Once summer hits, Wisconsin turns into one of the hottest spots in the country for music festivals. In fact, the state is home to the Guinness World Record for “The World’s Largest Music Festival.”
While Wisconsin typically ranks around tenth nationally for the sheer number of festivals, trailing states like California, New York, and Florida, it punches well above its weight when it comes to large-scale events. In terms of festivals drawing more than 20,000 attendees, Wisconsin consistently ranks in the top five.
The Festival State of the Midwest
Having the world’s largest music festival certainly helps those numbers. Summerfest in Milwaukee alone draws more than 600,000 people each year. But it is not the only heavyweight. Several other major festivals call Wisconsin home, including the nation’s largest rock and camping festival.
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Located in Cadott, Rock Fest first launched in 1994 with headliners like REO Speedwagon and Cheap Trick. Over the decades, it has grown into a premier destination for rock and metal fans from across the Midwest and beyond. Today, the festival regularly draws more than 200,000 people over its three-day run and continues to attract some of the biggest names in rock and metal.
The 2026 Lineup Brings the Heat
The 2026 Rock Fest lineup was announced today, and it is stacked. Two massive 90s rock acts will headline, along with a French heavy metal band that turned heads during the most recent Olympic Games. With more than 75 bands spread across multiple stages, Rock Fest offers something for metal fans of nearly every subgenre.
Rock Fest will take place July 16 through July 18. The festivities kick off Wednesday night with the Bonus Bash, featuring Candlebox and Buckcherry. Thursday marks the official start of main stage action, headlined by Gojira, the French metal band that made history by performing during the 2024 Olympic opening ceremony in Paris. They were the first metal band ever to play at an Olympics. Thursday’s lineup also includes Hatebreed, Machine Head, and I Prevail…