All About Aftershock Festival

Sacramento, USA

Open-air

XXL – 50k+

Rock

$$$$

International

+3 Days

Aftershock is California’s biggest rock festival.

Some of the most lusted-after artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Korn and Metallica have graced Aftershock’s stages with their performances.

Here is everything you need to know about Aftershock.

Aftershock festival started in 2012 with 15,000 attendees

Beginning as a small one-day festival with 15,000 spectators, Aftershock has grown tremendously since. The festival is now four days long, taking place from Thursday to Sunday in the autumn season. Envisioned and organised by Danny Wimmer Presents, Aftershock is not the only event the company manages.

With an impressive portfolio of 12 festivals across the US, the company is allegedly the 27th largest promoter in the world according to The Sacramento Bee.

Aftershock festival was named a must-see concert

Just one year after its founding, Aftershock was already classified as a must-see concert by Loudwire, a leading music magazine in the rock and heavy metal genre.

Expanding to two days in 2013, Aftershock leveled up the lineup game with over 20 bands. Korn, Megadeth and Avenged Sevenfold headlined the festival, helping it make waves in the hard rock and heavy metal scene. 

Aftershock boosted Sacramento’s economy in 2021

The 2021 edition was expected to be the biggest rock festival in the entire US.

President and CEO of Visit Sacramento, Mike Testa, told KCRA that since people came to Sacramento from all over the world for Aftershock, the economic impact would be significant. Experts said the music festival would generate around $30 million over its four days, which it did. 

The 2017 edition of the festival, which only ran for two days, created an economic impact of approximately $20 million.

The 2021 edition of Aftershock festival broke records

The festival had a record attendance of 145,000 people over three and a half days in 2021, making it the fifth consecutive time when Aftershock has been completely sold-out. 

2021 had names like KISS, Judas Priest and Papa Roach, iconic and extremely well known artists with a large fan base.

Metallica gave an unforgettable performance at Aftershock

The festival had Metallica perform on two separate days of the festival in 2021, each day with its own unique set. Since the band was ranked as the best selling Bay Area band of all time, metal-heads in the audience could not be happier.

They performed 16 songs over their two hour performance, including classic songs from the ‘80s and ‘90s in their set. 

Many artists performing at Aftershock in 2022 have expressed their excitement

For its 10th anniversary, the festival featured over 90 different acts for the four-day lineup, and some of the big names couldn’t wait to perform.

In a Danny Wimmer Presents blogpost, Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach said that he was “stoked” to headline the festival, adding that it “is like a dream come true.”

Amy Lee also expressed her excitement for Aftershock festival 2022 as she says the band “absolutely cannot wait for this epic festival.”

A VIP ticket gets you far at Aftershock

That’s not all though, VIPs also get to sit front row at That Space Zebra show commentary, as well as exclusive interviews with the artists. 

There is more than just music to experience at Aftershock

In previous editions of this rock festival, guitar gallery Ronz World set up a rock shop with custom guitars and art for any aspiring musicians.

Music brand Mortus Viventi offered live tarot card readings for those interested in what the future holds for them.

Weedmaps had a lounge for fans who wanted to learn about cannabis delivery with fun giveaways and prizes. 

Aftershock works together with not-for-profit organizations

The festival created a Dyin 2 Live Dreams program working in partnership with Fxck Cancer. They have devoted themselves to fighting cancer and raising awareness about early cancer detection and prevention.

The programme offers those who are fighting cancer the opportunity to enjoy the event through a VIP experience. 

Aftershock also works with the Take Me Home foundation that saves the lives of homeless animals by supporting local charities.

By selling shirts, merchandise and raffle tickets amongst, the music festival tries to raise funds for abandoned pets.

Aftershock is all about accessibility

Aftershock festival dedicates itself to creating an enjoyable experience for every single one of their fans. And so, the festival grounds feature accessibility facilities, ensuring the music reaches everyone.

Aftershock provides a special viewing area at the main stages, as well as an Access Center that provides assistance throughout the event. American Sign Language Interpreters make selected sets more accessible and bring the festival experience to everyone.