The Sick New World festival is set to expand significantly in 2026, announcing its first-ever two-city run. The event will return to its original home at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on April 25th. Additionally, it will introduce a new Texas edition in Fort Worth on October 24th. The full lineup for both dates is expected to be revealed tomorrow, October 21st, following several months of anticipation and artist teasers.
Key Takeaways
- Sick New World festival expands to two cities in 2026.
- Las Vegas date is April 25th; Fort Worth, Texas date is October 24th.
- Full lineup announcement scheduled for October 21st.
- Major acts like System Of A Down, Korn, and Deftones are hinted.
- The festival is a Live Nation presentation.
Festival Growth and New Locations
The decision to expand Sick New World reflects a growing demand for large-scale heavy music events. The festival, known for its curated selection of bands across various subgenres of heavy music, has quickly established itself since its inception. Bringing the festival to Texas marks a significant step in its evolution, allowing it to reach a broader audience in a new geographical market.
The Las Vegas edition will take place at the familiar Las Vegas Festival Grounds, a venue that has successfully hosted other major music events. The Fort Worth event is a new venture, bringing the festival experience to a different part of the country.
Festival Background
Sick New World was co-founded by David "Beno" Benveniste, who also manages several prominent bands in the heavy music scene. This connection often leads to the involvement of high-profile artists. The festival operates under the Live Nation banner, ensuring a professional and large-scale production.
Anticipated Lineup and Artist Teasers
Excitement has built over recent months as organizers dropped hints about potential performers. A new teaser released today strongly suggests the involvement of several major acts. Fans are particularly keen on the possibility of seeing System Of A Down, Korn, and Deftones on the bill. These bands are all managed by Benveniste's Velvet Hammer, which increases the likelihood of their participation.
Beyond these heavy hitters, other artists like Bring Me The Horizon have also been teased. There is also speculation about the French metal band Gojira making an appearance. The full roster is expected to feature a diverse array of artists, catering to various tastes within the heavy music spectrum.
"The anticipation for this year's lineup has been intense. Fans are eager to see which iconic bands will join the festival's expanded footprint."
The Las Vegas Festival Grounds Connection
The Las Vegas Festival Grounds has become a hub for major music events. It shares its venue with other popular festivals, including When We Were Young. This shared location highlights the venue's capability to handle large crowds and complex logistical demands. The experience gained from previous events at this location will likely contribute to a smooth operation for the 2026 Sick New World festival in Las Vegas.
Quick Facts
- Festival Co-Founder: David "Beno" Benveniste
- Management Company: Velvet Hammer
- Festival Presenter: Live Nation
- Las Vegas Venue: Las Vegas Festival Grounds
- Texas Venue: Fort Worth
Impact on the Music Scene
The expansion of Sick New World signifies a healthy and growing market for heavy music. By adding a second location, the festival broadens its reach and offers more opportunities for fans across the United States to attend. This growth could also encourage other festival organizers to consider similar multi-city formats, further diversifying the live music landscape. The involvement of top-tier bands continues to solidify the festival's reputation as a premier destination for heavy music enthusiasts.
The festival's ability to draw acts like System Of A Down, Korn, and Deftones underscores its importance in the industry. These bands rarely perform together, making Sick New World a unique event for their fanbases. The full lineup announcement tomorrow will provide more clarity on the depth and breadth of the 2026 roster, and fans are ready to plan their trips.
- April 25th, 2026: Las Vegas Festival Grounds, Las Vegas, Nevada
- October 24th, 2026: Fort Worth, Texas
The strategic timing of the two events, separated by several months, allows bands to potentially play both dates or for fans to attend one or both if they choose. This scheduling flexibility is a key aspect of the festival's new dual-city approach. It also spreads out the operational demands, allowing for more focused planning for each individual event.