READY TO ROCK: Welcome to Rockville set to bring another record-setting crowd to Daytona

Apr. 9—For almost a decade, hard rock and metal fans from all across the country converged on Metropolitan Park in Jacksonville, Fla., to witness amazing performances by some of the most well-known artists in the world.

Welcome to Rockville drew bigger and bigger crowds each year, resulting in the festival expanding from just one day, to two, and later to an entire weekend.

The event, eventually, outgrew its original location.

In 2019, Danny Wimmer Presents announced the festival had a found a new, unique and historic home.

"Daytona was built to host crowds in mass," DWP's Chief Marketing Officer Chamie McCurry said.

Since moving to the Daytona International Speedway, the crowds have continued to become more and more massive.

In the past three years, Welcome to Rockville has brought almost half a million fans (aka Rockvillains) to Daytona, Fla. A year ago, the festival drew more than 170,000 people over four days.

"The record-breaking number of fans certainly proved that when it comes to rock music, there's no place better than Daytona International Speedway," said DIS President Frank Kelleher. "This past Welcome To Rockville produced one of the most electric atmospheres we've seen at The World Center of Racing, and we're looking forward to welcoming all those fans back next year alongside a seriously talented lineup of performers."

Daytona is ready to play host to another stunning, electric and diverse musical lineup again this year.

Welcome to Rockville is set for May 9 through 12, with more than 150 bands scheduled to perform.

The 13th edition of the festival will feature a fifth stage for the first time in addition to other attractions — notably amusement rides, a giant water slide, artwork installations, award-winning spirits and food along with camp site on the field at the speedway.

Featured artists include: Foo Fighters, Slipknot, Greta Van Fleet, Jelly Roll, Motley Crue, Judas Priest, Limp Bizkit, Disturbed and Queens of the Stone Age.

"We love our home at Daytona International Speedway (DIS)," McCurry said. "The team at DIS is top notch and the infrastructure the venue provides has allowed us to grow very organically year over year while still providing amazing amenities to our fans. We love that our fans can bookend a beach vacation around Rockville, or just head over to Orlando before or after the festival for some theme park fun to round out their vacation — it is a true destination!"

Welcome to Rockville earned the title of "North America's Largest Rock Festival" in 2021 with a total attendance of 161,000.

Since then, another DWP event — Louder Than Life — has captured that honor, twice, only to see Welcome to Rockville reclaim the title again the following spring.

LTL brought more than 180,000 fans to Louisville, Kentucky, last fall.

"These two festivals seem to keep outdoing themselves, and each other every year — Rockville will set the tone for the year with fans from all over the US converging in Daytona, and then here comes Louder showcasing a different lineup and experience in Louisville than is really celebrated and uniquely it's own," McCurry said. "It's great because they both have such loyal communities, the Rockvillains (WTR) and Loudmouths (LTL), but many of them come to both since Rockville is at the tail end of spring and Louder is at the beginning of fall."

WTR features a lineup which certainly has the potential to bring another record-breaking crowd to Daytona. Other artists scheduled to perform include: Evanescence, Falling In Reverse, A Day To Remember, Breaking Benjamin, Bad Omens, The Offspring, Mudvayne, Koe Wetzel, Stone Temple Pilots, Primus, Cypress Hill and Sum 41.

"We have our biggest lineup ever with over 150 bands — 50 more than in 2023," McCurry said. "We'll be welcoming Mötley Crüe to the Rockville community for the first time, celebrating 25 years of Slipknot, 50 years of Judas Priest, the return of Foo Fighters, and so many more must see moments!"

Welcome To Rockville passes are on sale now with payment plans available for just $24 down at www.WelcomeToRockville.com.