Phyoe Thaung
Jul 15, 2026
August 14–15 event at Victory Park brings together a multi-generational lineup of alternative rock, pop-punk, and hard rock for the festival's first year.
Northeast Ohio is getting a new addition to its summer concert calendar as the inaugural Afterburn Music Festival makes its debut August 14–15 at Victory Park in North Ridgeville. Organized by Victory Entertainment, the two-day event brings together artists spanning alternative rock, pop-punk, hard rock, and metal, combining established headliners with newer acts across two full days of music.
Friday's lineup is led by Third Eye Blind and New Found Glory, pairing two bands whose catalogs helped define different generations of alternative music. Joining them are The Maine, Switchfoot, lovelytheband, Bayside, Heart Attack Man, and Giveth, creating an opening day that moves comfortably between '90s alternative, emo, and modern pop rock.
Saturday shifts toward heavier territory with Skillet and Hoobastank closing out the festival. The second day also features performances from Set It Off, Puddle of Mudd, Drowning Pool, Black Stone Cherry, Small Town Titans, and Rusty, offering a lineup that leans into hard rock while still maintaining the festival's multi-genre identity.
Rather than centering on a single era, Afterburn's first lineup reflects the broad spectrum of modern rock audiences. Bands that broke through in the late 1990s and early 2000s share the bill with artists continuing to shape today's alternative scene, creating a weekend that appeals to longtime concertgoers and younger fans alike.
"The goal with Afterburn wasn't to create just another festival—it was to build something that feels big without feeling out of reach," said Joe Borkey, President of Victory Entertainment. "This is the kind of lineup you'd normally have to travel for. Now it's happening right here in Northeast Ohio."
Victory Park's 60-acre outdoor venue will host two production stages alongside food vendors, merchandise, and VIP experiences. Gates open at noon each day, with performances beginning at 12:30 p.m., as organizers anticipate attendees traveling from throughout Ohio and the surrounding Midwest.
Single-day and weekend passes are currently available, with additional scheduling details expected in the coming weeks. If the inaugural lineup is any indication, Afterburn arrives with the ambition of establishing itself as a new fixture on the Midwest summer festival circuit rather than simply another stop on the calendar.
