If you’re itching to unleash your inner rocker and headbang to some mind-blowing tunes, look no further! Get ready to rock out as we dive into the Top 5 metal and rock festivals hitting the US in 2024. So grab your air guitar and get ready to throw horns in the air – it’s gonna be one hell of a ride!
Rock Fest (Wed, 17 Jun – Sat, 20 Jun ; Wisconsin)
Its lack of name is enough to broadcast the message: they are the one, the only, and the best: Rock Fest! This is the largest rock and camping event in the US, taking place over 4 days and spoiling rockers with over 75 bands breaking apart 5 stages. In fact, daily attendance averages around 30,000 people, peaking at 50,000 if the headlining slot calls for it.
They unabashedly call themselves “a better festival”, and who are we to disagree? After all, the 2024 headliners include the likes of Jelly Roll, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Shinedown, Vince Neil, Parkway Drive, 311, and more.
Welcome to Rockville (Thu, 09 May – Sun, 12 May ; Florida)
Florida’s biggest of rock festivals is back, and better than ever after adding a fifth stage for 2024. Over four days, 150 bands will blow your mind wide open with rock and metal hurricanes at the Daytona International Speedway. The fest also offers amusement and water rides, art, liquid lamentations and delicious fare.
The 2024 line-up brings only the best: Foo Fighters, Mötley Crüe, Slipknot, Jelly Roll, Falling in Reverse, Queens of the Stone Age and Evanescence are only some of the headliners you can expect.
Louder than Life (Thu, 26 Sep – Sun, 29Sep ; Kentucky)
Another contender for the largest of rock festivals in the US with a record-breaking 180,000 attendees in 2023. This hard rock and heavy metal fest goes down on six outdoor stages in Louisville, Kentucky, and features over 100 music performances.
They’re also known for their craft beer, whisky, connoisseur foods, and exhibits. Accommodation options include glamping and tent, car or RV camping, so late night drives to hotels aren’t a concern.
The 2024 line-up is yet TBA, but 2023 featured Green Day, Enter Shikari, Royal Blood, Falling in Reverse, Foo Fighters and the like. And good taste doesn’t fade.
Aftershock (Thu, 10 Oct – Sun, 13 Oct ; California)
Aftershock, in Sacramento, California, is the ultimate rock fest, boasting headbanging tunes and a non-stop party vibe at Discovery Park. With killer performances from top rock acts and an array of activities like food trucks and art installations, it’s the place to be for an epic weekend.
With the 2024 line-up TBA, the 2023 line-up featured legendary headliners with the likes of Korn, Guns n Roses, Queens of the Stone Age, Limp Bizkit, and Nothing but Thieves.
ProgPower USA (Wed, 4 Sep – Sat, 7 Sep ; Georgia)
This progressive and power metal/rock fest blasts their beats annually at Center Stage Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. Here, Quality trumps quantity, and besides rock and metal, other offbeat genres have also quickened. ProgPower USA gives out-of-country bands the chance to perform in the States, and the fest is a rockin’ cultural experience.
The event is held in one building, but across three different venues (Center Stage, The Loft, and Vinyl), all outifitted with full service bars. Dining options for all tastes can be found in the area, and while camping isn’t an option, hotel suggestions are also on the event’s website.
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