Imagine standing in the pit at the Sick New World festival, the air heavy with nostalgia, blazing riffs, and the unmistakable roar of thousands of fans. That scene is coming twice in 2026 in Las Vegas and for the first time in Texas and everyone who cares about heavy music should pay attention. We’ll walk you through dates, headliners, ticket strategies, travel tips, and what makes each location unique.
Why 2026 is a pivotal year for Sick New World
The festival took a pause in 2025 after a cancelled edition, raising questions about its future. The 2026 revival is meaningful: it brings the fest back, adds a second location, and doubles the opportunity for fans. We’ve consistently observed that when a major festival returns after a hiccup, the excitement can spike but travel logistics, ticket rules and hype all matter more than ever.
This article draws on recent announcements and festival-industry context to give you a full roadmap: from the headliners to hotel deals, GA versus VIP comparisons, and how to pick the best experience for you.
Key Dates and Venues: Texas and Las Vegas editions
Las Vegas April 25, 2026
The Las Vegas edition takes place at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on Saturday, April 25 2026. This site has been used for similar major events, offering a familiar setting for the festival’s roots.
Texas October 24, 2026
New this year: the Texas edition happens on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. A one-day festival format, in a big venue that traditionally hosts other major events, but this proves key: you’ll have to pick your date, budget, and logistics carefully.
Headliners and full lineups: What to expect
We’re seeing big names and stacked bills. Here’s a breakdown.
Headliners and highlights
- System of a Down top headliner for both Las Vegas and Texas.
- Korn co-headliner for Las Vegas.
- Deftones co-headliner for Texas.
- Slayer performing in Texas, celebrating 40 years of their album “Reign in Blood”.
Broad lineup overview
Here are just some of the bands you’ll see across the two editions:
- Ministry, AFI, Evanescence, Mastodon, Underoath both editions.
- Specific to Las Vegas: Bring Me the Horizon, Danny Elfman, Acid Bath, Cypress Hill.
- Specific to Texas: The Prodigy, Power Trip, Down, Melvins.
Bands list and depth
If you scroll the official lineup page for Texas, you’ll notice the full list of artists is revealed. 17 Expect multiple stages, overlap selection, and late-night sets. A common challenge we see: deciding how to allocate your time between big names and hidden gems.
Ticketing and presale info
Here’s what you’ll want to know about scoring access.
Presale timing
- Las Vegas presale begins Thursday, October 23 at 10 a.m. local.
- Texas presale begins Friday, October 24 at 10 a.m. CT.
Ticket types: GA vs VIP
The festival offers standard general admission (GA) and VIP packages. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Ticket Type | Typical Features |
|---|---|
| General Admission (GA) | Entry to the festival, standing/field access, no premium amenities |
| VIP Package | Upgraded access, often early entry, premium lounges, dedicated restrooms, exclusive merch or viewing areas |
In our hands-on testing of past festivals, VIP upgrades matter most if you expect long wait lines, tougher crowding, or want the best comfort. If you’re going full pit mode and don’t mind less comfort, GA may suffice.
Hotel packages and travel bundles
Hotel and travel bundles are being offered for both locations. The website indicates linked hotel deals for both Las Vegas and Texas. If you’re traveling from out of town, locking in a hotel bundle early often secures better rate and location (less “last-minute surge”).
Travel and fan guide: Texas edition (Fort Worth) vs Las Vegas
Texas Fort Worth travel tips
- Venue: Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth large venue, good access but expect traffic. Arrive early.
- Accommodation: Book within reasonable drive of the Speedway (consider Arlington, Dallas) hotel rooms will fill quickly.
- Local logistics: Renting a car may make sense rideshare surge likely large on event exit.
- One-day festival: Since it’s just one day, you may consider arriving the same day or early morning. Saves on extra overnight stay.
Las Vegas travel tips
- Venue: Las Vegas Festival Grounds located in Vegas proper, many hotel areas nearby.
- Accommodation: Las Vegas offers many hotel tiers ultra-budget to high end. Choose based on your budget and extra nights.
- Travel: Many flights into Las Vegas from major hubs. Consider arriving a day early to avoid the rush.
- Weather and timing: Late April in Vegas can be warm; bring hydration and plan for sun exposure.
Fan experience & behind-the-scenes tips
Ahead of the festival, there are practical tips to maximize your experience:
- Download the festival app or check the official site for stage maps and set times. Timing overlaps are inevitable.
- Load-up on hydration and comfortable footwear. We've observed that even in premium zones the standing time can be long.
- Arrive early for headliner vantage points. Especially in GA, early arrival correlates with better views.
- Check festival refund/exchange policy. Given the 2025 cancellation, knowing how the organiser handles changes gives peace of mind.
One-day festival format: What that means
Both editions of the 2026 festival operate in a one-day format. That has implications:
- Intensity
- With many bands in one day you’ll get fewer hours to pace yourself; expect a marathon of sets rather than a relaxed multi-day camp-style festival.
- Travel ease
- One-day makes weekend trips easier less equipment, lower lodging nights, more focused schedule.
- Pick your battles
- Because of overlapping sets, decide early which stage you’ll prioritize.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates for Sick New World 2026?
The Las Vegas edition is on April 25, 2026 at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, and the Texas edition is on October 24, 2026 at the Texas Motor Speedway.
Who are the headliners for each edition?
Headliner for both editions is System of a Down. Las Vegas adds Korn; Texas adds Deftones and Slayer (40th anniversary of Reign in Blood).
When does presale begin?
Las Vegas presale begins October 23 at 10 a.m. local; Texas presale begins October 24 at 10 a.m. CT.
What types of tickets are available?
General Admission (GA) and VIP packages are available, along with hotel/travel bundle options. VIP offers upgraded amenities. See ticket site for full details.
How does the Texas edition compare to Las Vegas?
The Texas edition is new for 2026 and located at a large speedway venue in Fort Worth. Las Vegas is established, in a festival-friendly location with more infrastructure. Your choice may depend on travel comfort, budget and lineup preferences.
Are hotel packages recommended?
Yes. Hotel and travel bundle deals are being offered and are a smart choice if you’re coming from out of town. Booking early usually secures better rates.
What happened to the 2025 festival and does it affect 2026?
The 2025 edition was cancelled due to “unforeseen circumstances” after a lineup announcement. Though the organisers learned lessons, the 2026 two-location format is a strong comeback move—but always verify terms and ticket refund policies before purchase.
Behind the scenes: What led to this dual-city format
When parcels of announcements surfaced in late 2025, it became clear the organisers were rebuilding. The move to expand into Texas signals two things: growing demand for heavy/nu-metal revival among festival audiences, and the desire to reduce risk by splitting the event footprint.
In our experience covering festivals, expansion can be double-edged: fresh markets mean new logistics and potential growing pains. But a site like Texas Motor Speedway already handles big crowds, meaning production risk is mitigated. On the artist side, securing 40-year anniversaries (like Slayer’s) and legacy heavy acts helps ensure draw.
Conclusion
If you’re serious about heavy music in 2026, Sick New World delivers a rare opportunity: two major one-day festivals with stacked lineups, clear ticket paths, and travel-friendly formats. Whether you pick Las Vegas in April or Fort Worth in October (or both), plan early, decide your ticket strategy, and book travel/hotel as soon as presales open.
As the festival market evolves, being prepared both logistically and financially will separate smooth experiences from stressful ones. With the information above you’re in a strong position. Rock on.
