08-05-2025
Sonic Temple returns as one of Ohio's biggest music festivals
More than 100,000 rock lovers will jam into Historic Crew Stadium this weekend for one of the largest hard rock gatherings in the country.
Why it matters: Sonic Temple has survived a rebrand and a lost COVID year to become a major economic driver for Columbus and arguably Ohio's biggest music festival.
Flashback: Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival was formerly known as Rock on the Range. It was reenvisioned in 2019 when promoter Danny Wimmer took over the event after splitting with AEG Live.
The intrigue: This year's headliners include major international touring acts like Korn, Linkin Park and two different Metallica sets.
More than 100 other acts across four stages range from Three 6 Mafia and Insane Clown Posse to Hoobastank and GWAR.
There's also a live art program, food, drinks and charity fundraisers.
Local venues Ace of Cups and King of Clubs host after parties Friday night.
By the numbers: Last year's festival drew a crowd of 138,000, according to organizers.
Experience Columbus expects this year's crowd to buy more than 10,000 hotel rooms and spend $8.2 million around town.
What they're saying:"Columbus is a city that lives for live music, and Sonic Temple is the ultimate celebration for rock fans," says Sarah Townes, chief marketing and innovation officer for Experience Columbus.
"They're aspiring to host the biggest rock festival in city history, and all signs point to record-breaking crowds."
The big picture: Definitive attendance and economic impact numbers are scarce, but Sonic Temple could have a claim as Ohio's biggest music festival.
