Rock Music Fans: Five Festivals You MUST Attend
Many rock and metal fans will agree when they say that last year was one to remember in history for live music. With everyone’s favorite bands on tour or running in the festival circuit, it may be hard to follow with the experience the year had to offer.
As someone who loves rock and metal of many forms, I’ve selected five I think you should keep on your radar for the coming years. Each festival I recommend below offers a different atmosphere and environment in sound. Check out what we have to say!
01. Swanfest
Taking place in rock music capital of Sacramento, California, Swanfest hosts a unique niche of rock called “swancore,” headlined by the renowned Dance Gavin Dance and special guests on multiple stages throughout a day in the spring. Last year’s event was one for the books. As its first year returning since 2019, it hosted a sold-out crowd and an emotional memorial of Tim Feerick.
Read what we had to say about last year’s event!
02. Welcome to Rockville
Florida-based favorite, rock fans roam in to this festival every year from all around the world. This year, the festival will be taking over four days, from May 18th to the 21st, at the International Speedway; hosting a wide range of sound from Slipknot, Godsmack, Tool, and Alice Cooper, to rising artists such as Band-Maid, RIVALS, Mothica, and Des Rocs! Get your tickets here, and see the full lineup for this year below:
03. Sick New World
When We Were Young’s nu-metal counterpart, Sick New World is facing its debut year, with the reunion of more than one band, one of them being my childhood favorite, Flyleaf! That’s right, after eleven years away, Flyleaf is back with Lacey Sturm and we are absolutely pumped to hear all the news coming next! See the full lineup below:
The festival will be taking place on May 13th and is currently sold out! Join the waitlist here.
04. The Aftershock Festival
We cannot forget my personal favorite! Taking place in Sacramento’s Discovery Park the first weekend of October each year, I
This year’s lineup has yet to drop, but we were so impressed with last year’s experience that excitement for that announcement is becoming harder to contain.
photo by: Helana Michelle
Like Welcome to Rockville, the festival is also run by the nation’s biggest independent promoter, Danny Wimmer Presents, and hosts a wide range of sound from all over the world for four whole days. Stay tuned for more updates on Aftershock! We are very excited to hear the next announcement come spring.
When We Were Young (WWWY)
Last year, social media was taken by storm with the announcement and drop of every “emo kid’s” dream lineup. Saturday, October 21. Sold out within minutes, two whole weekends were chock full of the return of many musicians we dreamed of seeing. See this year’s lineup, below, and join the waitlist if you’re looking to find some tickets, here.
What other festivals do you think should be on this list? What did you think of the selection? Share your thoughts below in the comments!
