. “The band always seemed receptive, but was either touring, recording or taking a break. This year, the stars aligned and we are so fortunate to have Dr. Dog playing two incredibly special shows in support of Philly Music Fest.”

“Dr. Dog will be one of, if not the most popular, accomplished bands ever to grace the Ardmore Music Hall stage and we couldn’t be more excited to host,” said Rising Sun Founder and Senior Talent Buyer Chris Perella. “What a joy to partner with Philly Music Fest, to support their beautiful mission, and to get their help bringing what will be two absolutely unforgettable evenings to life.”

Dr. Dog’s sign-on as the hometown heroes championing the 2025 Philly Music Fest continues the incredible momentum that the band has enjoyed recently. After re-emerging from a three-year pause in live performances last spring, the neo-psychedelic indie ensemble released their self-titled 11th studio album in July 2024. The group’s first record in six years was met with widespread acclaim and has brought them to a number of high-profile stagings, including recent performances at Queens, N.Y.’s Forest Hills Stadium, Morrison, Colo.’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and on Friday, Sept. 19, an opening set for The Lumineers at Philadelphia’s Citizens Band Park. In October, they’ll move on to two shows in Austin City Limits. Find tickets and more information at drdogmusic.com.

Beyond the top billing, Philly Music Fest will feature performances from The Wonder Years, Mt. Joy’s Matt Quinn, Greg Mendez, Golden Apples, Catie Turner, Horrendous, Nazir Ebo, Black Buttafly and more. Learn more at phillymusicfest.com.