Aftershock inviting unsigned bands to ‘battle for the big stage’ at Sacramento rock fest
The organizers of the annual Aftershock festival are giving unsigned and independent bands a chance to perform at the West Coast’s largest rock, punk and heavy metal festival.
Any band not signed to a major label is eligible to submit a song, concert promoter Danny Wimmer Presents announced. Fans can vote for their favorite submissions, and festival organizers will announce the winners on their Twitch channel every Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
Aftershock recently announced its 2026 lineup, which includes more than 150 acts across five stages. Headliners include My Chemical Romance, Limp Bizkit and Tool, as well as hip-hop acts Public Enemy and Wu-Tang Clan.
The four-day festival will return to Discovery Park in Sacramento beginning Oct. 1. For the first time in its 14-year history, the festival will offer on-site tent and RV camping.
