Multi-city stoner/doom/psych metal fest Desertfest has announced it won’t be holding an NYC edition this year. “Desertfest NYC has made the tough decision to take a break in 2025 and will return to New York in the fall of 2026,” a message from organizers reads. “Challenges with headliner availability and rising costs for EU bands has made it difficult to build a line-up that feels reflective and celebratory of a fifth edition.”
They continue:
We’ve been working on our 2025 line-up since August of last year & pride ourselves on producing world-class billings that bring together the biggest names in the underground. So, trust us when we say no stone was left unturned before this decision was made – a scaled down event, fewer days, less bands, we explored all options but none sat right with us. A move to 2026 will allow us the space to put together an event that celebrates just how far DF NYC has come.
We know it’s disappointing news to read & we are right there with you in it.
Desertfest NYC remains a fully independent event and we can’t do any aspect of this without y’all showing up, so we truly hope you’ll stick with us as we hit the gas hard for 2026, with more news soon…
The 2024 edition of Desertfest NYC featured High on Fire, Amenra, Russian Circles, Belzebong, Primitive Man, Green Lung, Truckfighters, Acid King, Blackwater Holylight, Domkraft, Eagle Twin, Spanceslug, Dozer, and more.