A rock festival with a WICKED lineup hits Edmonton this summer

A brand new two-day rock festival is coming to Edmonton this summer, bringing some of the biggest names in the genre to the city this July.

The inaugural Rockin’ Thunder Music Festival, taking place at the Exhibition Lands Racetrack from July 11 to 12, will feature a stacked lineup with bands including Def Leppard, Weezer, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Stone Temple Pilots, Bret Michaels, and more.

Organizers say the event will celebrate decades of rock, celebrating rock legends and alt-rock icons.

“We’ve always dreamed of bringing a rock lineup of this calibre to the Prairies, and with the incredible energy and love for music that defines Canada’s Festival City, it felt like the perfect time,” said CEO of Rockin’ Thunder Music Festivals, Troy Vollhoffer.

“Alberta music fans are among the most passionate in the world, and we’re beyond thrilled to finally bring the first-ever Rockin’ Thunder festival to Edmonton!”

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The festival kicks off Friday, July 11, with performances from Queensrÿche, Canadian supergroup Toque, Bret Michaels, and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts before Def Leppard closes out the night.

On Saturday, the lineup continues with Default, The Trews, and Sam Roberts Band, followed by Stone Temple Pilots. Weezer wraps up the weekend, bringing their iconic sound to the main stage.

Tickets for the inaugural festival are available now, with Tier one pricing starting at $150 for single-day tickets and $275 for general admission weekend passes.

Rockin’ Thunder Music Festival

Rockin’ Thunder

When: July 11 to 12, 2025
Where: Exhibition Lands Racetrack — 7515 118 Avenue NW, Edmonton