To quote the clown, “Slipknot is no longer a band, they are a culture” and for fan that has voluntarily inducted themselves into this scene KNOTFEST is Christmas, Easter, Bar Mitzvah and every other religious holiday rolled into one.
So rabid is this “culture” that KNOTFEST even has its own dedicated aroma. And it smells exactly like you think it would: “oil drums will be filled with camel shit and oil, set aflame to last the entire festival” reads the official website.
Even if that might be slightly tongue in cheek this celebration of Slipknot is a serious homage not only to the rabid fandom the band have cultivated but to heavy metal in general.
The dark carnival was first held in Iowa in 2012 with Deftones, Lamb of God, Cannibal Corpse and more featuring on lineup.
Promising circus tents, pillars of fire, theme park rides, burlesque performers, fire breathers, graffiti walls and drum circles made of junkyard cars the initial event was so successful the seven-piece decided to not only bring it back for a second outing at San Bernardino in California for October 24th-26th, but also a Tokyo edition for November 15th and 16th.
The Tokyo lineup will feature the likes of Limp Bizkit, Korn, Lamb Of God, Trivium, Papa Roach and Bring Me The Horizon amongst others.
While the California edition will include two Slipknot sets alongside Testament, In This Moment, Of Mice & Men, Killswitch Engage, Fear Factory and Anthrax to name a few. See the full lineup poster below.
Even if you’re not a Slipknot fan both those lineups are pretty salivating inducing for any metal fan. The San Bernardino event includes an immersive three-day camping experience that is every hardcore fan’s dream.
Focusing on the California event in October we take an in depth look below on the extra activities punters can expect below and extra information on the festival below in six easy steps.
1. Book Ahead Before It’s Too Late
Late October may not be that far away, but there’s still plenty of time to be spontaneous and book without feeling like it’s last minute. The good thing for Aussies is that San Bernardino is just out of Los Angeles so expensive connecting flights across America won’t be a worry. Before booking flights you should probably secure your tickets though, they’re selling fast. Single day tickets are valued at US $99 for the pit, $69 for seats and $25 for lawn. While two day passes are $199 for pit, $130 for seats and $45 for lawn. Each ticket comes with a digital copy of Slipknot’s forthcoming record. If you’re even more of a hardcore (and also cashed up) fan than VIP might be an option worth considering. There are several packages you can check out here, which include extra specialities such access to the Friday pre-party, express entry, access to the VIP bar, meet and greets with the band, tours of the festival grounds and behind the scenes access
You can buy your tickets through Ticketmaster here.
2. All The Accommodation Information You Need To Know
Camping is unfortunately sold out. But don’t let that discourage you there are still plenty of accommodation options. While KNOTFEST have their own hotel package, which includes a single king or two queens for $92 at the Hilton Garden Inn, there are cheaper hotels that you can book in San Bernardino. The Hotel San Bernardino, Hilton Garden Inn Fontana and Country Inn & Suites all receive decent reviews online.
3. Getting To The Festival Site
Unfortunately for those who missed out on camping you’ll have to deal with the added hassle of getting to the festival site. KNOTFEST don’t have their own shuttle busses so unless you have some friends with transportation (or are willing to hire a car, a taxi is your only option. Just make sure you book one through your hotel early and avoid missing out on any of the day’s festivities. Likewise make sure you have enough battery to organise one on your way home. The address of San Manuel Amphitheatre is 2575 Glen Helen Pkwy.
4. Experience The Slipknot Museum
In case you don’t have time to see the Slipknot exhibit at The Grammy Museum this should give every fan their historical fix of the band. The tented museum includes artefacts such as masks, suits, art, equipment and memorabilia. Trace back some of the band’s most important moments and relive them here before you see them in their current glorious form that night.
5. Witness Flaming Carnival Games, The Fire Area And The Thunderdome
Just in case you didn’t think KNOTFEST resembled at a Mad Max film enough, the Thunderdome is here to put your fears to rest. The two fighters that step into the ring are hoping they’ll be fearless too as they compete until one taps out. The fire zone resembles the pits of hell with performances and displays of red hot fury occurring throughout the two days. If that wasn’t enough the Flaming Carnival Games allow interactive features such as a fire-belching tarot card reader and a highstriker that shoots 50 foot flames into the night sky. Don’t be surprised if you’ve lost your eyebrows by the end of the festivities!
6.Get A Tattoo And Pet Goats: The Best Of The Rest At KNOTFEST
If the above still hasn’t convinced you, KNOTFEST just keeps getting more awesome with the likes of costumed performance artists, a zipline (a USA festival first), the Ring Of Fire carnival ride, a goat petting zoo (yes you read that correctly), a tattoo parlour and a junk car drum circle will all be permanent fixtures throughout the weekend.
Need more information? Head to the official KNOTFEST website for the answers to all your questions.
