Rockin’ Thunder roars into Edmonton July 11-12, 2025

The countdown is over. Starting tomorrow, the Exhibition Lands Racetrack will transform into the epicenter of loud guitars, timeless hits, and pure rock energy as the inaugural Rockin’ Thunder festival takes over Edmonton, July 11 and 12.

The long-anticipated, two-day rock spectacle is bringing an era-spanning lineup to Canada’s Festival City, with performances from some of the biggest names in classic and alt-rock history — including Def Leppard, Weezer, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Stone Temple Pilots, and Bret Michaels, along with Canadian favourites like Sam Roberts Band, The Trews, and Toque.

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

Friday’s kickoff features legendary metal band Queensrÿche, Canadian supergroup Toque, platinum-selling icon Bret Michaels, and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, before closing out the night with a full-throttle headlining set from the one and only Def Leppard.

Saturday’s lineup keeps the momentum surging with JUNO winners Default, East Coast rockers The Trews, fan favourites Sam Roberts Band, and grunge icons Stone Temple Pilots. GRAMMY-winning alt-rock giants Weezer will bring the weekend to an electrifying close with their signature sound and anthemic catalogue.

SWOMP caught up with Gerry Krochak, the Director of Corporate Partnerships for Rockin' Thunder, to talk about the festival.

Also, SWOMP has secured media credentials for the festival, so watch for our photos and interviews!

More details and tickets are available at https://www.rockinthunderfest.com/.