Columbus, our emo hearts can’t take this! My Chemical Romance is headlining Sonic Temple 2026, and they’re bringing a lineup so stacked it might actually melt Historic Crew Stadium.
After breaking attendance records last year, Sonic Temple is coming back May 14–17, 2026, with over 140 bands across five stages, including Tool, Bring Me the Horizon, Shinedown, Good Charlotte, The Offspring, Staind, Megadeth, and more. Basically, it’s the festival equivalent of every burned CD you made in 2007 — and we’re not mad about it.
The full four-day lineup reads like a fever dream for anyone who ever wore studded belts or posted overdramatic lyrics in their AIM away message: Pierce the Veil, Rise Against, Yellowcard, Lamb of God, Motion City Soundtrack, Coheed and Cambria, The Used, Flyleaf (with Lacey Sturm!), Hawthorne Heights, and even Drop Dead, Gorgeous. Add to that Body Count featuring Ice-T, Sepultura’s farewell tour, and DragonForce celebrating 20 years of “Inhuman Rampage”, and you’ve got something for every corner of the rock galaxy.
Beyond the music, Sonic Temple keeps its “Art & Music Festival” title legit.
The grounds transform into a massive open-air gallery with live murals, art installations, and returning features like The Dive Bar and the Caduceus Wine Garden (yes, that’s Maynard James Keenan’s wine). Expect pop-meets-street art from Terry Urban and Bob’s Burgers illustrator Jay Howell, plus live painting from Columbus-based artists.
Passes are on sale now at sonictemplefestival.com, starting at just $1 down on layaway. GA, VIP, and Premium Experiences are all available, and if you really want to go all out, the Columbus Owners Club and Rock Royalty Lounge options bring luxury seating, air-conditioned lounges, and complimentary drinks.
After last year’s 175,000-fan blowout, it’s clear that Sonic Temple is Ohio’s biggest rock fest. And with My Chemical Romance leading the charge, it’s officially time to heat up your old hair straightener and get your crew back together.
Featured image credit: Sonic Temple 2025, by Sam Shapiro.
