Looking for the biggest and best rock and metal festivals in 2025? While any loyal heavy metal fan in the United States knows that the metal music festival scene the scene isn’t the smorgasbord of choice it once was. Many of the big names of the festival scene have recently folded, as the reigning kings (and queens) of metal hang up their drumsticks.
But don’t worry! There’s still a ton of epic metal music festivals across the U.S.A showcasing classic bands and promising up-and-comers.
Also, keep reading at the end at other rock and heavy metal music festivals that could be making a return in the future!
Spanning the many sub-genres of metal, my list of the best 17 American metal music festivals is sure to keep your annual festival schedule jam-packed. Rock on!
1) Welcome to Rockville
When: May 15-18, 205
Where: Daytona Beach, Florida
https://welcometorockvillefestival.com
4 Days. 5 Stages. 150+ Bands. North America’s Largest Rock Festival is Ready to Unleash
Welcome to Rockville is Florida’s ultimate headbanger’s paradise, held annually at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. It’s a four-day celebration of sheer rock power, bringing together over 150 bands across five stages. From icons like Green Day and Linkin Park to metal legends like Korn and Slipknot, the lineup is always stacked with heavy-hitters that ignite the stage and electrify the massive crowds
Expect more than just epic performances: Rockville features massive art installations, a giant water slide, and themed experiences like heavy-metal karaoke bars and gourmet food pop-ups. VIP packages elevate the experience with shaded lounges, exclusive viewing areas, and even a luxury camping setup right at the Speedway
2) Aftershock Festival
Aftershock is the California Heavy Metal Festival you can’t miss!
When: October 2-5, 2025
Where: Discovery Park, Sacramento, California
https://aftershockfestival.com
Welcome to California’s a high-octane, rock-and-metal extravaganza ignites Sacramento’s Discovery Park every fall.
Picture four days of pure energy, packed with epic performances from legendary bands and rising stars alike. From headbanging to heavy riffs under the golden California sun to nightfall moshing beneath glowing stage lights, Aftershock is a sonic adventure like no other.
Festival-goers indulge in gourmet food trucks, craft beer gardens, and adrenaline-pumping attractions between sets. With a diverse lineup spanning genres from hard rock to alternative and punk, there’s something for every rock lover. The crowd? Electric. The vibes? Unforgettable. If you crave a weekend of fierce music, killer community, and non-stop fun, Aftershock is your ultimate rock festival paradise.
3) Louder Than Life Festival
Credit: Louder Than Life Festival
When: September 18-21, 2025
Where: Louisville, Kentucky
https://louderthanlifefestival.com/
Celebrate live music for FOUR nights at America’s largest rock festival!
Louder Than Life is easily one of the most iconic and best metal festivals! In fact, in 2022 it was awarded the “Festival of the Year”, and for good reason. Offering it’s attendees a world-class production, stacked line-up, incredible camping, food vendors, and so much more – the team behind Louder Than Life clearly know what they’re doing!
For rock and heavy metal fans, this festival is a no brainer and a must attend every year! Complete with camping, incredible food/drink vendors, and an incredible festival venue, this is definitely one of the most epic metal festivals in North America!
4) Full Terror Assault Metal Festival
Credit: Full Terror Assault
When: September 2025
Where: Cave-In-Rock, Illinois
https://www.facebook.com/FTAOpenAir/
Full Terror Assault event features 40+ bands in 3 days. Bringing you national headlining acts as well as the best the underground has to offer. Metal cages and poles, lakes, a beach area, plenty of scenic camping, and wait for it….you can bring your own booze!
“Last year Full Terror Assault made waves by becoming the first TRUE open air metal festival in the U.S. — multiple days, multiple stages, camping and partying, all in an isolated pocket of wilderness in southern Illinois. Only a short drive from a number of major metropolitan areas — St. Louis, Nashville, Louisville, Memphis, Cincinnati and Lexington, to name a few — it’s easily accessible to anyone looking for a fun-filled weekend of metal and partying!”
5) Rocklahoma Festival
Rock Music Festivals don’t get much bigger than this!
When: September 2025
Where: Pryor, Oklahoma
https://www.facebook.com/rocklahoma
Rocklahoma is a multi-day rock and metal festival held annually in Pryor, Oklahoma, known as “America’s Biggest Labor Day Party.” Since its inception in 2007, Rocklahoma has become a must-attend destination for fans of heavy metal music, offering an electrifying mix of rock, metal, and hard rock across several stages
People flock to Rocklahoma not only for its stellar lineups but also for the immersive experience. In 2024, the headliners include heavyweights like Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot, and Disturbed, along with performances from bands like Evanescence, Lamb of God, and Mastodon. The festival emphasizes community and camaraderie, and features VIP and GA camping options that turn the grounds into a rock ‘n’ roll haven
Why should you attend? Rocklahoma isn’t just about music—it’s a celebration of freedom, friendship, and the spirit of rock. From legendary performances to wild campground parties and unique fan experiences, it’s a bucket-list event for anyone who loves loud, live music and unforgettable memories. If you’re ready for a weekend of headbanging, camping, and connecting with fellow rock enthusiasts, Rocklahoma is the place to be!
6) Maryland Deathfest
Credit: Hillarie Jason.
When: May 22-25, 2025
Where: Baltimore, Maryland
America’s biggest metal party of the year!
“America’s biggest annual metal party. Maryland Deathfest is a multi-day event held in Baltimore with dozens of bands from around the world. It is the biggest of its kind in North America. MDF was the idea of two extreme metal fans named Ryan and Evan.
During the 16 years of festival history, MDF has featured over 500 bands from over 30 countries, many of which have made their US debut at the festival. They also organize events in California, The Netherlands, London, and Canada!”
7) Rock Fest
Credit: Rock Fest
When: July 17-19, 2025
Where: Cadott, Wisconsin
8) ProgPower USA
When: September 3-6, 2025
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
“ProgPower USA is the premier U.S. festival for progressive and power metal. For 19 years they have been a key part in bringing some of the biggest and best names in the international progressive and power metal scenes to the United States.
It takes place September at the Center Stage Theater in Atlanta, Georgia and is known for the quality of acts it brings, the continued high production standard, and the familial atmosphere of the event. Every year during the festival, on days 1 and 3, the ProgPower USA attendees gather in the theater before the headlining band takes the stage for what has become an event all its own.”
9) 70000 Tons of Metal Cruise Festival
When: January 30 – February 1, 2025
Where: Miami, Florida -> Jamaica
The World’s Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise!
60 Bands, 4 Days, 1 Cruise Ship, and only 3,000 Tickets. This is 70000 TONS OF METAL
“On 70000TONS OF METAL you get unrestricted festival access to all 120 live shows on board, 70000TONS OF KARAOKE until sunrise, Jamming In International Waters – the Official 70000TONS OF METAL All Star Jam which writes Heavy Metal History every year, Clinics and Work-Shops with the musicians, our infamous Belly Flop Contest, Shore Excursions with your favorite artists, and much more!
Everyone on board is a VIP, we don’t have assigned seating (this is a Heavy Metal Cruise after all), and most importantly the bars on our ship never close – you heard us, bars that never close!
On this life changing adventure you will spend five days and four nights at Sea mingling side-by-side with your favorite artists in this incredibly fan-friendly scenario that has no comparison. It’s like having an All-Access backstage pass!”
10) Sonic Temple Festival
When: May 8-11, 2025
Where: Historic Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
https://sonictemplefestival.com
https://www.facebook.com/sonictemplefestival
4 Days | 100 Bands
Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival is the ultimate destination for rock and metal fans looking for a high-octane experience. Held annually at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, this festival is a celebration of the genre with an unrivaled lineup featuring rock legends like Tool, Foo Fighters, KISS, and Avenged Sevenfold
The event offers four days of electrifying performances, next-level stage productions, and an immersive atmosphere, making it a bucket-list festival for metalheads.
With heavyweights like Rob Zombie, Deftones, and Godsmack joining the ranks, Sonic Temple ensures there’s something for every rock and metal fan. The festival isn’t just about the music; it’s a sensory experience with massive sound setups, captivating art installations, and plenty of opportunities to connect with other passionate fans
For fans craving the full rock festival experience with big names, massive production, and a community that lives and breathes metal, Sonic Temple is the place to be.
11) Furnace Fest
Credit: Furnace Fest
When: October 3-5, 2025
Where: Birmingham, Alabama
https://www.facebook.com/wearefurnacefest/
Furnace Fest is a beloved hardcore, metal, and punk festival held annually at Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham, Alabama. This festival is a homecoming for fans of heavy music, offering an incredible lineup of legendary and up-and-coming bands. Furnace Fest began in 2000, but after facing financial issues, it was put on hold in 2003. Thankfully, it made its grand return in 2021, and since then, it has become a highlight for fans of hardcore and metalcore.
What sets Furnace Fest apart is its mix of nostalgia and new energy. It brings together established acts with newer, innovative bands, creating an environment where both old and new school fans can bond over their love of heavy music. The festival is known for its massive lineup, intimate atmosphere, and the industrial, gritty backdrop of the Sloss Furnaces, which adds to the festival’s raw and authentic vibe.
12) Metal Threat Fest
When: October 2-5, 2025
Where: Elgin, Illinois
https://www.metalthreatfest.com
Metal Threat Fest is an underground death and black metal event attracting fans of the most extreme and intense metal genres.
Known for its raw and gritty atmosphere, it brings together brutal riffs and crushing vocals from some of the most fierce and underground bands from around the world. This festival is a must for metalheads who crave authenticity, community, and a relentless musical experience that pushes the boundaries of heaviness. If you’re ready to dive into the darkest side of metal, Metal Threat Fest is your go-to festival!
13) New England Metal Hardcore Festival
When: September 2025
Where: The Palladium Outdoors, Worcester, Massachusetts
https://metalandhardcorefest.com
The New England Metal & Hardcore Festival (NEMHF) is one of the most iconic events in the iconic US region for fans of metal and hardcore music.
Held annually in Worcester, Massachusetts, this festival brings together some of the biggest names in the scene. Expect a mix of legendary bands like Killswitch Engage, Converge, and Suicide Silence alongside fierce underground acts. The event is renowned for its intense atmosphere, insane performances, and loyal fanbase. Whether you’re a die-hard metalhead or a hardcore fan, NEMHF offers a thrilling weekend of non-stop music, mosh pits, and unforgettable memories.
14) So What? Music Festival
Credit: Hunter Garrett
When: June 2025
Where: Fort Worth, Texas
http://sowhatmusicfestival.com
The So What?! Music Festival is a highly anticipated event for fans of rock, metal, and alternative music, known for its diverse and dynamic lineups. Held annually at the Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth, Texas, the festival gathers an eclectic mix of artists from various subgenres, including hard rock, post-hardcore, screamo, and metalcore.
The festival has a reputation for delivering stellar performances and memorable moments, with past lineups featuring influential bands such as Underoath, Asking Alexandria, and Mayday Parade.
In addition to the stellar music, So What?! is known for its engaging atmosphere, with fans bonding over shared love for the genre and unique experiences, from fan meet-ups to festival-exclusive merchandise.
15) Heavy Chicago
When: November 2025
Where: Chicago, Illinois
“Heavy Chicago is 3 days of complete metal debauchery along with food, beer, and music. The fest brings three shows over two weekends with some of the heaviest music the Northside has seen.”
With just over two successful festivals in 2023 & 2024 – it’s one of the newer metal festivals on the list but has quickly gained recognition in the Chicago metal scene as a favorite and affordable party!
16) Decibel Metal & Beer Fest
When: April 4-5, 2025
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
https://www.decibelmagazine.com/events/metalandbeerfest/
Offering a unique fusion of two beloved experiences: metal music and craft beer.
“This is no pale ale folklore! Decibel—North America’s only monthly metal magazine— is returning to Philadeliphia for another edition of the world’s loudest, heaviest, most extreme craft beer festival once again!
Hosted at the Fillmore, this event is a must for fans who want to enjoy metal performances while sipping on beers from top local breweries. It’s more than just a festival—it’s a community of metalheads and beer lovers coming together for an unforgettable weekend!
17) Northwest Terror Fest
When: May 8-10, 2025
Where: Seattle, Washington
https://northwestterrorfest.com
The PNW’s only destination extreme metal festival returns!
Northwest Terror Fest is Seattle’s premier extreme metal festival, bringing the best of the genre to the Pacific Northwest. Held in the heart of the city, it offers fans an unforgettable experience with heavy performances from legends and underground acts alike.
The festival features a diverse lineup of metal, ranging from death and doom to black and thrash. With exclusive West Coast performances and a strong community vibe, it’s the ultimate gathering for metalheads looking to dive into intense music and heavy mosh pits.
What is the biggest rock and metal festival in the USA?
The award-winning Louder Than Life is one of the country’s largest, and most well known, rock and metal festivals. Held in Louisville, Kentucky, the event hosts some of the biggest names in rock and metal, including past headliners like The Foo Fighters, Green Day and Pantera. If you’re a metal head, Louder Than Life is for you!
What is the best rock festival in California?
The biggest and best rock festival in California is Aftershock Festival, an annual event that features four jam-packed days of the absolute best in rock and metal. Held in Sacramento, Aftershock is the West Coast’s premier rock festival, and past lineups have included gods of the rock and metal genre such as Korn, Black Sabbath and System of a Down.
What is a good rock and metal cruise festival?
If you’re looking to enjoy your most head banging rock and metal aboard an unforgettable cruise, you can’t go past 70000 Tons of Metal, the best metal cruise festival in the USA. Over four days, you’ll cruise from Miami to tropical locations like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, while listening to over 60 epic bands and meeting fellow metal fans.
Am I Missing Any Other Death Metal Festivals…?
When I put together these types of lists it can be quite difficult to research and discover all the best metal festivals, so please do let me know if you think I need to add any important ones to my list!
I’ve recently updated this list for 2025, so would love to hear about any others to keep this as up-to-date as possible!
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