Dr Dog Named Surprise Headliner For Philly Music Fest 2025

ARDMORE, PA — Philly Music Fest back in May released its 2025 lineup, but has kept its surprise headliner under wraps. That was until now.

Philly Music Fest recently announced beloved local rockers Dr. Dog will perform as the headliner for the ninth annual festival.

The band will play Oct. 13 and Oct. 14 at Ardmore Music Hall.

On both nights, Dr. Dog will be supported by Pat Finnerty & the Full Band.

Fresh off of their September performance at Citizens Bank Park, Dr. Dog will bring their unique blend of indie, psychedelic, folk, and rock, to a capacity of 1,000 Philly Music Fest concert-goers over the two night affair.

The two performances promise to be intimate and memorable experiences for all.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday on the Philly Music Fest website and the Ardmore Music Hall website.

"Dr. Dog playing Philly Music Fest is a nine-year dream come true. Each year, Dr. Dog is my first email, my first call," Philly Music Fest Producer and Founder Greg Seltzer said. "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," Rising Sun Founder and Senior Talent Buyer Chris Perella said. "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."

In addition to Dr. Dog, Philly Music Fest will feature performances from The Wonder Years, Matt Quinn, Greg Mendez, Catie Turner, Horrendous, Nazir Ebo, Black Buttafly and more artists who consider Philly home.

These shows will be held at venues including Underground Arts, MilkBoy, Johnny Brenda’s, Solar Myth, The Fallser Club, and of course Ardmore Music Hall.

Philly Music Fest started in 2017 at one venue, with Strand of Oaks and Cayetana headlining at World Cafe Live. It has gradually expanded to a full week of shows featuring Philly musicians and now annually donates $100,000 to music education, after paying all musicians and venues. Despite receiving donations from several local businesses, both large and small, along with individual donors including Jason Kelce, Jordan Mailata, Mike Solomonov, Nick Elmi, Larry Magid and Connor Barwin, PMF maintains an intense hyper-local DIY spirit.

After paying the musicians and venues, Philly Music Fest donates profits to music education programs.

PMF maintains a strict policy of no corporate advertising or banners.

In addition to supporting music education, PMF established a microgrant fund in 2020, initially deploying over 330 microgrants to musicians suffering as a result of COVID-19, but now utilized to assist musicians with healthcare issues, stolen gear and extreme financial distress.

PMF also hosts Inside Hustle, a twice-per-year free music industry networking and information event, providing opportunity and access. The next Inside Hustle is Oct. 18 at REC Philly.