In May, Columbus, Ohio will be transformed into the global capital of rock and metal for four incredible days. Taking place from May 14-17, Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival isn't just packing one of the single most heavyweight lineups in the history of North American music fests: it's going to be bringing a full-on experience unlike any other in the world.
For a start, there's the sheer breadth of different parts of the rock spectrum all represented in style. Just take a look at this year's headliners: emo titans My Chemical Romance, US rock heavyweights Shinedown, modern metalcore icons Bring Me The Horizon and and alt metal legends Tool. The variety and big name aura doesn't stop as you look further down the bill. Breaking Benjamin, Sublime, Megadeth, Slaughter To Prevail, Simple Plan, The Story So Far, Electric Callboy, Dayseeker, Lorna Shore, Architects, Dance Gavin Dance, Zakk Sabbath and Bodycount are just some of the bands headlining stages around the festival in 2026.
If you're a straight-up rock fan, Sonic Temple is also bringing you the likes of Halestorm, Bush, Alter Bridge, Daughtry and Buckcherry. If it's something much heavier you're after, every single part of the metal world is well represented, from huge names such as Lamb Of God, Godsmack, Black Label Society and Amon Amarth, to extreme metal veterans like Cradle Of Filth, Dying Fetus, Napalm Death and Carcass to modern deathcore bruisers like Paleface Swiss, Whitechapel and Thy Art Is Murder, all the way to thrash favourites like Kreator, Suicidal Tendencies and Sepultura and nu metal ragers like P.O.D., Static-X, Dope and Soil.
Big emo kid? We've got Pierce The Veil, All Time Low, The Used, Simple Plan and Story Of The Year for ya. Gagging for some metalcore? How about Architects, The Amity Affliction, Motionless In White and August Burns Red? When we say Sonic Temple is a festival for rock and metal fans of all types, we mean it. Oh, and if you want even more after the festival closes its gates, there'll be a series of special aftershows presented by BravoArtist that'll see the likes of Deicide, Orthodox and Dying Fetus playing venues around the city (check the official Sonic Temple website for more info).
It's not all about the music, though, and the clue's in the title: Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival is also a huge and passionate celebration of the visual art world. This year, in amongst all the rock and metal (and hip hop - shout out Public Enemy!), the festival will become a full, thriving gallery experience, highlighting work from the likes of trailblazing modern artist Terry Urban and Bob's Burgers genius Jay Howell.
Debuting this year at Sonic Temple is the Secret Walls, a real time, live paint battle that'll see street artists from around the world compete to showcase their skills and talent in front of the Sonic Temple faithful.
All of that in one event plus world class food and drink options and an incredible atmosphere all festival long? How can you resist Sonic Temple 2026? Tickets are on sale now with a variety of options available including general admission, VIP and Rock Royalty, with special staggered payment options also available through Zip. There are also special hotel and admission packages available via select Sonic Temple partners and Historic Crew Stadium suite packages. Head to the Sonic Temple website to find out more and book yourself a piece of rock history. And don't forget to download the official app via iPhone and Android to stay up to date.
Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival takes place May 14-17 at the Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. What are you waiting for?
