The one-day rock and metal festival Sick New World, known for its high-octane lineups and legacy-heavy billing, has confirmed not just one but two events in 2026. The first event returns to Las Vegas on April 25, where headliners are expected to include System of a Down, Korn and Bring Me the Horizon. Later in the year, the festival expands to Texas, landing at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth on October 24 with a lineup anchored by System of a Down, Deftones and Slayer, who will commemorate the 40th anniversary of their landmark record Reign in Blood.
This move comes after the festival’s planned 2025 show in Las Vegas—featuring Metallica and Linkin Park—was cancelled in November 2024 due to “unforeseen circumstances.” Organizers reassure fans that the 2026 editions are fully committed, with presale details and ticketing set to launch soon.
In Las Vegas, the April date is being positioned as a resurgence home-base for the festival before it fans out across the U.S. The Texas stop, meanwhile, marks a strategic expansion—bringing the Sick New World experience to a new region and reinforcing the brand’s ambition. Headliners like Deftones and Slayer underscore the festival’s intent to deliver serious metal cred, while the inclusion of broader styles hints at a festival built for both longtime die-hards and newer fans.
Seeing System of a Down listed for both dates adds continuity and star power, especially for a festival that thrives on legacy acts and genre heavy-weights. With Nevada and Texas both on board, the 2026 roadmap already suggests two of the most important rock-fest stops of the year.
Fans looking to attend should keep watch for presale announcements, which are typically announced via the festival’s website and social channels. Given the history of demand and the emotional resonance of the 2026 comeback, early registration may be wise.
