The metal legends will lead Friday night in Columbus as America’s rock festival giant returns following a record-breaking 2026 edition.
SONIC TEMPLE ART + MUSIC FESTIVAL has landed a major name for 2027, with IRON MAIDEN confirmed as the first headliner for next year’s four-day rock extravaganza in Columbus, Ohio.
Taking over Historic Crew Stadium from 13th – 16th May 2027, the festival will welcome nearly 150 bands across five stages, with IRON MAIDEN set to headline on Friday, 14 May. It’s a huge opening announcement for an event that continues to attract some of the biggest names in rock and metal.
The news comes after IRON MAIDEN’s recent North American dates on their RUN FOR YOUR LIVES 50th-anniversary tour, which saw packed shows across the US and Canada. The band are set to return to North America for a limited run of dates in 2027, with their Sonic Temple appearance promising a set drawing from the early decades that helped define their legendary career.
For fans, that means the prospect of hearing some of metal’s most enduring anthems delivered on one of the genre’s biggest festival stages. With IRON MAIDEN leading the bill, Sonic Temple has made its first major statement for 2027 and there is plenty more to come.
A STACKED BILL IS ALREADY TAKING SHAPE
IRON MAIDEN joins a growing list of artists already announced for the festival, including A PERFECT CIRCLE, PRIMUS, SLEEPING WITH SIRENS, PRESIDENT, CLUTCH, IMMINENCE, SAOSIN, PEELINGFLESH, CROWBAR, EMMURE, ESCAPE THE FATE, SHOWING TEETH and VANA.
And this is only the beginning. Organisers have confirmed that the full artist line-up will be revealed next week, with almost 150 bands expected across the four-day event.
That scale has become a defining part of Sonic Temple’s identity. The 2026 edition drew a record-breaking, sold-out crowd of more than 184,000 music fans, with nearly 145 bands performing across five stages. The 2027 festival will look to build on that momentum, bringing another huge weekend of live music to Ohio.
MORE THAN JUST THE MUSIC
While the bands remain the main attraction, Sonic Temple has also carved out a distinctive place on the festival calendar through its celebration of visual art. The grounds transform into a large-scale gallery, featuring work from renowned artists alongside SECRET WALLS, the internationally recognised live-painting battle where street artists go head-to-head to create murals in real time.
It’s a combination that gives the festival a broader creative identity, pairing heavy music with live art and an immersive atmosphere that extends beyond the stages.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Four-day and single-day passes are available now, including General Admission options for the field and stadium, GA+, VIP, Rock Royalty and Columbus Owners Club packages. Early-bird pricing is available, with payment plans starting from just $1 down.
Hotel packages, RV camping, parking and shuttle add-ons are also available. Service fees include a charitable contribution supporting the DWP Foundation, which supports local and national charities throughout the year.
With IRON MAIDEN leading the first wave of announcements and the full line-up due next week, Sonic Temple 2027 is already shaping up as a major date for rock and metal fans.
SONIC TEMPLE ART + MUSIC FESTIVAL takes place 13–16 May 2027 at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
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