If you're a fan of rock, metal, and punk music, Aftershock Festival 2025 in Sacramento, California is the must-attend event of the year. Held at the iconic Discovery Park, this four-day music festival is one of the biggest and loudest rock festivals on the West Coast.
In this guide, you'll learn everything about Aftershock Festival 2025 — including the lineup, schedule, tickets, parking, local tips, and more — all optimized to help you plan the perfect Aftershock experience.
What Is Aftershock Festival?
Aftershock is an annual rock and metal music festival that takes place every October in Discovery Park, Sacramento, CA. Since its debut in 2012, Aftershock has exploded into a premier destination for fans of heavy music, drawing over 150,000 attendees in recent years.
Why Aftershock Stands Out:
- Over 100 bands across 4 days
- Iconic headliners and legendary reunions
- A high-energy crowd and electric atmosphere
- Riverside venue in California's capital city
When Is Aftershock Festival 2025?
- 📅 Dates: October 2-5, 2025
- 📍 Location: Discovery Park, Sacramento, California
- 🕒 Time: Gates typically open at 11:00 AM; performances go until ~11:00 PM
For updated times and daily schedules, visit the official site: aftershockfestival.com
Aftershock Festival 2025 Lineup Highlights
Aftershock 2025 features a massive multi-genre lineup — from punk pioneers to metal legends to alternative rock icons.
🔥 Headliners for 2025 Include:
- Blink-182
- Korn
- Bring Me The Horizon
- A Perfect Circle
- Deftones
- Rob Zombie
🎸 Special Performances:
- Cavalera plays Sepultura's "Chaos A.D."
Aftershock Festival Tickets: Prices & Pass Options
Tickets for Aftershock 2025 are available in several tiers:
🎟️ Ticket Types and Pricing:
- General Admission: Starting at $544.28 (4-Day)
- VIP Passes: Starting at $2137.30 (4-Day)
- Single-Day GA: Starting at $206/day
- Park & Ride Shuttle Pass: Starting at $42.15 from Cal Expo
Discovery Park: The Ultimate Festival Venue
Discovery Park is a 302-acre green space located where the American River meets the Sacramento River. Its central location and large open grounds make it ideal for hosting multi-day music festivals like Aftershock.
✅ Why Discovery Park Rocks:
- Proximity to Downtown Sacramento
- Shaded areas and river views
- Easily accessible via I-5 and public transportation
Parking, Shuttles & Transportation Tips
🚗 Parking Options:
- Limited on-site parking near Discovery Park
- Park & Ride Shuttles available from Cal Expo (highly recommended)
- Rideshare pickup zones located outside main entrances
🚍 Public Transit:
- Use Sacramento RT Light Rail and buses to access the venue area
- Plan for delays due to festival traffic
📌 Pro Tip: Book your shuttle or parking in advance — spaces sell out quickly.
What to Bring to Aftershock Festival
To make the most of your Aftershock experience, come prepared.
🎒 Festival Essentials:
- Valid ID and ticket (physical or digital)
- Hydration pack or empty water bottle (free refill stations available)
- Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
- Earplugs for hearing protection
- Portable phone charger
- Sunscreen
Not allowed: Large bags, weapons, outside alcohol, and professional cameras without credentials.
Where to Stay During Aftershock Festival
Looking for the ideal place to stay when attending Aftershock Festival at Discovery Park? Vagabond Inn Executive — Sacramento (Old Town) offers comfort, convenience, and value just where you need it. Located in the heart of downtown Sacramento, this hotel is a great base for festival-goers thanks to:
- Proximity to Downtown & Transit: You'll be steps from Old Town Sacramento, close to the State Capitol, restaurants, entertainment, and major transit options.
- Easy Access to Festival Transport: Discovery Park is at 1600 Garden Highway, and while there's no general parking at the venue, the festival provides a Park & Ride shuttle from Cal Expo and supplemental SacRT bus service. Staying downtown means you're well situated to take advantage of rideshares, public transport, or shuttle pick‑ups.
- Hotel Amenities & Comfort: The Vagabond Inn Executive offers free WiFi, clean spacious rooms (queens, kings, and two‑queen setups), air conditioning, pet‑friendly rooms (dogs allowed), and helpful services like business facilities. Perfect for relaxing before and after loud, exciting festival days.
- Good Value & Options: For travelers wanting budget‑friendly stays but willing to stay somewhere decent and safe, this hotel matches well. Also, check for special rates (military, senior, advanced booking) which the Vagabond Inn sometimes offers.
Check out their rooms here.
Local Tips for Aftershock Attendees
- Get there early: Beat the crowds and secure a good viewing spot.
- Plan your set schedule: With so many bands, some overlap is unavoidable.
- Stay hydrated & fed: Food vendors are plentiful, but lines can be long.
- Respect the locals: Discovery Park is a shared public space. Keep it clean.
Why Aftershock Festival 2025 Is Worth It
Whether you're coming for the music, the energy, or the community, Aftershock 2025 at Discovery Park delivers one of the best live music experiences in the country. With its killer lineup, passionate crowd, and iconic Sacramento location, this festival continues to set the bar for hard rock and metal fans everywhere.