The Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival returns to Columbus, Ohio, from May 8–11, 2025, at Historic Crew Stadium, promising an electrifying four-day celebration of rock and metal. Headlined by heavyweights Metallica and Linkin Park, alongside Korn, this year’s festival marks its biggest edition yet, boasting over 100 bands across four stages. With a lineup that spans veteran thrash, nu-metal, and modern hardcore, plus unique fan experiences like the BLACKENED Whiskey Bar and a robust live art program, Sonic Temple 2025 is set to be a pilgrimage for music lovers. Here’s a deep dive into the lineup, festival highlights, and what makes this weekend a must-attend for rock fans.
Headliners: Metallica, Linkin Park, and Korn Steal the Spotlight
The 2025 Sonic Temple lineup is a masterclass in rock royalty, with Metallica, Linkin Park, and Korn anchoring the festival. Metallica, performing their first-ever Sonic Temple sets, will deliver a “No Repeat Weekend,” headlining on Friday, May 9, and Sunday, May 11, with two distinct performances featuring no repeated songs. This format, part of their M72 World Tour, ensures fans get a fresh experience each night, from thrash classics like “Master of Puppets” to newer cuts from 72 Seasons. Metallica’s return to Columbus—last seen at 2017’s Rock on the Range—has been years in the making, with festival producer Danny Wimmer noting, “Bringing two nights of Metallica to Sonic Temple has been a dream come true.”
Linkin Park, making their Sonic Temple debut on Saturday, May 10, marks a historic moment. The nu-metal icons, newly reformed with co-vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain, return after a seven-year hiatus. Their set, one of their first U.S. festival performances since regrouping, is expected to blend staples like “In the End” with tracks from their upcoming album From Zero. Fans on X are buzzing, with posts celebrating their comeback: “Linkin Park, Incubus, and more at Sonic Temple? This is gonna be epic!”
Korn, headlining Thursday, May 8, brings their signature nu-metal intensity, fresh off celebrating 30 years of their self-titled debut. Guitarist Brian “Head” Welch has teased new material as “the best and heaviest Korn stuff in years,” raising expectations for a set that could mix classics like “Freak on a Leash” with unreleased tracks. Korn’s enthusiasm is palpable, with the band stating, “We’re stoked to headline Sonic Temple for our incredible fans in Columbus.”
Supporting Acts: A Diverse Rock and Metal Feast
Beyond the headliners, Sonic Temple’s undercard is a powerhouse of talent, catering to fans of every rock subgenre. Thursday’s lineup features Bad Omens, whose cinematic metalcore has skyrocketed their popularity, and Three Days Grace, reuniting with original vocalist Adam Gontier for their first festival appearance since 2013. Gontier shared his excitement: “Having Three Days Grace back together at Sonic Temple is going to be a special night.”
Friday pairs Metallica with shock-rock legend Rob Zombie and grunge pioneers Alice Cooper, alongside Mastodon’s progressive sludge and Testament’s thrash mastery. Saturday, led by Linkin Park, includes Incubus, whose alt-rock anthems like “Drive” remain timeless, and I Prevail, a metalcore act with crossover appeal. Sunday closes with Metallica, supported by Alice in Chains’ haunting grunge-metal and Chevelle’s hard-hitting alt-metal.
The festival also celebrates milestones and reunions. Bullet for My Valentine and Trivium will perform their 2005 albums The Poison and Ascendancy in full for their 20th anniversaries, while Acid Bath reunites for a rare performance after 28 years. Crossfade plays their first show in 13 years, and GWAR marks their 40th anniversary with their theatrical chaos. Seven Hours After Violet, the new project from System of a Down’s Shavo Odadjian, adds intrigue with one of their first U.S. festival sets. Other notable acts include Ice Nine Kills, Motionless in White, Jimmy Eat World, Suicidal Tendencies, and Deafheaven, ensuring a lineup that spans thrash, emo, hardcore, and more.
Festival Marvels: Beyond the Music
Sonic Temple 2025 isn’t just about the music—it’s a full sensory experience. The festival’s onsite attractions elevate it beyond a standard concert weekend, creating a vibrant community for fans. Here are some standout features:
BLACKENED Whiskey Bar and Burger Bar
Metallica’s influence extends beyond the stage with the BLACKENED Whiskey Bar and BLACKENED Burger Bar, a collaboration with celebrity chef Chris Santos. The Burger Bar, a fan favorite at 2024 Danny Wimmer Presents festivals, combines craft spirits, gourmet food, and rock vibes. Expect bold flavors and Metallica-themed cocktails, with X posts raving about its “insane burgers and whiskey vibes” from past events. These spots will be open all weekend, offering a place to refuel and soak in the atmosphere.
Live Art Program
The Sonic Temple live art program returns bigger than ever, showcasing artists like Terry Urban, who’s designing a limited-edition 2025 festival hoodie, alongside Jay Howell, Monster Steve, and AWAL. Fans can watch creations unfold in real time, adding a visual layer to the music. The program’s expansion reflects the festival’s commitment to blending art and sound, making it a cultural hub.
Parent Pod and Accessibility
Sonic Temple prioritizes inclusivity with features like the “Parent Pod,” a private space for parents to nurse or change babies, equipped with seating, power, and ice. Located near the Accessibility Center, it’s part of the festival’s partnership with ALL IN to ensure a welcoming environment. The festival also offers volunteer opportunities at Accessibility Centers, encouraging fans to contribute to an inclusive experience.
Clean Vibes and Sustainability
Environmental consciousness is a priority, with Clean Vibes returning to manage cleanup and recycling. Fans can volunteer with Clean Vibes to earn festival admission, a win-win for eco-minded attendees. This initiative keeps Historic Crew Stadium pristine, aligning with Columbus’s community spirit.
Metallica Takeover Activities
Metallica fans can explore the #M72 interactive map, guiding them to Columbus hotspots like Used Kids and Lost Weekend record stores, or bars with Metallica-themed pinball machines like Pins Mechanical Company. These “Metallica Takeover” activities, detailed on Metallica’s website, add a scavenger-hunt vibe to the weekend, with X posts urging fans to “hit up the #M72 map for the full experience!”
Fan Anticipation and Logistics
The buzz for Sonic Temple 2025 is electric, with X posts reflecting high excitement: “Metallica, Linkin Park, Korn, and 100+ bands? Sonic Temple is about to be unreal!” Fans are particularly hyped for Metallica’s dual sets and Linkin Park’s return, with some calling it “the rock event of the year.” The festival’s scale—over 100 bands and four stages—has drawn comparisons to a “Midwest Download Festival,” amplifying anticipation.
Tickets are selling fast, with 4-day Columbus Owners Club and RV camping passes already sold out. General admission, single-day, and VIP passes, including the new Rock Royalty Reserved Pass with lounge access and reserved seating, remain available starting at $1 down via SonicTempleFestival.com. Jampack offers hotel packages with shuttle service, easing travel logistics. The festival is all-ages, though parents are advised to bring hearing protection for kids, and re-entry is limited unless camping or holding specific passes. Gates typically open between 11 a.m. and noon, with set times to be announced two weeks prior.
Located 3.5 miles from downtown Columbus, Historic Crew Stadium is accessible via I-71 or bus line 4, with a 15-minute walk from the nearest stop. The event is rain-or-shine, but organizers are prepared for weather contingencies like severe storms. Lockers (8”H x 12”W x 18”D) with phone chargers are available for rent, and food vendor applications are open for those looking to join the culinary scene.
Why Sonic Temple 2025 Matters
Sonic Temple 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a cultural tochstone for rock and metal fans. The lineup, blending icons like Metallica and Linkin Park with rising stars like Bad Omens and rare reunions like Acid Bath, creates a generational bridge. Add to that the immersive experiences—art, food, whiskey, and community initiatives—and it’s clear why Danny Wimmer Presents calls it “the pinnacle of rock festivals in America.”
For Columbus, the festival reinforces its status as a metal mecca, building on the legacy of Rock on the Range. With over 120,000 attendees expected, echoing the sold-out crowds of 2019, the economic and cultural impact is undeniable. Whether you’re headbanging to Korn, savoring a BLACKENED burger, or watching live art unfold, Sonic Temple 2025 promises an unforgettable weekend. Grab your tickets, plan your #M72 takeover, and get ready to rock Ohio like never before.
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