Metallica M72 Sonic Temple 2025: The Ultimate Guide for Fans Attending the Festival

Are you ready for a legendary experience? Metallica is bringing their groundbreaking M72 World Tour to the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival 2025 in Columbus, Ohio—and fans can expect nothing less than metal history in the making. Whether you’re a lifelong Metallica fan or discovering the festival for the first time, this complete guide covers everything you need to know before heading to Sonic Temple 2025.

Overview of Metallica at Sonic Temple 2025

Metallica will headline two separate nights of the 2025 Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, making it one of the most anticipated live rock events of the year. The festival runs from May 8 to May 11, 2025, at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Metallica is set to perform on Friday, May 9, and Sunday, May 11, delivering their signature “No Repeat Weekend” sets.

What Is the “No Repeat Weekend”?

Metallica’s “No Repeat Weekend” means the band will play two completely different setlists over two nights—zero repeat songs. This exclusive format gives fans the chance to experience over 30 different Metallica songs if they attend both nights. From early classics like “Seek & Destroy” to newer hits like “Lux Æterna”, this is the ultimate showcase of the band’s vast catalog.

Full Lineup and Headliners

While Metallica headlines Friday and Sunday, the Sonic Temple lineup is stacked with over 100 artists across four major stages. Expect diverse performances covering alternative, metal, punk, and hard rock. Here’s a taste of the festival’s major acts:

Friday, May 9: Metallica, Rob Zombie, Evanescence, Bad Omens, Sum 41, Seether
Saturday, May 10: Korn, Sleeping With Sirens, Tech N9ne, Theory of a Deadman
Sunday, May 11: Metallica, Alice In Chains, Mudvayne, In This Moment, Kerry King
Special Guests: Highly Suspect, Daughtry, From Ashes to New, and more

The festival’s headliners—Metallica, Linkin Park (featuring new guest vocalists), and Korn—make this edition of Sonic Temple one of the strongest lineups in years.

Venue: Historic Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

The venue, Historic Crew Stadium, is one of the most iconic outdoor stadiums in the Midwest and a perfect setting for a rock music explosion. It offers tiered seating, wide concourses, and spacious fields, giving every fan the room to rock out comfortably.

Why Columbus?

Columbus has become a hotbed for rock festivals and alternative music culture. With its central location, affordable accommodations, and vibrant nightlife, it’s the ideal backdrop for a four-day music experience.

Ticket Types and Pricing

There are several pass options for fans planning their Metallica M72 Sonic Temple experience. From General Admission to VIP experiences, you can tailor your weekend to your budget and comfort needs.

Available Pass Options

4-Day GA Field and Stadium Pass
Access to all festival stages with general admission standing room or stadium seats.
2-Day GA (Friday and Sunday)
Ideal for Metallica fans who want to catch both performances without staying the whole weekend.
VIP Packages
Includes express entry, exclusive viewing areas, shaded lounges, premium restrooms, and more.
Rock Royalty Reserved Seating
For fans who want the best views and perks including exclusive gifts and VIP lounge access.
Camping, RV, and Hotel Bundles
For those looking to stay on-site or close to the action with shuttle service and perks.

Pro Tip: Tickets are selling fast, especially the Metallica combo passes (Friday and Sunday). Secure yours early to avoid disappointment.

Exclusive Fan Experiences and Attractions

Sonic Temple 2025 isn’t just about the music. It’s a full-blown rock and lifestyle experience, and Metallica is bringing some signature elements of their M72 World Tour along for the ride.

BLACKENED Whiskey and Burger Bar

This isn’t just any food and drink station—BLACKENED Whiskey is Metallica’s very own brand, created in collaboration with Master Distiller Rob Dietrich. At Sonic Temple, you’ll find special whiskey tastings and Metallica-themed gourmet burgers by celebrity chef Chris Santos.

The Dive Bar

A fan-favorite activation from past Metallica events, The Dive Bar is back. Step inside for an immersive, grungy rock experience filled with themed cocktails, memorabilia, and Metallica easter eggs.

Live Art Program

Sonic Temple’s live art gallery will showcase murals, sculptures, and graffiti from world-renowned artists like:

Terry Urban
Jay Howell
Monster Steve
Lamour Supreme
AWAL

Many of the pieces will be inspired by Metallica’s music and legacy, making for excellent photo ops and merch.

Hotels, Camping and Transportation

Nearby Hotels

Official hotel packages through Jampack offer reserved rooms close to the venue with added benefits like free breakfast, shuttle service, and early check-in. These bundles are ideal for fans flying in or those unfamiliar with Columbus.

On-site Camping and RV

While premium RV spots and deluxe camping packages have already sold out, standard camping passes were still available as of the last update. These sell quickly due to high demand from out-of-state attendees.

Parking and Shuttle Info

General Parking Pass: Still available but likely to sell out soon
Shuttle Service: Provided with VIP and hotel packages
Drop-off Zones: Designated for rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft

Official Merchandise and M72 Gear

Fans attending Sonic Temple will have access to exclusive Metallica M72 merchandise, including:

Limited-edition Sonic Temple T-shirts with Metallica artwork
Festival posters and tour date tees
M72-themed hoodies, hats, patches, and accessories
Collectible vinyl and deluxe box sets

Insider Tip: Merch sells out fast—buy early in the day before sets begin.

Livestream, Setlists and Surprises

Though there’s no official livestream confirmed, the M72 Tour is known for being one of the most well-documented concert series in metal history. Metallica often releases:

Setlists after every show on their website
Official recap videos on YouTube
Limited recordings for sale on their LiveMetallica platform

Expect setlist favorites like:

Master of Puppets
Battery
Sad But True
Lux Æterna
Moth Into Flame
One
Seek and Destroy

Surprise covers and deep cuts are also likely, especially for their “no repeat” sets.

Tips for Attending Sonic Temple 2025

Here are some must-know tips to make the most of your Metallica weekend:

Stay Hydrated: Free water refill stations will be available
Download the Festival App: Set schedule reminders, get updates, and view the map
Arrive Early for Metallica Nights: Expect long entry lines and packed stages
Use Ear Protection: Especially for younger fans or those close to the stage
Bring a Portable Phone Charger: There’s a lot to record and share—don’t run out of battery

Final Thoughts: Why This Is a Can’t-Miss Show

Metallica’s M72 Sonic Temple 2025 appearance is more than just a concert—it’s a multi-sensory celebration of rock history. From the roaring crowd to the signature whiskey and custom festival merch, this is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime weekend that music lovers dream about.

Whether you’re there for the M72 tour, the stacked lineup, or just the chance to scream your lungs out to “Enter Sandman”, Sonic Temple 2025 is the place to be.