Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival has been a done deal since May, but a new deal will ensure that it keeps returning to Columbus.

Concert producer Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP) has announced a five-year extension of its partnership with Historic Crew Stadium, where the four-day megaconcert is held.

Wimmer said in a press release that the renewal reflects DWP’s longstanding commitment to Columbus.

“The energy of this city, the passion of the fans, and the strength of our local partnerships have made it one of our most meaningful homes,” he said.

Sonic Temple took place May 8-11, drawing a record 175,000 people and shattering 2024’s record of 138,000-plus attendees, according to Columbus Crew's vice president of communications, Rob McBurnett.

Metallica headlined two nights of the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival in May. A record 175,000 people attended the event over four days, according to Historic Crew Stadium reps.

Josh Glessing, Columbus Crew's president of business operations, said the extension is a two-way street leading to a win-win for DWP and Haslam Sports Group, which owns the Columbus Crew.

“We want to bring major events through central Ohio … Danny Wimmer and Sonic Temple see Columbus as a market they want to bring their event to,” Glessing said.

“We want to create things that bring real economic impact to Columbus. We’ll continue to try to do this throughout all the facilities and properties we manage.”

Unofficial reports say the event attracted fans from about 40 states to see more than 100 bands, including headliners Metallica, Korn and Linkin Park. And where there are tourists, there’s money funneled into the local economy.

“We heard from the (Greater Columbus) Sports Commission that Sonic Temple had a little over $8 million in economic impact,“ Glessing said.

“We expect it to be even more next year. We’re really excited about that.”

Entertainment and Things to Do reporter Belinda M. Paschal can be reached at [email protected] or belpaschal‪@acidbrat.bsky.social‬.