Aftershock 2025 didn’t just shake Sacramento, it split the earth open. The four day monster of a festival drew over 164,000 fans from all 50 states and more than 30 countries, marking the largest crowd in its history and generating an estimated $35 million for the local economy.
Hosted at Discovery Park from October 2 to 5, this year’s edition proved why it’s the West Coast’s ultimate rock, punk, and metal destination. Across 115 bands and four blistering days, fans witnessed everything from nostalgic reunions to history making performances.
Thursday brought Blink-182 back with a dose of pop-punk nostalgia, joined by Matt Skiba for ‘Bored to Death’ and Good Charlotte, who shared the stage with Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley for ‘Fat Lip’ and ‘In Too Deep’.
Friday saw Deftones return home on the 30th anniversary of Adrenaline, Lamb of God debut ‘Sepsis’, and Dream Theater celebrating 40 years of progressive mastery. Meanwhile, The Dillinger Escape Plan ripped through their West Coast reunion set like no time had passed.
Saturday was ruled by Korn, who honoured Ozzy Osbourne with a tribute during their finale, while Trivium played Ascendancy front to back for its 20th anniversary, and Lacey Sturm jumped between Flyleaf, Saliva, and Scary Kids Scaring Kids.
Closing out on Sunday, Bring Me The Horizon turned the park into a sci-fi fever dream, teasing their 2026 tour, while Chimaira made their first West Coast appearance in over a decade and GWAR drenched the pit in blood for their 40th.
New features like the Capitol Club, Tremors Dive Bar, and secret sets under the bridge gave fans a festival experience unlike any other. Local leaders even recognised organiser Danny Wimmer Presents for Aftershock’s decade-long cultural and economic legacy.
The 2026 dates will drop soon, and if this year’s festivities are any indication, missing it would not even be an option.
Steve Thrasher Gallery
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