Wisconsin Rock Fest Announces New Designated Moshing Area, Ban on ‘Hardcore Dancing, Flail Moshing’

Gil Kaufman
·2 min read

This year’s Rock Fest in Cadott, Wisconsin has a killer lineup of acts that are sure to get attendees riled up at what is billed as the largest rock and camping event in the U.S. The event that features more than 75 bands on three stages on a 360-acre site will host headliners Jelly Roll, Shinedown and Thirty Seconds to Mars this year, but if you’re planning on coming out swinging to your favorite hard rock bands, you’re gonna need to pump the brakes.

According to a list of improvements for the latest edition of the fest, the new rules this year include one that will tamp down on hardcore dancing and the arm-swinging, high-kicking “flailing” style of moshing. An Instagram post from organizers of the July 18-20 festival on Tuesday explained that while the gathering has “held back on moshing” in the past to ensure attendees’ safety, in a nod to the popularity of the sometimes bruising mosh pit experience they are setting up some designated air punching and kicking areas.

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“In the past, we’ve held back on moshing at ‘Rock Fest’ to ensure everyone’s safety, which is our top priority. We know, however, that moshing is a vital part of rockers’ release and metal experience for many of you we’ve listened to your feedback and are excited to introduce a moshing area at the Budweiser Boneyard Stage as a pilot program,” the post read; organizers confirmed to Billboard that the new moshing rules are legit after a number of comments on the post suggested it might be an April Fool’s Day prank.

“This allows us to embrace the energy of moshing while maintaining a safe environment for all festival-goers,” organizers continued. “We’re setting up designated zones for both moshers and non-moshers, ensuring everyone can still enjoy the show up close. please note, for everyone’s safety, hardcore dancing styles flail moshing will not be permitted. Lets rock responsibly, keep an eye out for our brothers and sisters, and make this a memorable addition to Rock Fest 2024!”

Other improvements this year include: rental lockers, mocktail drink options, early camping, power upgrades to the Heathen’s Hwy campground, more hammocks, more theme days and more shady areas.

Night one of Rock Fest will be topped by Thirty Seconds and feature sets from 311, Killswitch Engage, Sevendust, Dirty Honey and Sleep Theory, while night two will be headlined by Shinedown and include performances from Parkway Drive, Beartooth, Atreyu, From Ashes to New, Stabbing Westward and more. The final night’s lineup will have Chevelle, The Hu, Fever 333, 2 Live Crew and Struggle Jennings playing alongside headliner Jelly Roll.

Check out the mosh-provements post below.

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