UPHEAVAL FESTIVAL 2025: Grand Rapids’ Metal Mecca Delivers Yet Again

2025-08-02

Grand Rapids, MI — For the fifth year running, UPHEAVAL FESTIVAL turned BELKNAP PARK into a haven for rock and metal fans, known affectionately as UPRISERS. Hosted by MiEntertainment Group, this two-day, high-energy event is rapidly earning its place as one of summer’s most anticipated music festivals — and for good reason.

Having attended since the inaugural event in 2021 (with the exception of 2023 for personal reasons), we’ve watched firsthand how this festival continues to grow, improve, and exceed expectations. The MiEntertainment team deserves high praise for not only curating killer lineups but for also building an experience that fans genuinely love coming back to year after year!

A Festival for All Ages

Upheaval is more than just a music festival — it’s a community. From tiny tots on shoulders to seasoned metalheads, the crowd is as diverse as it is passionate. One of the most striking aspects of the weekend is the camaraderie among fans. Whether you’re in the thick of being on the rail or just chilling on the hill, there’s always someone making sure you’re safe and having a good time. Even the bands take notice and won’t hesitate to pause their set to ensure everyone is okay if they notice someone in distress – and major props to the security team for being both vigilant and approachable — they keep the energy positive without dampening the vibe.

Beyond the Music

Upheaval isn’t just about what’s happening on stage. From the VIP area complete with private bars, lounge seating, and air-conditioned restrooms (yes, seriously) to the food vendors, shuttle service, merch vendors and games for downtime, MiEntertainment has thought of everything. The only area ripe for improvement? With merch lines consistently long, an additional merch booth up the hill could help meet demand and keep things flowing.

The Party Doesn’t Stop

The post-festival after-shows keep the party going. This year featured an After Party at the Garage Bar & Grill on Friday that included FREE admission and performances by Death by Lions, Slumlord Radio and Joey Warhead. It gave the UPRISERS a great opportunity to meet fellow UPRISERS and talk about the days events, while planning for Saturday! Saturday night’s After Party moved to Elevation at the Intersection and featured metalcore headbangers Attila based out of Atlanta, GA. Both nights were a perfect way to cap off the days festivities and kept the momentum going long after the sun went down over Belknap Park.

Looking Ahead

If you missed grabbing merch on site, make sure to check the festival website — supplies are limited due to high demand so make sure to grab them quick! And don’t forget to bookmark the site for early bird tickets for 2026.

UPHEAVAL MUSIC FESTIVAL: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | X

Whether you’re a longtime metal fan or just discovering the scene, Upheaval Festival is the kind of event that needs to be on your summer calendar. If you missed the party this year, you can check out all the artists on Spotify under UPHEAVAL 2025 OFFICIAL PLAYLIST. We hope to see you there in 2026!

2025 FOOD VENDORS

BIG MIKE’S KETTLE CORN & LEMONADE * BUCKEYE WRAPS * DUNE BUGGY * FIRE & ICE * ISLAND NOODLES * JUICY WIENERS * KONA ICE * PATTY MATTERS * TAMALES MARY * THE CORNER TWIST * THE OVEN * TWO BONES BBQ * UNDERGROUD COOKIE CLUB

2025 MERCH VENDORS

TOO GLOW * HEADY GEAR * MOSH PIT POSSUM * RETURNED JEWELRY * CATCH A FIRE * ROCK ME UP * MOSH IT UP CLOTHING

ALL PHOTOS BY: ©PIX MEYERS PHOTOGRAPHY