Sad Summer Festival has announced its fifth-anniversary celebration this summer with an iconic mix of emo and punk bands, coming to The Rooftop at Pier 17 on Aug. 1 and Terminal B at the Outer Harbor in Buffalo on Aug. 6.
Sad Summer Festival was originally launched in 2019 by The Maine and Mayday Parade along with industry personnel mourning the loss of the long-running Vans Warped Tour. It has grown significantly each year, becoming a scene staple. The nationwide run features festival founders Mayday Parade and The Maine along with The Wonder Years, We The Kings, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, and Daisy Grenade, with Like Roses, Diva Bleach, The Summer Set, and Hot Milk at select dates.
Unlike most major festivals that feature multiple stages and hundreds of bands each day, Sad Summer creates a more intimate experience with one stage and a smaller curated lineup each year, eliminating any competition and the need to decide which act you are going to watch, providing the smaller acts on the bill a real chance to be seen and heard. In addition, festival co-founders Mike Marquis, Josh Terry, and Tim Kirch made it a goal with Sad Summer to create an environment that is inclusive and independent. This conscious choice has been well-received making them one of Pollstar’s “Top Grossing Tours of 2021.”
Another important theme of Sad Summer is its ongoing commitment to non-profit partnerships and involvement. As they look to celebrate their fifth anniversary, the festival will continue to build upon their dedication to giving exposure and access to causes the artists, founders, and community are passionate about. This year fans can expect to learn more about previously involved non-profits like HeadCount and Reverb, and their new partnership with Calling All Crows. Each organization will have an on-site presence, providing education and resources.
Ten years ago, a group of friends from Tallahassee, FL formed a band and traveled the country, selling their CD to anyone that would listen in a parking lot at Vans Warped Tour. Building a following from the roots up, Mayday Parade has garnered a lifelong massive dedicated fanbase, in their evolution from a hard-working local band to a global force. With a catalog of six studio recordings, the band released their recent record What It Means To Fall Apart in 2021, taking matters into their own hands and releasing it on their own time.
Formed in Arizona back in 2007, The Maine have been together for over ten years with an extensive catalog to their name. Over the years, the band has been labeled as pop, alternative, rock, emo, and every style in between. Some of The Maine’s charm lies in frontman John O’Callaghan’s writing style. Their most recent record The Maine came out in 2023.
Bands The Wonder Years, We The Kings, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, and Daisy Grenade round out the lineup with an electric mix of rock, metal, and hard punk.
To sign up for first access to tickets on March 1, visit here. On sale is March 8.
Sad Summer Festival Confirmed Dates
Friday, July 12, 2024 Sacramento, CA The Backyard%$
Saturday, July 13, 2024 Santa Ana, CA Observatory Festival Grounds%$
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 Denver, CO Mission Ballroom%
Friday, July 19, 2024 Milwaukee, WI Eagles Ballroom%$
Saturday, July 20, 2024 Chicago, IL Salt Shed Outdoor+$
Sunday, July 21, 2024 Pontiac, MI Crofoot Festival Grounds+$
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE Outdoor+^
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 Columbus, OH KEMBA Live! Outdoor+^
Friday, July 26, 2024 Atlanta, GA Coca-Cola Roxy+^
Saturday, July 27, 2024 Clearwater, FL The Sound at Coachman Park+^
Monday, July 29, 2024 Cleveland, OH Jacobs Pavilion+^
Thursday, August 1, 2024 New York, NY The Rooftop at Pier 17+^
Saturday, August 3, 2024 Worcester, MA Palladium Outdoors+^
Sunday, August 4, 2024 Asbury Park, NJ Stone Pony Summer Stage+^
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 Buffalo, NY Terminal B at the Outer Harbor+^
Thursday, August 8, 2024 Philadelphia, PA Highmark Skyline Stage+^
Friday, August 9, 2024 Columbia, MD Chrysalis at Merriweather Park+^
%Like Roses
+Diva Bleach
$The Summer Set
^Hot Milk
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