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Rocklahoma
Rocklahoma
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Rocklahoma
Sebastian Bach performing at Rocklahoma 2008
Genre
Dates
  • May
  • July
LocationsPryor, Oklahoma, U.S.
Years active
  • 2007–2019
  • 2021–present
FoundersMark Nuessle
Websiterocklahoma.com

Rocklahoma is an annual 3-day hard rock and metal festival held in Pryor, Oklahoma.[2] The festival features 3 official stages, as well as many unofficial campground parties and performing acts and onsite vendors. There were an estimated 100,000 people (about 30,000 per day) at the first annual Rocklahoma held in 2007.[3] The Third Annual Rocklahoma had over seventy bands on four stages, including favorites from previous Rocklahoma festivals, Beautiful Creatures, LA Guns featuring Tracii Guns, Bang Tango, Lillian Axe, Gypsy Pistoleros and Faster Pussycat. Included on the side stages are bands from all over Europe. Coffee table books for Rocklahoma 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 have been published and are available on the web.

Rocklahoma saw 2020 get deferred to 2021, when it resumed.

Lineups

[edit]

2007

[edit]
Faster Pussycat playing at Rocklahoma 2007

There were approximately eight bands playing per day for four days at Rocklahoma 2007. These bands were as follows:[4]

Thursday, July 12

Friday, July 13

Saturday, July 14

Sunday, July 15

2008

[edit]

Thursday, July 10[6]

Friday, July 11

Friday, July 12

Saturday, July 13

2009

[edit]

Thursday, July 9

A screening of Anvil! The Story of Anvil was shown after Anthrax.[10]

Friday, July 10

Saturday, July 11

Sunday, July 12

2010

[edit]

Friday, May 28[11]

Saturday, May 29

Sunday, May 30

2011

[edit]

Friday, May 27[12]

Saturday, May 28

Sunday, May 29

2012

[edit]

Friday, May 25

Saturday, May 26

Sunday, May 27

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Rocklahoma is an annual multi-day and festival held at the Rockin' Red Dirt Ranch Festival Grounds in Pryor, . Founded in by Pryor Creek Music Festivals, it has grown into one of the largest rock events in the United States, drawing over 75,000 attendees in recent years for live performances by prominent bands, extensive camping options, and a vibrant party atmosphere. The festival emphasizes fan engagement through multiple stages, vendor villages, and community initiatives like drives and veteran support programs. Originally scheduled over weekend since its inception, Rocklahoma shifted to weekend beginning in 2021 due to uncertainties from the , a change that has since become permanent. The event typically spans three days with camping grounds opening earlier to allow for pre-festival activities, accommodating all ages while requiring passes for entry. Lineups feature a mix of established headliners and emerging acts in the rock genre, with the 2025 edition—for example, performances by , , , , and 311—exemplifying its focus on high-energy rock spectacles. Beyond , the fosters a sense of community, with onsite amenities like food vendors, merchandise, and interactive experiences that contribute to its reputation as "America's Biggest Weekend Party."

History

Founding

Rocklahoma was founded in 2007 by Mark Nuessle, the general manager and president of Pryor Creek Music Festivals, as a dedicated hard rock and metal music festival aimed at filling a gap for a major rock event in the American heartland. Nuessle envisioned the event as a celebration of rock music that would resonate particularly with fans in the central United States, drawing inspiration from the region's strong affinity for the genre and the lack of large-scale festivals in the area. The inaugural edition took place from July 12 to 15, 2007, at the Catch the Fever Festival Grounds in Pryor, Oklahoma, marking a four-day event structured around multiple stages. It featured approximately eight bands per day, emphasizing a mix of classic hard rock and metal acts alongside emerging talent to appeal to a broad audience of enthusiasts. The first Rocklahoma proved an immediate success, attracting nearly 100,000 attendees overall—about 30,000 per day—many traveling from across the United States to experience the festival's vibrant atmosphere and lineup. This turnout underscored the event's rapid appeal and established it as a key destination for rock fans in the heartland.

Growth and changes

Following its successful debut in 2007, which drew an estimated 100,000 attendees over four days, Rocklahoma experienced steady expansion in the subsequent years, evolving from a niche rock event into a major regional festival. In 2010, under new production by AEG Live, the festival shifted from its previous multi-day format—typically four or five days in earlier editions—to a streamlined three-day structure to enhance accessibility and align with the Memorial Day weekend, avoiding the peak summer heat in Oklahoma. This adjustment facilitated larger daily crowds and positioned the event as a kickoff to the summer festival season. Attendance figures reflected this growth trajectory, with the 2011 edition setting a then-record of over 35,000 total fans across the three days, surpassing previous years' totals and signaling broader appeal. By 2019, the festival reached its pre-pandemic peak, attracting more than 77,000 attendees and solidifying its status as Oklahoma's largest music event. Operational enhancements contributed to this rise, including upgrades to the festival grounds such as improved stage layouts for better crowd flow and reduced congestion, which were implemented around this period to accommodate surging numbers. These changes also introduced more family-friendly elements, transforming the event into a multi-generational gathering with options that fostered a communal atmosphere, drawing attendees from across as a vacation destination. The festival's expansion had a notable economic on the host city of Pryor, boosting local by attracting visitors from neighboring states and beyond, filling hotels, restaurants, and shops during the event. Organizers reported generating over $25 million in annual revenue for the area, underscoring Rocklahoma's role in stimulating the regional economy. However, this momentum was halted in 2020 when the event was postponed to 2021 due to the , adhering to guidelines and allowing ticket transfers or refunds for affected buyers.

Recent developments

After the cancellation of its 2020 edition due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rocklahoma resumed in 2021, shifting from its traditional Memorial Day weekend slot to Labor Day weekend (September 3–5) at the Pryor Creek Music Festival Grounds in Pryor, Oklahoma. This adjustment allowed the festival to proceed with enhanced health measures, including encouragement of vaccinations and face masks, while maintaining its core camping and multi-day format. The event has since solidified its Labor Day timing in select years, drawing strong attendance that reflects its sustained appeal from pre-2020 growth; for instance, the 2023 edition attracted over 70,000 fans across the September 1–3 weekend. By 2025 (August 29–31), attendance reached nearly 77,000, underscoring the festival's recovery and enduring draw as a premier rock gathering. In April 2024, Rocklahoma was acquired by (DWP), the largest independent live event producer in the United States, which integrated it into its portfolio of major U.S. festivals like and , with promises of elevated production values and expanded resources. However, by December 2024, ownership reverted to the original founders under Pryor Creek Music Festivals, restoring direct management just eight months after the acquisition and ensuring continuity in the event's independent spirit. To address modern challenges, Rocklahoma has implemented enhanced safety protocols, including a clear bag policy, elevated security measures, and strict campground procedures such as designated pedestrian walkways and streamlined check-ins to prioritize attendee safety. The festival shares its venue with the country-focused Born & Raised event, produced by the same organizers at Pryor Creek Music Festival Grounds, enabling efficient site management and resource sharing between the rock and country festivals held seasonally at the location. While specific sustainability initiatives remain limited in public documentation, efforts include partnerships for recyclable hydration options to support environmental responsibility during the multi-day camping experience. Rocklahoma continues to hold its position as a leading and metal , attracting international acts and preserving its signature tradition that fosters a communal atmosphere for tens of thousands of fans annually.

Organization and format

Organizers

Rocklahoma was founded in 2007 by Mark Nuessle, who served as president of Pryor Creek Music Festivals (PCMF), the company that independently produced and managed the event for its first 17 years. Nuessle, alongside Dave Giencke and their spouses Bev Nuessle and Sharon Giencke, oversaw all aspects of the 's operations during this period, emphasizing a rock-focused tailored to fans of and metal genres. In April 2024, PCMF sold Rocklahoma to (DWP), the largest independent live event producer in the United States, which then managed the festival's production for that year. Under DWP, led by CEO Danny Hayes, the company took responsibility for talent booking, marketing, and overall logistics, while retaining key PCMF personnel like Giencke for continuity. This partnership introduced expanded VIP packages, including enhanced options and premium fan experiences, alongside curated lineups that drew from DWP's network of sister events such as . By December 2024, PCMF, under Nuessle and Giencke's leadership, regained full ownership and control of , resuming direct management for the 2025 edition and beyond. Throughout both phases, organizers have prioritized fan-centric production elements, such as coordinated onsite camping for thousands and efficient vendor management to support the festival's immersive atmosphere.

Venue

Rocklahoma takes place at the Rockin' Red Dirt Ranch, formerly known as the Catch the Fever Festival Grounds, situated 4 miles north of Pryor, Oklahoma, along U.S. Highway 69. The venue's address is 1421 West 450 Road, Pryor, OK 74361, with geographic coordinates of 36°21′50″N 95°16′41″W. Positioned approximately 45 miles northeast of Tulsa, the site offers accessible entry points for regional visitors traveling by car. The expansive grounds support for thousands, featuring over 3,500 designated campsites that accommodate tents, RVs, and vehicles, with options for general admission and VIP areas. Access to the venue occurs via County Road W 450, where attendees proceed east from Highway 69 to designated gates for parking, , and concert entry. The site's layout includes dedicated zones for these activities, promoting a self-contained environment. Key infrastructure comprises three official stages—the main Freedom Stage, the secondary Renegade Stage, and the smaller The Roadhouse—alongside vendor areas for food, merchandise, and services. Unofficial parties in the campgrounds add to the communal atmosphere. Over the years, enhancements to amenities, features, and site maintenance, including drainage systems, have improved functionality and attendee comfort. The venue can host up to 77,000 people, as demonstrated by record attendance in recent events.

Event structure

Rocklahoma is an annual three-day held over a weekend, typically in late May during weekend or late August to early September during weekend, with performances spanning through and an optional pre-party at the Roadhouse. Gates open daily around 11 a.m., allowing early access for attendees to settle in, explore the grounds, and prepare for the day's events, while setups can begin as early as the preceding . The festival features three main stages hosting overlapping sets from more than 40 bands, creating a dynamic environment where attendees must choose between simultaneous performances. Programming begins in the mid-afternoon, with opening acts starting around 2 p.m., building to evening headliner slots that typically conclude by , ensuring a full day of continuous . Beyond the stages, the event includes vendor markets offering merchandise and festival gear, food trucks serving a variety of meals, and after-hours campground parties that extend the rock atmosphere into the night. Attendee options include general admission (GA) passes providing access to all stages and the campground, as well as VIP and GA+ packages that offer enhanced perks such as expedited entry, reserved seating in premium viewing areas, pit access near the main stage, private bars, and dedicated shower facilities. is available as an optional add-on to multi-day passes, with primitive sites measuring 20 feet by 40 feet accommodating up to six people per site, promoting a communal vibe through shared spaces and ongoing social gatherings, though it is not required for festival entry. The venue's capacity supports large-scale for over 30,000 attendees, enabling an immersive, extended-stay experience. Unique to Rocklahoma is its focus on and metal genres, showcasing a mix of international artists and reunion performances alongside established acts, all within an all-ages format that welcomes families. This structure emphasizes a high-energy, community-driven environment where music, camping, and vendor interactions blend seamlessly over the weekend.

Lineups

2007–2012

The inaugural Rocklahoma in 2007 showcased over 30 bands across four days, with headliners including , , and , drawing on a revival of to celebrate 's foundational era. Other notable acts like , Warrant, and reinforced this focus on legacy hair metal bands, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that resonated with fans of the genre's peak years. In 2008, the lineup shifted slightly toward broader metal roots while maintaining the glam emphasis, headlined by , Tesla, and , alongside reunions such as Kix and . Performances by Warrant, , and highlighted the festival's commitment to icons, blending high-energy sets with audience sing-alongs to classic anthems. The 2009 edition introduced thematic elements, including a screening of the documentary Anvil! The Story of Anvil, and featured headliners like , , and , with a dedicated "Metal Day" spotlighting acts such as Saxon, Overkill, and . Additional performers including , Warrant, and continued the pattern of honoring enduring metal and glam influences, while side stages hosted emerging tributes and undercard bands. By 2010, the festival transitioned to Memorial Day weekend and diversified its artist selection, headlined by , Godsmack, and , incorporating and modern alongside legacy names like Tesla and . Acts such as Chevelle, , and signaled an evolution toward and , appealing to a wider demographic of rock enthusiasts. The 2011 lineup marked a peak in blending eras, with headliners Mötley Crüe, , and , complemented by nu-metal and active rock staples like , , and . Supporting acts including Skillet, , and underscored the festival's growing emphasis on high-production contemporary , while Poison's return maintained ties to its glam origins. In 2012, the selection leaned further into heavy and industrial influences, headlined by , , and , with metal heavyweights like , Slash, and joining modern acts such as Chevelle and . Performers like and added rising stars in the female-fronted and thrash revival scenes, enhancing the event's dynamic range. Overall, the 2007–2012 period established Rocklahoma's identity through a strategic mix of legacy 1980s glam and metal acts with emerging nu-metal and alternative rock performers, fostering genre diversity and building a loyal fanbase around hard rock's evolving landscape. This progression from pure revivalism to inclusive programming laid the groundwork for the festival's expansion, prioritizing high-impact draws that balanced nostalgia with current relevance.

2013–2019

The 2013 edition of Rocklahoma featured headliners , , and Korn, alongside supporting acts including Bush, , , , and Skillet. Daily lineups were revealed in advance, allowing attendees better planning for the Memorial Day weekend event at Pryor Creek Music Festival Grounds. In 2014, the festival shifted toward a blend of 1990s and modern metal with headliners , , and , supported by acts such as , , Motörhead, , and . This year highlighted the festival's appeal to fans of both classic revival and contemporary heavy sounds. The 2015 lineup emphasized nu-metal and thrash influences, headlined by , Godsmack, and , with additional performers including Tesla, , , , , Queensrÿche, and . The billing continued the trend of attracting arena-level acts from the 2000s metal scene. Rocklahoma 2016 marked the festival's 10th anniversary, boasting headliners Scorpions, Disturbed, and , joined by , , Chevelle, , Sixx:A.M., and . The diverse selection underscored the event's maturation, balancing legacy rock icons with active metal staples. For 2017, the focus turned to and , with , , and as headliners, complemented by , , , The Cult, Skillet, and . Daily schedules were announced to optimize attendee experiences across the three stages. The 2018 edition brought alternative and hard rock heavyweights, headlined by , Godsmack, and , featuring , The Cult, , , , , and I Prevail. This year exemplified the festival's evolution by incorporating first-time performers alongside enduring favorites. Rocklahoma 2019 achieved record attendance, headlined by , Disturbed, and , with Bush, , , , Skillet, and among the supporting acts. Daily lineups were publicized early, reflecting improved organization for the growing crowds. Throughout this period, Rocklahoma demonstrated maturation by consistently booking global arena acts, blending legacy reunions like Guns N' Roses and Ozzy Osbourne with active metal bands such as Five Finger Death Punch and Disturbed, solidifying its status as a premier hard rock destination.

2021–present

Rocklahoma returned in 2021 after the cancellation of its 2020 edition due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a post-pandemic revival with a lineup headlined by Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, and Rob Zombie. The festival, held September 3–5 at Pryor Creek Music Festival Grounds, featured supporting acts such as Chevelle, Halestorm, Anthrax, Falling in Reverse, Sevendust, and Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, emphasizing a mix of nu-metal, hard rock, and metalcore influences from the early 2000s alongside contemporary performers. The 2022 lineup anchored around Korn, , and , with additional headliners , , , and , blending rap-rock, , and thrash elements during the September 2–4 event. Notable supporting bands included , Skillet, , and P.O.D., highlighting the festival's focus on high-energy, arena-ready acts with broad appeal in the rock and metal genres. In 2023, Rocklahoma shifted to weekend (September 1–3) and showcased the reformed alongside Godsmack, , and as headliners, drawing significant attention for the Pantera reunion featuring and with and . The bill also included Bush, Chevelle, Corey Taylor's solo project, Ministry, and , incorporating a range of , industrial, and styles. Following ' acquisition of the in April 2024, the event's lineup debuted under new ownership with , Disturbed, and Slipknot leading the August 30–September 1 performances, joined by , , , and . Supporting acts like , , , , and underscored a emphasis on , , and veteran thrash influences. The 2025 edition, scheduled for August 29–31 and featuring over 40 acts, is headlined by , , and , with , , and as key draws in a lineup that also includes 311, The Darkness, , and . This selection continues the festival's tradition of prioritizing active touring bands while incorporating classic and elements. Throughout this period, has maintained a dominant presence, headlining or co-headlining in 2022 and 2025, reflecting their consistent draw in modern . Rap-rock crossovers like (2021, 2023) and (2022) have persisted, alongside an increased inclusion of female-fronted acts such as (recurring in 2021 and 2024) and (2022, 2024), enhancing genre diversity within the core rock and metal framework.

References

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