Aftershock Festival has revealed the lineup for its 2026 edition, and it is the largest in the event's history. Running October 1-4 at Discovery Park in Sacramento, California, the Danny Wimmer Presents production boasts over 140 artists across multiple stages, including a brand new fifth stage and an enlarged festival footprint.
The headliners represent a broad cross-section of heavy music: TOOL, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, LIMP BIZKIT, and PIERCE THE VEIL will top the bill across four nights. The undercard is equally stacked, featuring QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, A DAY TO REMEMBER, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, THE OFFSPRING, BABYMETAL, COHEED AND CAMBRIA, SUBLIME, and THE PRETTY RECKLESS among many others. A "mystery guest" is also teased for a later announcement.
Perhaps the biggest structural change is the introduction of on-site camping, a feature fans have been requesting for years. Combined with the expanded grounds and additional stage, the 2026 edition signals Aftershock's ambition to compete with the largest rock and metal festivals in North America.
The four-day format, now in its second year, allows for a more relaxed scheduling experience, reducing the overlap conflicts that plague single-weekend festivals. With 140-plus acts, the sheer volume of music on offer is staggering, covering everything from progressive metal and metalcore to punk, alternative, and nu-metal.
Tickets are expected to move quickly given the strength of the lineup. For West Coast metal and rock fans, Aftershock has firmly established itself as the must-attend event of the fall, and the 2026 edition looks set to be its most ambitious outing yet. More details and the full daily lineup breakdown will be released in the coming weeks.