After hosting the largest rock event in Ohio history and breaking all attendance records in 2025, Sonic Temple is excited to reveal the full lineup for the pinnacle of rock festivals in America May 14-17, 2026 at historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Organizers announced the festival will include more than 140 bands across five […]
Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival
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Ohio (once again) rocks the world
COLUMBUS — Most did not have Metallica covering “Hang on Sloopy” as tens of thousands of metal fans sang, O-H-I-O, on their 2025 list. Hang on Sloopy, Ohio’s official Rock-N-Roll anthem, was a nice homage to the state that hosted one of the largest rock and metal festivals in the U.S. Metallica wrapped the four-day […]
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REVIEW: Metallica and Sonic Temple Day 2
COLUMBUS — “So let it be written, so let it be done.” That quote from the 1956 film, The Ten Commandments, was a perfect kickoff to Metallica’s headlining show as it opened with Creeping Death from the album Ride the Lightning. That verse was in the chorus. The second day of Sonic Temple Music and […]
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Photos: Sonic Temple’s fans, faces & festival vibes
COLUMBUS — Historic Crew Stadium was packed Friday night at Sonic Temple as thousands of fans poured in for a night of heavy music, good vibes and nonstop energy. Friday night’s headliners featured rock legends Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie and Metallica. But it’s the people who bring out the real character of the festival. Browse […]
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REVIEW: Three Days Grace interview & Sonic Temple Day 1
COLUMBUS — It was billed as the largest rock fest in the history of Ohio’s capital city, with over 100 bands and four stages. The headliners included: Metallica, Linkin Park, Alice Cooper, Korn, Alice In Chains, Three Days Grace and Rob Zombie, to name a few. Kicking off Thursday at Historic Crew Stadium (HCS), the […]
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Interview: Shock rock band GWAR ready for Ohio’s Sonic Temple festival
LISTEN: Adam Doc Fox (ADF) Thanks for taking some time , so I want to jump right in, you’re playing an awesome music festival in Ohio, Sonic Temple, so what should fans expect from the GWAR live experience at the festival? GWAR lead singer THE BERSERKER BLÓTHAR (GWAR) Well, you can expect GWAR to do […]
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COLUMN: Must-know madness, a preview to Sonic Temple ‘25 music fest
COLUMBUS — One of the largest rock ‘n’ roll festivals in the entire country will be in many Ohioans’ back yard this spring. Here’s your definitive guide to Sonic Temple Music & Arts Festival in terms of survival, overview and low key bands to check out. Obviously, you couldn’t ask for a better headliner for […]
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Review: Hybrid moments from Sonic Temple ‘24
COLUMBUS – Every little punk in the ’80s at some point had a devilock haircut, the single-fanged extended widow’s peak that draped over the face like a trojan helmet. Fast forward 40 years, and deep in the crush of the mosh and dancing on the slimy plastic flooring laid over the grass stadium were kids […]
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Must-know acts from Sonic Temple Festival, Day 1
COLUMBUS — Keep in mind that Americans scream the loudest, according to the London-based Nova Twins. That claim came into focus after the summer live music and festival scene officially began May 16 with Sonic Temple in Columbus. “The screams here are a different kind of pitch – it’s the loudest screams we’ve probably ever […]
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Sonic Temple festival rocking Columbus all weekend long
COLUMBUS — No matter what you do, happiness is the ultimate goal. Were the two neck-bearded gentlemen in the medical tent at Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival having fun? It was hard to tell. The nurse asked them what was wrong. “I was in the mosh pit and got kicked in the head. Wondering […]