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Furnace Fest
Furnace Fest logo represented by two letters "F".
Furnace Fest's logo since 2019.
Genre
DatesAugust, September, October
LocationsSloss Furnaces, Birmingham, Alabama
Coordinates33°31′10″N 86°47′35″W / 33.51936024°N 86.79293104°W / 33.51936024; -86.79293104
Years active2000–2003, 2021–Present
FoundersChad Johnson
Organised by
  • Takehold Records (2000–2002)
  • Anxiety Records (2003–2004)
  • Furnace Fest LLC (2019–present)
Websitefurnacefest.us furnacefestcommunity.com

Furnace Fest is an American music festival held over three days at the Sloss Furnaces National Historical Landmark in Birmingham, Alabama.[3] It ran annually each August from 2000 to 2003, and ran again from September 2021 to October 2024 when it was thought to be the final run, but in November 2024, Furnace Fest announced it would return in 2025.[4][1][5]

The festival was founded in 2000 by Chad Johnson, then-owner of Birmingham-based Christian hardcore record label Takehold Records.[6][7] Though a great many performers at Furnace Fest were Christian hardcore, metalcore and emo bands (including most bands signed to the aforementioned label),[8][9] the event itself did not focus on religious beliefs.[10][1] After Takehold Records was bought-out by Tooth & Nail Records in March 2002,[11] which required Johnson moving to Seattle, Washington, the future of the festival was uncertain.[12] Johnson successfully hosted a third edition in August 2002, and then briefly considered relocating the festival to Seattle.[12][8] In August 2003, a DVD containing footage of Furnace Fest 2002 was released by 3B Studios.[13]

In 2003, the organization of Furnace Fest was passed on to Shannon Schlappi, then-owner of Independence, Missouri-based hardcore record label Anxiety Records, who successfully organized a fourth edition of the festival at the same location.[14][15][16] Schlappi intended to continue the festival in 2004,[17] but due to heavy financial losses incurred from the 2003 event, and the owners of the Sloss Furnaces demanding an increase in rental price for the site, Furnace Fest was put on hold.[16] Schlappi hoped to resume the festival in 2005, but it did not happen.[16]

Sloss Furnaces Water Tower at sunset
Sloss Furnaces, Birmingham in September 2023

In mid-2019,[18] Johnson revived Furnace Fest and scheduled the fifth edition to take place from September 18–20, 2020.[19][20][21] The official press release of the revived festival, along with news of the first confirmed band to be booked, Beloved, was announced on November 29, 2019.[21] A Nashville, Tennessee-based limited liability company, Furnace Fest LLC, was formed on April 10, 2020, to control the legal interests of the festival.[22][23] The new corporate structure is a four-way partnership divided between Johnny Grimes (based in Birmingham), Mike Ziemer (based in Dallas, Texas), Ryan Luther and Chad Johnson (both based in Nashville, Tennessee).[24][4] On June 1, 2020, it was announced that the festival's fifth event had been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and most bands were automatically re-booked to perform at the rescheduled event, set to take place between May 14–16, 2021.[25][26][27] By March 2021, the event had again been rescheduled, this time for September 24–26, 2021.[28][29] The festival's sixth event took place from September 23–25, 2022.[30][31][2] The final event of Furnace Fest was supposed to take place in October 2024 but in November 2024, Furnace Fest announced it would return in 2025. The Chariot is going to play 2026.[5]

Furnace Fest lineups by year

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August 11–13, 2000

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Notes: Overcome played its farewell show, and Strongarm performed a reunion show, both on Saturday, August 12, 2000.[10][32] Caption, Pensive and Reach the Sky were also booked but did not perform.[10][32]

Friday August 11

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Saturday August 12

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Sunday August 13

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August 2–4, 2001

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Notes: Squad Five-O was booked but did not perform.[33][34]

Thursday August 2

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Friday August 3

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Saturday August 4

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August 1–3, 2002

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Notes: The third edition of Furnace Fest was originally scheduled for the weekend of August 8–10, 2002, but it was moved up by a week.[12][8] It was the first year to feature two stages; the Side Stage was sponsored by Century Media and its subsidiary Abacus Recordings.[3][8][35] Zao announced that it would be playing its farewell show at Furnace Fest 2002, though the band ultimately decided to reform.[36] Eso-Charis performed a reunion show at the festival.[37] Coheed and Cambria, Meshuggah and Welton were booked but did not perform.[37]

Thursday August 1

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Main Stage
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Side Stage
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Friday August 2

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Main Stage
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Side Stage
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Saturday August

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Main Stage
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Side Stage
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August 15–17, 2003

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Notes: Stretch Arm Strong's album Engage was released at Furnace Fest.[38][39] Bayside, Evelynn, My Hotel Year, Rifles at Recess, Rogue Nation, Spitafield, The Black Dahlia Murder, The Death Campaign and The Backup Plan were booked but did not perform.[38][39][40] Fordirelifesake was booked early on but pulled out due to a scheduling conflict with their Canadian tour.[41]

Friday August 15

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Main Stage
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Side Stage
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Saturday August 16

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Main Stage
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Side Stage
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Sunday August 17

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Main Stage
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Side Stage
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September 24–26, 2021

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Notes: These were the bands at the time of the daily schedule being released. '68, As Friends Rust, Gideon, Glasseater, Hatebreed, Misery Signals, Open Hand, Poison the Well, and The Darling Fire were scheduled to play but unfortunately cancelled.

Friday, September 24

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Level X Stage (Main Stage)
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Plug Your Holes Stage (The Shed)
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HeartSupport Stage (The Pond)
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Saturday, September 25

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Level X Stage (Main Stage)
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Plug Your Holes Stage (The Shed)
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HeartSupport Stage (The Pond)
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Sunday, September 26

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Level X Stage (Main Stage)
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Plug Your Holes Stage (The Shed)
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HeartSupport Stage (The Pond)
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September 23–25, 2022

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Notes: Most Precious Blood, Crossfaith and Open Hand were scheduled to perform but unfortunately cancelled.

Friday, September 23

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Wheelhouse Stage (Main Stage)
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Plug Your Holes Stage (The Shed)
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Baked Brothers Stage (The Pond)
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Saturday, September 24

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Wheelhouse Stage (Main Stage)
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Plug Your Holes Stage (The Shed)
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Baked Brothers Stage (The Pond)
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Sunday, September 25

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Wheelhouse Stage (Main Stage)
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Plug Your Holes Stage (The Shed)
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Baked Brothers Stage (The Pond)
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Norma Jean at Plug Your Holes Stage (The Shed) in 2023
Norma Jean at Plug Your Holes Stage (The Shed) in 2023

September 22–24, 2023

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Notes: This is the list from the schedules released in August. Some changes were made. Trash Talk was moved to the Shed when Extol had to cancel. One person reported throwing their wristband in the trash after having found out that Extol was no longer playing and had already spent $400 in gas to drive across the country.[citation needed]


Friday, September 22

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Baked Brothers Stage (Main)
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Plug Your Holes Stage (Shed)
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Monster Energy Stage (Pond)
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Saturday, September 23

[edit]
Baked Brothers Stage (Main)
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Plug Your Holes Stage (Shed)
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Monster Energy Stage (Pond)
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Sunday, September 24

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Baked Brothers Stage (Main)
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Plug Your Holes Stage (Shed)
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Monster Energy Stage (Pond)
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October 4 - 6, 2024

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Friday, October 4

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Heart Support Stage (Main)
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Arsenal Strength Stage (Shed)
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Monster Energy Stage(Pond)
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Saturday, October 5

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Heart Support Stage(main)
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Arsenal Strength Stage(Shed)
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Monster Energy Stage(Pond)
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Sunday October 6

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Heart Support Stage(main)
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Arsenal Strength Stage(Shed)
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Monster Energy Stage(Pond)
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October 3 - 5 2025

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Friday, October 3

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Main Stage
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Shed Stage
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Pond Stage
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Saturday, October 4

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Main Stage
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Shed Stage
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Pond Stage
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Sunday October 5

[edit]
Main Stage
[edit]
Shed Stage
[edit]
Pond Stage
[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Furnace Fest

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Furnace Fest is an annual three-day held at the in , specializing in punk, hardcore, , and related genres. Founded in 2000 by , the owner of the Birmingham-based Takehold Records, the event initially ran for four years before a hiatus. It was revived in as a collaborative effort involving Johnson and other organizers, drawing large crowds with its mix of secular and Christian bands. The 2025 edition, marking the festival's 25th anniversary, was held from October 3 to 5 and featured headliners such as , , and , alongside acts like Converge, Citizen, and ; it attracted approximately 8,000 attendees per day (totaling around 24,000 visits), with 75% from out of town. Known for its intimate, industrial venue that enhances the raw energy of performances, Furnace Fest has become a cornerstone event for fans of aggressive and alternative rock music in the American South.

Overview

Description

Furnace Fest is an annual three-day music festival held at the Sloss Furnaces National Historical Landmark in Birmingham, Alabama, founded by Chad Johnson in 2000. The event features dozens of performances across multiple stages, drawing crowds for its immersive industrial setting and lineup of acts spanning hardcore, metalcore, emo, punk, and adjacent styles, with a notable inclusion of Christian hardcore bands alongside secular performers to appeal to a broad audience. A key draw of the is its emphasis on reunion sets, farewell performances, and nostalgic acts from the early underground scene, which celebrate the enduring legacy of these genres and create moments of communal reflection for longtime fans. Attendance has evolved from several thousand in the early editions to over 10,000 in recent years, exemplified by the post-hiatus event that marked a significant resurgence; the 2025 edition drew approximately 8,000 attendees per day. In addition to the music, Furnace Fest incorporates non-musical elements such as vendor areas with merchandise and local crafts, diverse food options from on-site trucks and concessions, and a distinctive community atmosphere emphasizing camaraderie and familial bonds among attendees.

Location and venue

Furnace Fest is held exclusively at the in , located at coordinates 33°31′14″N 86°47′29″W. The venue spans a 32-acre site featuring preserved , industrial ruins, and expansive open areas that serve as locations for multiple stages, enabling simultaneous performances across the grounds. Originally established for iron production, operated as a facility from 1882 until its closure in 1970, becoming a symbol of Birmingham's industrial heritage and receiving designation in 1981; today, it functions as a museum and versatile event space. The site's rugged, post-industrial atmosphere enhances the experience, with the echoing acoustics of the furnaces adding a unique auditory dimension to performances, while Alabama's variable —such as intense summer or sudden rain—presents logistical challenges for attendees and organizers; the venue can accommodate over 15,000 people daily. Accessibility to the site includes free on-site parking for up to 600 vehicles in the North Field plus additional spots at the , public transit options via Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority bus routes such as the 25 and 28 that stop nearby, and its central location in Birmingham's urban core, roughly 1 mile from .

Organizers and production

Furnace Fest was founded in 2000 by , a local promoter and owner of the independent label Takehold Records, which handled the event's organization through 2002. In 2003, Johnson sold the rights to the festival's name to Shannon Schlappi, owner of the hardcore label Anxiety Records based in , marking a shift in production oversight for that year's edition. The festival entered a long hiatus after 2003 due to significant financial losses from that event, compounded by logistical issues with the venue owners at . Its revival began in 2019, when Johnson partnered with a small group of friends—including Johnny Grimes, Ryan Luther, and Mike Ziemer—to plan a one-time resurrection, leading to the inaugural modern edition in 2021 under an independent production structure without corporate backing. Production for Furnace Fest involves a multi-stage layout at , typically featuring a main stage sponsored by brands like , alongside secondary stages such as the Plug Your Holes and Shed stages, supported by professional sound crews using durable equipment from and mixing consoles to handle high-volume performances. Lighting and stage management are coordinated by specialized teams, including directors like Jason Jiles, while security protocols include around stages and staff monitoring to manage crowd safety during intense sets. For the 2021 revival, organizers implemented health measures requiring proof of full vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours for entry, ensuring an all-outdoor format with no indoor gatherings. Ticketing has evolved to balance accessibility and sustainability, with single-day passes historically priced around $60–$80 and three-day passes reaching $250–$300 in recent years, though organizers reduced 2025 rates back to early-bird levels—such as $99 for and $149 for /—to boost sales and prevent cancellation amid economic pressures like and reduced . Revenue relies on sponsorships from energy brands like and fitness companies like Strength, alongside support from independent labels that align with the festival's DIY ethos, though persistent financial hurdles, including low attendance post-hiatus, have strained operations. Community involvement plays a central role in promotion and execution, with fan-driven platforms like the official Furnace Fest Community group and account— boasting thousands of members—facilitating discussions, travel coordination, and real-time event updates to build hype organically. Volunteers contribute through staffing support for logistics and community events, such as pre-festival meetups, fostering a of among attendees who amplify the festival via shares and forums.

History

Origins and early years (2000–2003)

Furnace Fest was founded in 2000 by , owner of the Birmingham-based Christian hardcore record label Takehold Records, to provide a dedicated showcase for the underground music scene and to bridge divides between faith-based and secular acts. The event emerged as a response to the growing energy within Evangelical Christian communities, where punk and hardcore served as outlets for expressing faith amid exclusion from mainstream secular venues. Johnson, drawing from Takehold's roster of bands like and , envisioned a multi-day gathering that captured the DIY ethos of the era while promoting cross-pollination in the music community. The inaugural edition occurred from August 11 to 13, 2000, at the National Historical Landmark in , drawing regional crowds from the Southeast U.S. with a lineup of around 50 acts, including pivotal performances such as Overcome's farewell show and Strongarm's one-off reunion set on August 12. Held on a single stage amid the site's industrial ruins, the festival highlighted the raw intensity of while inviting broader punk and metal influences, setting a tone of inclusivity that distinguished it from more insular events. Over the next three years, Furnace Fest experienced steady growth in scale and appeal, expanding its lineups and attendance to thousands annually as the post-hardcore boom of the early amplified interest in the genre's subcultural variants. By 2001 and 2002, the event featured increasingly diverse bills, with the 2002 edition (August 1–3) introducing a second stage sponsored by Century Media and hosting over 80 bands, alongside reunions like Eso-Charis. The 2003 installment (August 15–17) continued this trajectory with 81 artists, solidifying its role as a key pilgrimage site for fans. This expansion reflected the festival's emphasis on faith-infused yet accessible music, fostering a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere during a period when gained traction alongside secular acts. Despite logistical hurdles posed by the outdoor, industrial venue—such as coordinating large-scale production in a prone to summer heat and occasional rain—Furnace Fest cultivated a dedicated fanbase in the Southeast, where it became a cornerstone of regional culture. These early iterations laid the groundwork for its reputation as a unifying force, prioritizing community over commercial polish.

Hiatus (2004–2020)

Following the edition, Furnace Fest entered a 17-year hiatus primarily due to heavy financial losses from that year's event and broader organizational challenges. The festival incurred significant deficits, exacerbated by rising production costs and logistical difficulties at the venue, leading organizers to suspend operations in 2004. Additionally, founder Chad Johnson's relocation to after the 2002 sale of his Takehold Records label to disrupted local coordination efforts, as the buyout stemmed from substantial debts accumulated by the independent imprint amid a competitive indie landscape. These factors, combined with organizer fatigue from managing the intensive DIY event, halted the festival despite its early successes. The pause aligned with transformative shifts in the hardcore music scene during the mid-2000s. The industry's pivot toward and streaming eroded physical sales, particularly for indie labels like Takehold, diminishing the economic viability of regional festivals that relied on promotions and merchandise. Concurrently, the genre evolved with bands pursuing larger national tours and mainstream opportunities, reducing demand for localized gatherings like Furnace Fest. During this period, Johnson continued contributing to the scene as an A&R executive at , overseeing releases for prominent acts such as and supporting the label's expansion into broader markets. Amid the hiatus, fan communities sustained interest through online nostalgia, sharing memories of past lineups on forums and social platforms, which helped preserve the event's legacy. By 2019, growing enthusiasm around the 20th anniversary prompted discussions among Johnson and potential collaborators, including promoter Johnny Grimes, about the feasibility of a revival, setting the stage for the 2021 return.

Revival and recent developments (2021–present)

In mid-2019, Furnace Fest founder announced the revival of the event, initially scheduling it for September 18–20, 2020, at in . The announcement marked a return after a 17-year hiatus, with Johnson partnering with promoter Johnny Grimes to bring back the festival's focus on hardcore, , and related genres. However, the forced a postponement, first to May 2021 and then to September 24–26, 2021, allowing most of the original lineup to reconfirm their participation. The 2021 edition implemented post-pandemic adaptations to ensure safety and accessibility, including requirements for full or a negative test within 72 hours for unvaccinated attendees, along with mandatory masks in indoor areas. Ticketing options were expanded with transferable passes and optional cancellation protection to accommodate financial uncertainties caused by the . The revival also broadened genre inclusion, incorporating more , punk, and secular acts alongside traditional hardcore and bands, attracting a more diverse audience while maintaining the festival's inclusive ethos. Key milestones in the revival included the 2024 edition, billed as the "End of an Era" and potentially the final event amid economic challenges in the . Due to strong fan demand and support, organizers reversed course in November 2024, announcing a return for 2025 as a 25th-anniversary celebration of the festival's origins. To enhance accessibility amid rising costs, 2025 ticket prices were reduced to early-bird rates, preventing cancellation and boosting sales. Attendance experienced significant growth during this period, starting with approximately 10,000 attendees in 2021 and expanding to draw international acts from and beyond. The 2025 event saw roughly 8,000 daily attendees and about 24,000 total visits, with 75% of visitors from out of state. Looking ahead, the festival's commitment to longevity was affirmed with the October 2025 announcement of a 2026 edition, signaling ongoing evolution and fan-driven sustainability.

Lineups and notable events

2000

The inaugural Furnace Fest took place over three days from August 11 to 13, 2000, at in , featuring a single-stage format that showcased around 60 bands from the emerging , punk, and metal scenes. The event emphasized community and discovery, drawing an overall attendance of approximately 2,000 fans eager for a dedicated gathering in the historic industrial venue. No major cancellations occurred, allowing the festival to build a strong first-time vibe focused on up-and-coming acts without logistical disruptions. On Friday, August 11, the opened with local openers setting an energetic tone, followed by mid-tier hardcore bands such as Figure Four, Burn It Down, , Eso-Charis, and Zao, introducing attendees to the raw intensity of the scene. Saturday, August 12, highlighted pivotal moments, including Strongarm's reunion set with their original lineup, performing tracks like "Trials" to a receptive crowd, and Overcome's farewell performance marking the end of their run after a decade in the circuit. Other notable acts included , New Found Glory, Haste, Few Left Standing, Brother's Keeper, and Clenched Fist, blending , , and straight-edge influences. The event concluded on Sunday, August 13, with a strong close anchored by Christian metalcore bands like Blindside, Embodyment, Hopesfall, Luti-Kriss (later known as Norma Jean), Codeseven, Crucible, and Legends of Rodeo, reinforcing the festival's role in spotlighting faith-infused heavy music.

2001

The second edition of Furnace Fest occurred from August 2 to 4, 2001, at the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark in Birmingham, Alabama, expanding to a three-day event with over 50 acts across punk, hardcore, metalcore, and related genres. The opened on Thursday, August 2, featuring punk and hardcore openers such as , setting a high-energy tone for the emerging scene. Friday, August 3, showcased mid-bill performances, including sets from , which drew crowds with their intense, sound. The event culminated on Saturday, August 4, with headlining acts like Converge, Zao, and delivering powerful closing performances that underscored the festival's blend of aggressive and faith-influenced metalcore. Attendance reached approximately 3,000, marking significant growth from the inaugural year and revealing early logistical challenges as the event scaled to accommodate larger crowds.

2002

The third edition of Furnace Fest occurred from August 1 to 3, 2002, spanning three days at the in . This year introduced a significant structural innovation with the debut of two stages—a Main Stage inside the historic furnaces and a Side Stage outdoors—enabling parallel performances and accommodating over 100 bands across the weekend, with sets beginning as early as 10 a.m. daily.) Thursday, August 1, emphasized and openers, highlighting the festival's roots in the underground scene with acts such as Curl Up and Die, Codeseven, Haste, Taken, and delivering raw, emotional sets that drew enthusiastic early crowds despite the intense summer heat. Friday, August 2, featured a diverse array of key acts blending , hardcore, and emerging rock influences, including Avenged Sevenfold's heavy anthems, The Dillinger Escape Plan's chaotic intensity with elements like fire-breathing during their performance, Blindside's melodic aggression, and 's high-octane party rock closer that bridged the gap between hardcore purists and broader audiences. Saturday, August 3, built to a climactic finish with prominent closers such as Further Seems Forever's indie emo-rock energy, Underoath's dynamic , Zao's nerve-wracking finale (billed at the time as a potential last performance before the band's later reformation), and Eso-Charis's reunion set, which added nostalgic appeal for fans of early 2000s . The event drew thousands of attendees, underscoring its expanding regional draw within the hardcore and metal scenes. The dual-stage format enhanced production logistics, allowing smoother transitions and better overall flow amid the humid conditions.

2003

The 2003 edition of Furnace Fest occurred from August 15 to 17 at in , representing the festival's final year in its original run and the first under the stewardship of Anxiety Records. Owned by Shannon Schlappi, the label had acquired the event's rights from founder earlier that year, shifting production to , Missouri-based operations while maintaining the event's focus on hardcore, , and punk acts across multiple stages. The opening day on Friday, August 15, emphasized openers, with performances by As I Lay Dying, , , and drawing crowds to the industrial venue's stages amid a packed schedule of over 20 bands. Saturday, August 16, highlighted Stretch Arm Strong's set, which tied into the promotion of their third studio album Engage, released that year on Records; the band's performance as a headliner underscored the 's role in amplifying new releases within the scene. Other notable acts included , , and . The closing day on Sunday, August 17, featured headliners Hum and on the main stage, alongside sets from , , and Comeback Kid, attracting peak daily attendance estimated in the thousands despite logistical challenges. However, the event resulted in significant financial shortfalls for organizers, exacerbated by rising costs and venue constraints, foreshadowing the sustainability issues that prompted the festival's hiatus after this edition.

2021

The 2021 edition of Furnace Fest, held from September 24 to 26 at the National Historical Landmark in , represented a cautious return after an 18-year hiatus amid the . The three-day event featured approximately 90 acts across three stages, with attendance capped to comply with health guidelines and venue limitations. Organizers implemented strict pandemic protocols, requiring proof of full or a negative test within 72 hours of entry for all attendees, while emphasizing the fully outdoor setting to minimize risks. Friday, September 24, opened the festival with a lineup blending and influences, headlined by and supported by openers such as Converge, , Zao, Walls of Jericho, With Honor, and . The day's performances evoked strong for early-2000s scenes, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager for live music after extended pandemic restrictions. Saturday, September 25, continued the momentum with as the headliner, alongside acts like , , and . However, cancelled their scheduled appearance last-minute due to conflicting tour commitments, contributing to a series of adjustments. The day highlighted the festival's emphasis on and hardcore reunions, amplifying the nostalgic atmosphere for veteran fans. Sunday, September 26, concluded the event with stepping in as closers, filling slots left by the last-minute cancellations of —due to extenuating circumstances—and , who withdrew the day prior for reasons beyond organizers' control; was elevated to close one stage in response. Overall attendance hovered around 5,000 per day, underscoring the high nostalgia factor as attendees celebrated rare performances from influential early-2000s bands. Notable challenges included multiple cancellations, such as , '68, , and , primarily stemming from international travel restrictions and logistical hurdles in the post-pandemic landscape.

2022

The 2022 edition of Furnace Fest occurred from September 23 to 25 at the in , marking the second year of the festival's revival. The event expanded to three stages—the Baked Brothers Stage, Plug Your Holes Stage, and the main Wheelhouse Stage—to host over 90 acts spanning , , , and punk genres, allowing for simultaneous performances and broader scheduling flexibility. This structure supported a more dynamic experience, building on the revival's momentum with enhanced production elements. On Friday, September 23, the lineup featured headliners , who performed their 2000 album The Illusion of Safety in full for its 20th anniversary, alongside New Found Glory, , , and on the Wheelhouse Stage. Additional acts across stages included Movements, , Norma Jean, , and Midtown, whose reunion set drew significant fan enthusiasm. Crossfaith was scheduled but cancelled and replaced by One Step Closer due to unforeseen circumstances. Saturday, September 24, highlighted the long-awaited reunion of as headliners on the Wheelhouse Stage, joined by , (performing Control in full), and Blindside (playing Silence). Other notable performances included Poison the Well, Elliott (delivering False Cathedrals in full), , and , emphasizing fan-favorite returns and album tributes. Most Precious Blood had been slated to appear but withdrew due to a work-related conflict. The festival concluded on Sunday, September 25, with and closing the Wheelhouse Stage, accompanied by acts such as The Story So Far, In Flames, American Nightmare, and . was among the minor cancellations earlier in the weekend. The event attracted approximately 8,000 attendees on the final day, reflecting strong interest in the reunions and diverse billing, with reports noting smooth operations and positive logistical adjustments from the prior year.

2023

The 2023 edition of Furnace Fest occurred from September 22 to 24 at the in , marking the third year of the festival's revival with a three-day structure across multiple stages, including the main Wheelhouse Stage, the Plug Your Holes Stage (Shed), and the Baked Brothers Stage (Pond). The event featured a diverse billing of 87 acts spanning punk, , hardcore, and metal genres, emphasizing a mix of reunited legacy bands and contemporary performers to appeal to a broad audience within the alternative music scene. Friday, September 22, kicked off the weekend with punk icons headlining the main stage, supported by hardcore heavyweights , alongside emo staples and , setting a high-energy tone with sets that blended nostalgic anthems and aggressive breakdowns. The day's programming highlighted the festival's punk-leaning diversification, drawing early crowds eager for the intimate venue's industrial backdrop. Saturday, September 23, showcased as a top-billed act on the main stage, delivering their signature hardcore-punk fusion to packed audiences, with additional highlights from , , , , and ; however, Norwegian progressive metal band was forced to cancel their scheduled performance due to unforeseen visa delays, prompting organizers to reschedule Trash Talk's set to the stage as a last-minute adjustment. This change sparked some attendee disappointment but underscored the event's adaptive community spirit. The festival closed on Sunday, September 24, with hardcore legends Bane and punk veterans Pennywise co-headlining, joined by post-hardcore closers La Dispute for an emotionally charged finale that encapsulated the weekend's intensity, amid reports of approximately 10,000 total attendees reflecting the event's growing draw. Notable for further broadening its punk representation through acts like H2O and , the 2023 installment received strong community acclaim for its welcoming vibe and seamless production, fostering lasting connections among fans.

2024

The 2024 edition of Furnace Fest occurred over three days from October 4 to 6 at the in , expanding to its largest scale yet with more than 90 bands performing across three stages. Promoted under the "End of an Era" banner, the event celebrated the festival's revival trajectory by prioritizing nostalgic reunions and rare appearances from seminal acts in the hardcore, , and scenes, while incorporating emerging talent to bridge generational divides. On Friday, October 4, the lineup kicked off with high-energy sets from influential hardcore groups, headlined by on the main stage, alongside Coalesce and Bane delivering intense, crowd-mobilizing performances that underscored the festival's roots in aggressive, community-driven music. , October 5, featured a diverse array of acts blending progressive and elements, with closing the night; standout reunions included Poison the Well's full set from their early catalog, as well as performances by Norma Jean, The Fall of Troy, and H2O, which drew fervent responses from longtime fans. The concluded on Sunday, October 6, with headlining a reflective finale, supported by and , among others, as the event attracted thousands of attendees amid emotional tributes to its legacy. Notable highlights encompassed multiple reunions—such as those by The Juliana Theory and —emphasizing the "End of an Era" theme, though organizers surprised the community in November 2024 by announcing a 2025 extension to continue the tradition.

2025

The 25th anniversary edition of Furnace Fest occurred from October 3 to 5, 2025, at the in , featuring three days of performances across multiple stages including the Main Stage, Shed Stage, and Pond Stage. Organizers implemented accessibility-focused pricing by rolling back ticket costs to early-bird levels, reducing three-day passes to around $200 to counteract industry-wide sales declines and promote inclusivity for a wider . On Friday, October 3, headlined the Main Stage, delivering a set that closed the day with their signature emo-rock anthems, while the lineup included notable acts such as , , , , and Comeback Kid across stages. The Shed Stage featured Kublai Khan TX as its closer, with supporting performances from Drain and emphasizing hardcore intensity. Saturday, October 4, saw topping the Main Stage bill, bringing their energy to a crowd-favorite slot, alongside acts like , , , and Zao, blending punk, metal, and alternative rock. Counterparts headlined the Shed Stage, supported by and , highlighting the festival's roots in heavy music subgenres. The event concluded on Sunday, October 5, with serving as Main Stage headliners, delivering a high-energy performance that capped the weekend, joined by Converge, , Norma Jean, and Citizen. Foundation closed the Shed Stage, with Biohazard and Harm's Way contributing to the day's aggressive lineup, while the Pond Stage spotlighted Citizen's emotive set. The festival showcased a diverse array of performers spanning emo, punk, hardcore, and metal, including on Saturday, Biohazard and Boundaries on Sunday, reflecting its commitment to genre-blending curation. It drew a record attendance of approximately 8,000 per day, totaling around 24,000 visits over the three days. Milestone celebrations marked the occasion, with the 25th anniversary honored through special sets like Comeback Kid's tribute to the 20th anniversary of Wake the Dead and Norma Jean commemorating 20 years of O' God, the Aftermath. Following the event, organizers announced the festival's return in 2026, ensuring its continuation.

References

  1. https://www.musicfestivalwizard.com/festivals/furnace-fest-2025/
  2. https://www.stereogum.com/2300448/furnace-fest-announces-2025-lineup/news/
  3. https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/furnace-fest-founder-grateful-to-bring-festival-back-amidst-challenging-economic-times/
  4. https://www.altpress.com/furnace-fest-chad-johnson-interview/
  5. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/coalesce-reunite-for-first-time-in-12-years-playing-furnace-fest/
  6. https://wbhm.org/2025/birminghams-furnace-fest-celebrates-big-milestone-and-new-beginnings/
  7. https://www.jambase.com/festival/furnace-fest-2025
  8. https://bhamnow.com/2025/10/09/furnace-fest-rocked-birminghams-sloss-furnaces-once-again-festival-to-return-in-2026/
  9. https://theriffreport.co.uk/25/08/2025/furnace-fest-the-fire-that-wont-go-out-%25F0%259F%258F%25AD%25F0%259F%2594%25A5%25F0%259F%258E%25B8/
  10. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/furnace-fest-2025-lineup-knocked-loose-jimmy-eat-world-texas-is-the-reason-converge-foundation-more/
  11. https://heavensmetalmagazine.com/index.php/2025/08/27/breakdowns-on-the-ballot-christian-metal-crashes-furnace-fest-2025/
  12. https://chorus.fm/blog/on-community-nostalgia-and-attending-furnace-fest/
  13. https://www.iamtunedup.com/furnace-fest-2021-reflection/
  14. https://den.mercer.edu/research-project-examines-mental-health-of-revived-music-festival-community/
  15. https://www.andrewmallphd.com/extras/iaspm-us-2024
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  17. https://www.furnacefest.us/
  18. https://www.slossfurnaces.org/history
  19. https://acceleratenetzero.com/what-is-furnace-fest-look-america-s-premier-heavy-music/
  20. https://www.al.com/life-and-culture/erry-2018/07/761e62374a438/rain-and-sloss-fest-a-lovehate.html
  21. https://www.slossfurnaces.org/events
  22. https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-Sloss_Furnaces_National_Historic_Landmark-Birmingham_AL-site_18081625-1675
  23. https://maxtransit.org/route-28-south-east-lake/
  24. https://newnoisemagazine.com/interviews/hot-hot-hot-furnace-fest-organizers-talk-2022-lineup/
  25. https://www.discogs.com/label/514646-Anxiety-Records-2
  26. https://www.instagram.com/p/C43AhMSAyCP/?hl=en
  27. https://www.al.com/life/2021/03/furnace-fest-was-21-years-in-the-making-its-surreal.html
  28. https://newsroom.sennheiser.com/sennheiser-gear-survives-the-pit-furnace-fest-2025-relies-on-durability-and-clarity-for-high-energy-audio
  29. https://www.allen-heath.com/allen-heath-rocks-furnace-fest-2021/
  30. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOPKFmmD3Fd/
  31. https://newnoisemagazine.com/reviews/festival-review-furnace-fest-2023/
  32. https://www.al.com/coronavirus/2021/08/alabama-music-festival-to-require-negative-covid-tests-for-unvaccinated-ticketholders.html
  33. https://lambgoat.com/news/34567/furnace-fest-to-require-vaccination-or-negative-test/
  34. https://lambgoat.com/news/49226/furnace-fest-announce-reduction-in-tickets-prices-for-2025-to-avoid-cancelling-the-weekend-entirely/
  35. https://www.instagram.com/furnacefest/p/DAwi03WJWwJ/?hl=en
  36. https://www.facebook.com/groups/462839947714853/
  37. https://furnacefestcommunity.com/
  38. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPjL5-ZkRx5/
  39. https://www.facebook.com/wearefurnacefest/posts/there-isnt-much-else-to-say-at-the-end-of-the-day-were-just-a-handful-of-friends/1558673628441786/
  40. https://www.plough.com/en/topics/culture/music/the-death-and-life-of-christian-hardcore
  41. https://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Takehold_Records
  42. https://www.indievisionmusic.com/news/furnace-fest-returns-for-huge-event-in-2020/
  43. https://www.theprp.com/2020/06/01/news/furnace-fest-delayed-to-2021-from-autumn-to-ashes-zao-among-first-bands-to-reconfirm/
  44. https://www.facebook.com/wearefurnacefest/photos/furnace-fest-family-thank-you-for-being-patient-with-us-in-this-season-as-much-a/655844308302624/
  45. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/furnace-fest-full-lineup-midtown-thrice-mastodon-descendents-avail-manchester-orchestra-more/
  46. https://www.theprp.com/2023/09/24/news/2024-furnace-fest-to-mark-the-end-of-an-era/
  47. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/furnace-fest-will-in-fact-return-in-2025/
  48. https://www.metalsucks.net/2025/10/06/furnace-fest-still-not-dead-confirmed-for-2026/
  49. https://grooveist.com/lineups/furnace-fest-2000-lineup/
  50. https://talkradiowzzn.com/local-events?_evDiscoveryPath=/event/106602349n-drain-furnace-fest-2025
  51. https://loudwire.com/furnace-fest-comeback-after-end-era/
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  53. https://guestpectacular.com/artists/zao/events/2000-08-11/united-states/birmingham/sloss-furnaces
  54. https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/overcome-5bd7f778.html
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  84. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/furnace-fest-reveals-full-2023-lineup-turnstile-bane-hatebreed-trash-talk-thursday-much-more/
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  86. https://bhamnow.com/2024/03/20/furnace-fest-drops-lineup-for-2024-festival-the-end-of-an-era/
  87. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/furnace-fest-2024-set-times-underoath-coheed-tui-coalesce-saosin-bane-poison-the-well-more/
  88. https://www.jambase.com/festival/furnace-fest-2024
  89. https://bhamnow.com/2024/11/21/furnace-fest-announces-it-will-return-to-sloss-furnaces-in-2025/
  90. https://www.metalsucks.net/2025/09/06/furnace-fest-2025-daily-schedule-and-set-times-released/
  91. https://www.reddit.com/r/Hardcore/comments/1mxcf7z/furnace_fest_announce_reduction_in_tickets_prices/
  92. https://lambgoat.com/news/49461/furnace-fest-2025-announce-daily-set-times-and-schedule/
  93. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/boundaries/2025/sloss-furnaces-birmingham-al-4b58ef8e.html
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