Sacramento’s Discovery Park is roaring back to life as Aftershock 2025 kicks off, drawing an expected 160,000 fans over four days and cementing its status as the West Coast’s premier heavy music festival. While other festivals across the country face cancellations and uncertainty, Aftershock stands tall—delivering a much-needed jolt to both the local economy and the global metal community.
A Beacon Amid Festival Chaos
This year’s Aftershock arrives during a period of turbulence for the live music industry. Sacramento’s own GoldenSky and Sol Blume festivals were both canceled, reflecting a national trend of struggling events. Yet, Aftershock’s resilience is turning heads. Organizers Danny Wimmer Presents report that ticket sales are not only holding steady but are actually
outpacing last year’s numbers.
Local officials are breathing a sigh of relief. “There are concerns even when things are less challenging,” said Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna, noting the volatility of the festival business. But Aftershock’s brand power and ability to attract major headliners have kept it thriving, with attendees flocking from all 50 states and over 30 countries.
Star-Studded Lineup and Fan Frenzy
This year’s lineup is a headbanger’s dream.
Deftones—hometown heroes—lead a bill that also features
Blink-182,
Rob Zombie, and rising stars like
Turnstile and
Knocked Loose. Metalcore icons
Hatebreed and
Demon Hunter are also set to electrify the crowd, with set times and playlists available on the festival’s official site and fan-curated platforms.
The festival’s economic impact is massive. Last year, Aftershock generated
$30 million for Sacramento, filling nearly 12,000 hotel rooms and boosting local businesses. This year, hotel bookings are already trending higher, with a surge in reservations following the lineup announcement.
Behind the Scenes: Final Touches and Community Impact
Local news crews captured the final preparations at Discovery Park, where crews worked around the clock to transform the riverside venue into a metalhead’s paradise. The festival’s return is a welcome boost for Sacramento’s hospitality sector, which has weathered a tough year amid broader economic uncertainty.
Despite the challenges facing the industry, Aftershock’s organizers remain optimistic. “Sacramento has a reputation as a bit of a last-minute market when it comes to ticket sales, and Aftershock sees that reality every year,” said Mike Testa, president and CEO of Visit Sacramento.
What’s Next for Aftershock and the Festival Scene?
Aftershock’s continued success offers a blueprint for other festivals navigating a volatile landscape. Its combination of
big-name acts, loyal fanbase, and strong local partnerships has helped it weather storms that have sunk other events.
For fans, the message is clear: the spirit of live music is alive and well in Sacramento. As the amps crank up and the crowds surge, Aftershock 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a testament to the enduring power of rock and community.
Sources
1. Aftershock arrives in Sacramento as turbulence rocks music festivals ...
2. News: Demon Hunter is playing Aftershock - Heaven's Metal Magazine
3. Final preparations for Aftershock at Discovery Park in Sacramento
4. HATEBREED Fires Back At CHRIS BEATTIE Over His Lawsuit ...
5. Final touches in Discovery Park as Aftershock music festival gets ...
6. FAQs - Setlist Guy
7. Aftershock Festival kicks off Thursday in Sacramento - YouTube
8. Home - Aftershock Festival | Oct 2-5, 2025 | Discovery Park ...
9. Festival Info | Oct 2-5, 2025 | Discovery Park | Sacramento, CA
