Families, fans, and fire performances: Upheaval 2025 delivers unforgettable weekend

Written and Photographed by

Erin

Have you ever wondered why everyone is clamoring for the lineup of next year’s Upheaval Festival in Grand Rapids before the dust has settled on the previous one? The experience from the just-finished weekend has given everyone such a natural adrenaline rush that they crave more. Whether it is the outstanding food tents/trucks, the good times with friends and family, the community, or the incredible bands that take the “Rising,” “Lookout,” and “Upheaval” stages – there is one thing to be said about Upheaval – its always a memorable weekend worth traveling from any distance for. New friends made, a community of orange bandanas sticking out of pockets or worn around wrists – Upheaval isn’t just a music festival at Belknap Park in Grand Rapids – it is a movement, a core memory, and a way to feel together in a world where there is division. Get ready as I take you on the journey of unpacking the unforgettable weekend of Upheaval 2025.

DAY 1: Friday, July 18, 2025

The sun and heat were not keeping anyone away on Friday, July 18, as fans poured in, greeting old and new friends with hugs, high fives, and cheers with their beer cups that they grabbed to “hydrate” at the bar tents the moments they were released onto the festival grounds. Whether the pre-festival outfit planning consisted of costumes and elaborate makeup, fishnets and combat boots, elf ears, rhinestones and creative ensembles, or your favorite band t-shirt and a pair of shorts, everyone was ready to experience the music together against the barricade, in the crowd, relaxing on their strategically placed armchair, or riding one of the increased amount carts transporting people up the hill that everyone hates and remains bitter towards every year. It is not only a place where people can come together, but it’s also an experience where people make new friends that they meet just waiting for the next band to take the stage.

As for me? I was ready to start Day 1 with a favorite at the “Upheaval” stage, The Funeral Portrait. The band took the stage at 2:05, and for the first band at the main stage that Friday, they drew in such a massive crowd. This band is one to see live – the theatrics, the drama – everything they do and stand for, not to mention their impeccable sound and live performance is a must-see. The show was one of the most memorable experiences the entire weekend, and kicked off the festival with such flair that got everyone pumped for what was to come. The set went so smoothly that everyone craved more.

THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT

A festival-goer in a crowd holds a sign that reads 'HERE FOR THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT!' expressing excitement for the band at a music festival.
A musician playing a bass guitar on stage, showcasing tattoos and a focused expression, against a backdrop with bold lettering.
A guitarist passionately performing on stage, singing into a microphone with high energy, wearing a black outfit and jewelry, and striking a dynamic pose with one leg raised.
A performer with vibrant green hair passionately singing into a microphone, holding a fan of papers in one hand while delivering an energetic performance.
A drummer passionately performing on stage, raising a drumstick in excitement with a focused expression.
A live performance by the band The Funeral Portrait, featuring the lead vocalist with green hair and expressive gestures, accompanied by two male musicians on guitar and bass, with dynamic stage lighting in a festival setting.
A concertgoer enjoying the festival, being crowd-surfed by fellow attendees with hands reaching up to support her.
Two male musicians performing on stage, one playing the guitar and the other singing into a microphone, both smiling and engaged in their performance under a clear blue sky.
A live performance by The Funeral Portrait at the Upheaval Festival, with a large crowd in front of the stage under a clear blue sky.

The amount of whole families, babies in bellies, babies being breastfed, kids with soundproof headphones, and kids crowdsurfing— this year was so special to see. There’s something really cool about witnessing parents share their music taste with their children, and kids throwing devil horns to the sky. Watching kids constantly making their way to the barricade, paraded by a sea of supportive hands, made me wish I had started my children early experiencing these memories with me.

Hometown boys from Ann Arbor, Taproot, took the stage to screams and with a highly-energetic entrance to the Backstreet Boys, where they came out wearing all white. The band delivered an intense and incredible set to get the crowd pumped – so awesome to see them still rocking in the modern world. Heading up the hill after was completely worth it for Return to Dust, who never missed a beat and drew in a heavy crowd up at the top. That band knew how to rock and was all over the “Lookout Stage.” Following their fire set, it was time to venture back down for an Upheaval staple in “Island Noodles” – the food tent/truck area was not packed at this time, but the food was mouth-watering. The insanely delicious vegan noodles hit the spot, and after I grabbed my delicious container, the droves of fans grabbing some eats followed suit.

TAPROOT

A drummer performing on stage, wearing a white baseball-style shirt with blue designs and a cap, smiling as he plays.
A performer passionately rapping into a microphone on stage, wearing a cap and a hockey jersey, during a live music festival.
A musician with bright red hair playing an electric guitar on stage, wearing a sleeveless white shirt and displaying colorful tattoos on arms.
Close-up of a drum with the word 'TAPROOT' prominently displayed on the front, featuring a graphic of a pair of hands holding drumsticks.
A band performing onstage at the Upheaval Festival, with one member holding a large bass guitar while others play instruments and engage with the audience.

RETURN TO DUST

A drummer performing energetically on stage, wearing a baseball cap and a black outfit, with a tattoo visible on his arm. The drum set features a prominent logo that reads 'RETURN TO DUST' in the foreground, and a large mural of a serpent is displayed in the background.
View of the Lookout Stage at Upheaval Festival with a crowd gathered, featuring the band Return to Dust performing under a bright blue sky.
Crowd of enthusiastic festival-goers at Upheaval Festival, with people cheering and raising their hands in excitement under a partly cloudy sky.
A guitarist passionately performing on stage, head tilted back with long hair flowing, wearing a black t-shirt featuring a graphic design, surrounded by musical equipment.
Two male musicians performing on stage at a music festival, one playing guitar and the other singing, with a lively crowd in the background and sunlight filtering through the trees.
A musician passionately singing into a microphone while playing a bass guitar, wearing sunglasses and a t-shirt featuring a graphic design.
A shirtless male guitarist with long hair and visible tattoos passionately plays an electric guitar on stage.
A guitarist passionately performing on stage, with long flowing hair and wearing a black band t-shirt, immersed in the music.
A live performance by the band 'Return to Dust' on stage, with the lead guitarist singing into a microphone and other band members playing their instruments in an outdoor festival setting.

Having finally regained sustenance for another stage trek, The Plot In You hit that main “Upheaval Stage” with screams and seas of crowd surfers. When Landon Tewers of TPIY demands surfers, you listen. The hour-long set was filled with so many of their amazing and high-charged hits, it was an absolute must-see this year. For that moment, people forgot everything, traveling to the front with smiles on their faces, then running back to do it all over again. Scene Queen‘s out-there and energetic experience – clad in hot pink, lime green, and salacious tracks – drew in the most stunning crowd yet: those who finally felt like they belonged. Her message? Inclusive. Her crowd? Accepting. It was a bright and happy time where everyone came together no matter what to enjoy a great message, amazingly naughty lyrics that had the crowd screaming and security questioning what they were hearing, and feeling like everyone was together.

THE PLOT IN YOU

A lively crowd at an outdoor music festival enjoying the performance, with individuals showing excitement and engagement, some raising their hands and others holding drinks.
Aerial view of a large crowd gathered at the Upheaval Festival stage, with people standing and sitting in lawn chairs, surrounded by trees and structures.
A male vocalist passionately singing into a microphone during a live performance, wearing a baseball cap and a white t-shirt, showcasing detailed tattoos on his arm.
A male musician with a beard and long hair performs on stage, playing an electric guitar and singing into a microphone.
A bassist performing on stage at a music festival, passionately playing their instrument with eyes closed, set against a colorful backdrop.
A festival attendee crowd surfing while smiling, wearing a black outfit with fishnet stockings and combat boots, with hands of other festival-goers supporting her.
A crowd gathers at the Upheaval Festival stage, with a performer on stage and large screens displaying the action amidst a sunny sky.
Close-up of a male drummer performing on stage, wearing black clothing with visible tattoos, focused on playing the drums against a vibrant red backdrop.
A vocalist passionately performing on stage with a microphone, displaying intense emotion and dramatic expression.

SCENE QUEEN

A lively crowd of festival-goers enjoying a music performance, with diverse expressions of excitement and joy among attendees wearing various accessories and clothing styles.
A performer with long blonde hair energetically sings into a microphone while wearing a bright green top, pink skirt, and coordinating pink boots on stage at a music festival.
A performer in a vibrant pink skirt and sheer green top passionately sings into a microphone on stage, with an enthusiastic crowd visible in the foreground and a bright, colorful backdrop.
A drummer performing on stage in front of a colorful backdrop that reads 'Shows Queen.' The drummer is wearing a sleeveless shirt and sunglasses, focused on the performance with drumsticks in hand.
A musician performing on stage, passionately playing an electric guitar while looking upward, with a drummer visible in the background. The stage features colorful banners, adding to the vibrant festival atmosphere.
A performer in a vibrant green outfit adorned with pink flowers and a pink skirt crouches on stage, expressing dynamic energy during a live performance.
A lively performer with blonde hair wearing a vibrant green outfit adorned with flowers, energetically singing into a microphone while a male guitarist plays beside her, with a colorful backdrop enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Close-up of a shiny pink high-heeled boot on stage, showcasing its glossy finish and dramatic silhouette.
A singer performing on stage, wearing a vibrant green top with pink feathers, and holding a pink microphone. The background features colorful stage decorations.
Musician playing electric guitar on stage during a festival performance, with a vibrant backdrop showcasing festival branding.
A vibrant concert scene at the Lookout Stage during Upheaval Festival, featuring a performer in colorful attire on stage, with a large crowd of excited festival-goers in front.

By 6:30, after people watching, it was a mad rush to get down to see British band Architects live for the first time. This band was a must-see at the “Upheaval” stage. Another band that has brought in so many fans, an unbelievably amazing crowd that was having an amazing time. So many people I randomly spoke to during the day were waiting to see Architects for the first time, and they delivered. That set was astonishing. The entire band was moving, the music was perfection, and the amount of crowd surfing – including a kid standing straight up on presumably his fathers stomach – was crazy. That set left everyone’s hearts racing, the adrenaline pumping, and checking to see when the band returns to Michigan. Phenomenal experience. I still don’t know the record between The Plot in You and Architects for which pulled in more surfers.

ARCHITECTS

Close-up of a guitarist's hand playing an electric guitar, featuring a silver body and clear details of the player's tattoos and clothing.
A child is being lifted above a crowd at a music festival, reaching out for a hand while enjoying the moment.
A crowd of enthusiastic music festival attendees with arms raised, enjoying the performance with a lively atmosphere under a blue sky.
A large crowd enjoying a live performance by the band Architects on the Upheaval Festival stage, with vibrant lighting and a clear blue sky.
A live band performing on stage at the Upheaval Festival, with a cheering crowd waving their hands and enjoying the music.
Close-up of a drummer performing on stage, holding drumsticks and focused on the performance.
A live performance by the band Architects on stage, capturing the energy of the crowd and the band's dynamic presence during the Upheaval Festival.
A large crowd of festival-goers at the 'Upheaval' stage, cheering for the band Architects, with visible excitement and energy as people raise their hands in the air.
A musician passionately playing an electric guitar on stage, with long hair and wearing a sleeveless black shirt, surrounded by a smoky atmosphere.
A male singer passionately performing on stage, kneeling and holding a microphone, wearing sunglasses and a yellow jacket over a white shirt, with distressed jeans and sneakers.
A musician playing a black and white bass guitar on stage, focused on tuning or adjusting their instrument, with a blurred background of stage lights.
A guitarist performing passionately on stage with long hair flowing as he plays a wooden guitar, captured in a high-energy moment during a live music performance.

The top of the hill for a golden-hour sunset and Crossfade was the perfect way to almost end this first day experience, which didn’t of course go perfectly as some minor sound-issues happened at the “Lookout” stage throughout the day, but everyone was having such a great time and it was hardly noticeable. Crossfade was clearly happy to be back on stage and doing what they loved – sharing their music with the fans. Golden hour was perfection with their songs, including “Cold,” a fan-favorite. A mad-rush following Crossfade’s set down below to the main stage showed just how many people were finally pumped to see Rob Zombie‘s massive headlining production. It was my first time seeing the rock legend perform a mix of his music as well as some White Zombie hits intertwined. The stage presence and crowd energy gave a natural high that I can’t explain. The sun had gone down, the stage lights were on in a plethora of rainbow spectrum colors the entire set. Rob Zombie moved across the stage getting everyone on their feet and people of all generations, as well as other bands who played Day 1, were watching in awe. It was an incredible and psychedelic experience. Hits such as “More Human Than Human,” “House of 1000 Corpses,” “Living Dead Girl,” “Dragula,” and so many others filled the visually stunning experience.

CROSSFADE

A male singer passionately performs on stage, holding a microphone and engaging with the audience during a live music festival.
A musician with gray hair passionately performing on stage while playing a bass guitar, wearing a black t-shirt with a band logo. Bright stage lights create a dynamic atmosphere.
A band performing live on stage during Upheaval Festival, with musicians singing and playing instruments against a backdrop of bright stage lights.
A musician performing on stage, holding a unique guitar and wearing sunglasses, with a black t-shirt featuring the text 'ACE HOTEL'.
A musician passionately performing on stage, singing into a microphone with intense emotion, while playing a guitar, with another band member visible in the background also singing.
A guitarist on stage wearing sunglasses and a black t-shirt, passionately playing an electric guitar during a live performance.
A rock band performing on stage during a live music festival, with band members energetically playing their instruments.
Close-up of a hand adjusting a vintage electric guitar with visible dials and controls.
A band performing on stage during sunset at the Upheaval Festival, with a guitarist in the foreground and dramatic lighting setting the atmosphere.
A rock band performing on stage with dramatic lighting during a music festival. The lead singer holds a guitar while singing, accompanied by musicians on drums and guitar. The backdrop features a bold logo.

ROB ZOMBIE

A festival-goer crowd surfing at a music festival, with arms raised and surrounded by an energetic crowd.
A musician performing on stage with long hair, wearing a skull-themed outfit and jacket, holding a microphone while engaging with the audience.
A live music performance at the Upheaval Festival, with a large crowd gathered in front of a brightly lit stage featuring musicians and vibrant stage visuals against a twilight sky.
A large, stylized robot with a metallic finish stands prominently on stage, with a drummer positioned behind. The backdrop features green lighting and visual effects, creating an energetic atmosphere typical of a live music performance.
A musician with long dreadlocks performs on stage, holding an electric guitar adorned with an American flag design, against a colorful backdrop of stage lights.
Two musicians performing on stage during a live concert, wearing distinctive outfits and surrounded by dramatic lighting.
A band performing on stage with dramatic lighting and smoke effects, capturing the energy of a live music festival.
A performer dynamics on stage, wearing fringed clothing and passionately engaging with the crowd during a live music festival.
A musician with long, wild hair and a beard performs on stage, wearing a decorated jacket adorned with various patches and embellishments, amidst dramatic lighting and fog.
A live music performance at a festival featuring musicians on stage with dramatic lighting and a vibrant background display.

DAY 2: Saturday, July 19, 2025

Everyone I met that was returning for Day 2 was pumped for the variety of artists in the lineup for the day. The crowd poured in – a noticeable difference from the day before as many work and can’t make the long drive on a Friday. On Saturday, I met people from Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois. It was great to see Upheaval reaching other states in notability and recognition. I began the day trekking up that massive hill to see Poet The Band. They did not disappoint with their set; it was amazing to finally see them live.

Following them was the horror-masked metal band from the Cleveland area, A Killer’s Confession, who kicked ass on stage and also in the nightmares of so many after. I didn’t have to go far to the “Rising” stage for Living Dead Girl, whose fast-paced and killer vocals set was the talk of so many after they were done. That band took the smaller stage by storm and had quite the crowd base to see them pull it off.

POET THE BAND

A live performance by the band Poet at the Lookout Stage during Upheaval Festival, with enthusiastic fans in the foreground and a green banner overhead.
A male lead singer passionately performing on stage with a microphone, wearing a black t-shirt and shorts, showcasing visible tattoos on his arm.
A drummer performing live on stage, wearing sunglasses and a black t-shirt, energetically playing the drums.
A musician performing on stage, playing a black guitar while wearing a black t-shirt and a beanie, with a green arm sleeve.
A male singer performing passionately on stage, wearing a black t-shirt and beige shorts, while holding a microphone and engaging the audience.
A musician with long hair performs on stage, wearing a black shirt with 'HEAVY' text, playing a guitar with a green cast on their arm.

A KILLER’S CONFESSION

A performer wearing a dramatic red outfit and mask raises one hand while singing into a microphone on stage.
A drummer with pink hair and dramatic makeup passionately performing on stage, playing the drums with intensity.
A performer in a dark hooded jacket plays a keyboard, passionately engaging with the audience at a music festival.
A guitarist wearing a skull mask performs on stage, passionately playing a black electric guitar.
Crowd gathered in front of the stage at Upheaval Festival, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a large backdrop displaying the festival logo.
A crowd of enthusiastic concertgoers at a festival, raising their hands in rock-and-roll gestures, with a performer partially visible in the background.
A vocalist in a red jacket and mask passionately performs on stage, gripping a microphone while singing intensely.
A musician wearing a mask and a dark outfit plays a bass guitar on stage, showcasing a striking pose and intense energy during a live performance.
A musician performing on stage wearing a dark hooded cloak and gesturing dramatically while playing a keyboard.

LIVING DEAD GIRL

A female vocalist with long black hair passionately singing into a red microphone. She has multiple tattoos visible on her arms and is wearing a studded black outfit, exuding an intense energy during a live performance.
Close-up of a hand playing a pink electric guitar with a textured design, showcasing intricate details and tattoos on the player's arm.
A musician wearing sunglasses and a textured black hooded outfit, gazing into the distance while holding a bass guitar.
A drummer playing on stage, wearing sunglasses and a spiked hat, with a focused expression while holding drumsticks.
A live performance by the band Living Dead Girl on stage, featuring members dressed in dark attire, with a crowd of fans visible in the foreground.
A young child wearing pink noise-cancelling headphones raises both hands in a rock 'n' roll gesture at a music festival.

The day was humid, but the sun wasn’t beating down like Friday, so it felt less stifling. The Upheaval girls in their costumes were playfully whipping men who chose to get on all fours for a photo opp. People were pumped for the lineup and couldn’t wait for Day 2 to really kick off. They increased the amount of transportation up and down the hill this year, which was a plus for so many standing in line to get to the next bands.

I didn’t have to return to the “Lookout Stage” for Bodysnatcher, whose screams captivated the audience and had circle pits going insane. Pit Daddy was on hand to make sure everything went smoothly, and I am grateful for both him and the pit security who made sure everyone remained safe the entire festival. Back up to the “Lookout” Stage for the Royale Lynn set, who gave the coolest metal set with her beautiful voice. The sound booth had some trouble with her mic, but she continued like nothing happened and gave one hell of a performance.

BODYSNATCHER

A male vocalist performing on stage, passionately singing into a microphone with a drum set in the background, wearing a black t-shirt and a cap.
A drummer performing on stage with an excited expression, wearing a white shirt and a cap, in front of a large backdrop with the band's logo.
A musician performing energetically on stage, playing a bass guitar with long hair flying in motion. The background features large amplifiers and a band logo.
A musician performing on stage with an electric guitar, wearing a black shirt and cargo pants, with a focused expression and visible tattoos.
A close-up of a hand making a rock gesture, showcasing several tattoos on the arm.
A crowd gathers at the 'Lookout Stage' during the Upheaval Festival, with the band Bodysnatcher performing on stage. Attendees are enjoying the music, many with arms raised.

ROYALE LYNN

A dynamic female performer singing into a microphone on stage, wearing a black lace top, a leather skirt, and sunglasses, with a stylish studded belt, exuding energy during a live music event.
A live performance at Upheaval Festival featuring a female musician playing guitar, accompanied by band members on guitar and drums, with a vibrant crowd in front.
A performer with long white hair is singing into a microphone while wearing black sunglasses, a black lace top, a short black skirt, and thigh-high shiny black boots, exuding an energetic stage presence.
A musician with long hair plays an electric guitar on stage, displaying a passionate performance.
A female performer with long blonde hair is singing passionately into a microphone while wearing stylish sunglasses. She is dressed in a black lace top, a short skirt, and fishnet stockings, with edgy arm accessories. The background features a concert stage setup.
Drummer performing on stage with a black backdrop, featuring a drum set with a distinctive skull logo on the bass drum.

Yelawolf had set up on the main stage with his inflatable camper/DJ stand – and a cooler full of Modelos that he sprayed at the crowd just before his set came to a screeching halt. We were being evacuated for nearby storms, and everyone poured out to their cars and parking lot to weather the storm. It was a great time to meet people, and luckily the unknowns didn’t last long, as we were back in for more music and fun.

As disappointing as it is to miss out on Yelawolf’s full set, he gave an awesome two songs and joined the crowd following the storm to talk, drink, and take some selfies. Class act right there. The parking lot was full of people in ponchos, soaking wet, enjoying their time despite the rain delay. A lot of questions arose regarding the state of the rest of the festival, but the team had their socials, as well as a text notification keeping everyone up to date on what happened, and the show started back up smoothly after. Not ideal, but memorable nonetheless.

YELAWOLF

A performer wearing a cap and sunglasses, with tattoos visible on their arms, sings into a microphone while standing next to a large, stylized camper backdrop.
A tattooed musician wearing a military-style cap and sunglasses, crouching down while holding a microphone and performing on stage.
A performer on stage passionately sings into a microphone while raising one finger in the air, showcasing intricate tattoos and wearing a distressed t-shirt.
A performer in a distressed t-shirt and camo pants passionately sings into a microphone on stage, with a colorful backdrop and visible fans enjoying the performance.
Close-up of a hand with intricate tattoos holding a peace sign, adorned with multiple rings and bracelets, dressed in camo pants.
An inflatable trailer with a door and a window, accompanied by a folding chair and a cooler, set up at a festival.

Once we were safely back inside and the sun came out, I didn’t venture up the hill yet due to the rain and insane mud, so I did miss a couple of bands. But the festival took back off like nothing happened, and everyone was partying like it was the apocalypse. I met the coolest people and saw the coolest makeup and costumes – Upheaval fans are the best kind of fans.

Wage War at the main stage kicked the festival back off at a slightly delayed time with their heavy set, amazing screams, and high-impact energy that got everyone back to doing a circle pit and crowd surfing. Dead Poet Society closed off golden hour at the “Lookout” stage with a heavy crowd, stage presence, and a sick set that had everyone moving and ready to venture down the hill to find a spot for the headliner.

WAGE WAR

A guitarist passionately playing an electric guitar with long, curly hair flying as he focuses on his performance, surrounded by bright stage lights.
Musician with long hair and tattoos passionately performing on stage, holding a microphone while engaged in an energetic moment.
A live performance by the band Wage War with dramatic smoke effects on stage and vibrant lighting, showcasing the energetic atmosphere of a music festival.
A live performance by the band Wage War on stage, showcasing a dynamic atmosphere with smoke effects and vibrant lighting.
Aerial view of the Upheaval Festival stage featuring the band Wage War performing to a large crowd, with colorful audience seating and trees in the background.
A crowd surfer enjoying the moment at a music festival, held aloft by the eager hands of fans below.
A vocalist passionately performing on stage during a music festival, with elaborate stage lighting and a large backdrop.
A drummer performing on stage, wearing a black beanie and no shirt, passionately playing the drums with drumsticks against a vibrant background.
A male vocalist with long hair and tattoos performs energetically on stage, wearing a plaid shirt and black pants, with dramatic lighting and smoke effects in the background.
A musician with tattoos on arms performs passionately on stage, holding a microphone and engaging with the audience.
A guitarist with long, wavy hair and tattooed arms passionately plays a black electric guitar on stage.
A bassist playing passionately on stage with a camouflaged bass guitar, surrounded by smoke and vibrant stage lighting.

DEAD POET SOCIETY

A musician performing on stage during sunset, holding a guitar and singing into a microphone, with a warm glow from the setting sun in the background.
A guitarist performing on stage with a serious expression, wearing a dark t-shirt, and showcasing his skill on a black electric guitar.
A drummer performing on stage during a music festival, holding drumsticks and playing with intense focus.
A musician passionately playing the bass guitar on stage during a live performance, with a focused expression and sunlight illuminating the scene.
A close-up view of a musician's hands gripping a weathered electric guitar with a floral strap, captured during a live performance.
A band performing on stage at the Upheaval Festival, with dynamic lighting and instruments visible.
A male musician passionately playing the bass guitar on stage, one leg raised high, with a focused expression.
A child, raised on their parent's shoulders, cheers excitedly at a music festival, with other enthusiastic festival-goers participating in the crowd around them.
Close-up of a hand playing an electric bass guitar, showing the instrument's weathered body and control knobs, with a blurred background of a performance setting.

The amount of people met, the amount of mud slung, and the amount of rain and wet hair and faces in the crowd after the storm didn’t deter people from having an amazing time. The drinks were still being consumed, new friends being made under the shelter of a parking lot tree, and memories were being made spanning generations of people. Kids in hearing-protecting headsets were everywhere, smiling and rocking out with their parents. Upheaval was proving to be a family affair.

It was nearly impossible to move through the crowd to get a decent spot to see Falling In Reverse, showing that, despite the controversy surrounding Ronnie Radke and the band, as well as those who protested his headline set by not attending, it didn’t hurt the set at all. In order to take in the production and music, one had to separate the artist from the online persona and experience the set as though there is no negativity surrounding it.

Having said that – the production and stage lighting were insane. Pyro everywhere. It proved that Falling in Reverse knew what everyone wanted – and that’s action and stage presence. They began behind the stage with a video to ACDC’s “Highway to Hell” and came to the stage with a roaring applause. The set from beginning to end had hearts racing, people screaming, and everything anyone wanted to close out the festival.

FALLING IN REVERSE

A male performer with dark hair and a sleeveless shirt passionately sings into a microphone on stage, with flames erupting behind him, creating a dramatic atmosphere.
A young child joyfully crowd surfing at a music festival, smiling and enjoying the moment while being supported by festival attendees.
A live performance at the Upheaval Festival featuring a band on stage with vibrant lighting and pyrotechnics, surrounded by a large crowd enjoying the music.
A musician performing on stage, playing an electric guitar with a focused expression, surrounded by vibrant stage lights and smoke effects.
A musician in a black outfit plays an electric guitar on stage with a focused expression, illuminated by stage lights in the background.
A musician performs on stage, focused on playing an electric guitar, wearing a black outfit and harness.
A drummer playing an elaborate drum set with a focused expression during a live performance.
A male singer performing on stage with a microphone, surrounded by blue lighting and a smoky atmosphere.

Minor setbacks with sound on top of the hill, a thunderstorm, and time changes didn’t change the fact that we all came together to enjoy some killer music, amazing food, and experiences we will tell our children and grandchildren about from Upheaval Festival 2025.

This entire festival has proven to grow and work every problem out as it arises, making any delays or changes seem nonexistent – the security team always an incredible force keeping people safe, as well as the behind the scenes operation making for an absolutely amazing experience for the festival attendees.

It was incredible seeing people from all over the Midwest, families bring their children to create memories and rock out, and everyone just forget the worries and problems of the world to have fun, let people into their world, and smile. There was no divide that I saw. It was just one big festival of togetherness with some amazing bands on all three stages.

Forever, this festival will go down in history, and everyone will remember that being soaked in a downpour, playing in the puddles and the mud, was all part of the experience- not just nature doing its own thing. Together we made it our thing.

Thank you for another memorable year – the natural high lasting until we come together as a reunion next year, even bigger and better than ever.

A young girl wearing pink headphones and a black shirt raises her hand in a peace sign while sitting on a man's shoulders at a music festival, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd.
A young child crowd surfing with a joyful expression, wearing a black t-shirt with a bold design, oversized headphones, and a colorful bucket hat, while being supported by hands of festival-goers in the background.
A group of five children posing playfully in front of a festival backdrop, each wearing stylish outfits featuring black and white patterns. They are making fun faces and hand gestures, showcasing their vibrant festival spirit.
A lively festival crowd with attendees displaying face paint, including a person with black and white face paint and two individuals making rock hand gestures.
A crowd of enthusiastic festival-goers at Upheaval Festival, with fans showing rock and roll hand signs, expressing excitement and engagement during a performance.
Two festival-goers posing for a photo, one with a painted face and the other wearing sunglasses, surrounded by festival spectators.
A group of festival-goers posing together, dressed in colorful and eclectic outfits, some wearing body paint and accessories, while others sport tattoos and unique styles, with a few making rock hand gestures in front of parked vehicles under a cloudy sky.
A young child with hearing protection headphones sits excitedly on a man's shoulders at a music festival, making rock hand gestures, surrounded by cheering fans.
Four women dressed in cowboy-inspired outfits striking poses with hats and accessories in front of a festival backdrop.
A crowd of enthusiastic festival-goers at Upheaval Festival, with hands raised in the air making the 'rock on' gesture. The diverse group showcases various styles, including body art and themed attire.
A young girl smiles while being crowd-surfed at a music festival, held aloft by festival-goers with a vibrant crowd in the background.
A vibrant crowd enjoying a live performance at the Upheaval Festival, with a stage displaying large screens and musicians visible. The audience is energetically engaged, capturing the lively atmosphere of the event.
A group of six women dressed in skeleton-themed outfits and high boots, posing confidently at a music festival.
A vibrant food booth named 'Island Noodles' featuring a colorful sign that advertises wok-fired soba noodles, with several people interacting at the ordering counter.
Two chefs preparing food outdoors at a festival, cooking in large woks on a grill with a smoky background and green grass.
A couple in horror-themed costumes, featuring intricate face paint and body art, poses together on a grassy area. The person on the left has skull makeup and black clothing, while the person on the right features stitches drawn on their skin and dark eye makeup.
A lively crowd at a music festival, with fans passionately enjoying the performance, one person making the rock symbol with their hand and others engaged in the energetic atmosphere.

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