Aftershock is back. October 1-4, 2026. Discovery Park. Sacramento.
Thirteen years in, the West Coast's largest rock and metal festival has locked in its dates, confirmed camping for the first time, and is building toward what looks like another stacked lineup. If you're planning to be there, this is your hub. We'll keep it updated as details drop.
The Basics
Dates: October 1-4, 2026 (Thursday through Sunday)
Venue: Discovery Park, 1000 Garden Highway, Sacramento, CA 95833
Produced by: Danny Wimmer Presents
Lineup reveal: March 4, 2026 at 11:00 AM PST — check back for full coverage
Tickets
General sale is live. Passes available now — 4-Day, single-day, and VIP tiers.
Grab passes early. Aftershock historically sells out tiers as the lineup builds. Once headliners drop, prices move.
Camping — First Time in Festival History
2026 marks the first year Aftershock has offered official on-site camping, and they've gone all in. Full camping breakdown here.
The setup:
- Car + tent camping and RV camping both available
- Shuttle passes for off-site attendees (Park & Ride from Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd)
- Camper-only pre-party Wednesday, September 30 at Rock & Brews — food/drink discounts and early access perks
Cal Expo serves as the shuttle hub and camping base. Shuttles run continuously on festival days, with limited windows mid-evening. Plan accordingly.
Getting to Discovery Park
The most direct route is the Park & Ride Shuttle from Cal Expo. Shuttle passes are sold daily and for the full weekend — every rider needs their own pass.
Shuttles begin approximately 60 minutes before gates open each day and run roughly 75 minutes after the final set each night.
Rideshare drop-off is also available at designated zones around the festival perimeter.
What to Expect On-Site
Aftershock runs across multiple stages over four days. The format is straightforward: multiple stages staggered so you're never waiting between sets if you plan it right. Set times are released approximately two weeks before the event via the official app and website.
Re-entry: Not permitted without a Capital Club SVIP pass or an Admission + Hotel package through JamPack. Once you're in for the day, you're in. Plan your meals and gear accordingly.
Ages: All ages. Hearing protection for younger attendees is strongly recommended.
Weather: Rain or shine. The festival can pause or evacuate for severe conditions — Sacramento in October is generally dry but you get the occasional outlier.
A Festival Built on History
Aftershock launched in 2013 under Danny Wimmer Presents — the same operation behind Welcome to Rockville, Sonic Temple, and Louder Than Life. From the jump it established Discovery Park as heavy music territory in Northern California. The Sacramento crowd is one of the most consistently loud in the festival circuit.
Past lineups have pulled from across the heavy spectrum — metal, hard rock, metalcore, and everything adjacent. The formula is broad enough to bring in casuals and deep enough to satisfy scene lifers. 2025 delivered another strong bill. 2026 is shaping up the same way.
Lineup — Dropping March 4
The full 2026 lineup reveal is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4 at 11:00 AM PST. We'll have full coverage here the moment it drops.
Read the full lineup announcement → (live March 4)
Frequently Asked Questions
When do gates open?
Gate times are announced closer to the event. Historically, gates open between 11AM and noon each day.
Is re-entry allowed?
No, unless you hold a Capital Club SVIP pass or an Admission + Hotel package through JamPack.
What's the age policy?
All ages. Every attendee needs a full-price pass regardless of age.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Outside food and beverages are not permitted. Alcohol is available for purchase to those 21+ with valid ID.
Where do I park?
Use the Cal Expo Park & Ride shuttle program. Street parking near Discovery Park is extremely limited and not recommended.
Will there be a medical team on-site?
Yes. Medical staff and a Sober Shock program are both available throughout the festival.
Keep Checking Back
This page updates as new information drops. Lineup, set times, travel logistics, and day-by-day coverage will all land here. Bookmark it.
More festival coverage: Festivals hub →
