Your excuse to whip out that ‘80s swag and re-clip the curtain bangs has arrived. This May, the M3 Rock Festival — with no relationship to the M3F festival in Phoenix — is back at Merriweather Post Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater located in downtown Columbia, Md. and known for being a host to heavy metal and rock. In fact, The Who and Led Zeppelin once graced Merriweather’s stage. (Damn!)
For 15 years, M3 Rock Festival has made Merriweather the home of its hard rock celebration. And this year, the festival will bring headliners Queensrÿche, Night Ranger and Bret Michaels, among others, to rock. There will be video screens for prime viewing (bring a lawn chair), a mosh pit area (for the brave souls out there), and a sculpture garden (for some peace and recovery). There’ll also be drinks and food on sale, though many folks spread out on the lawn with a picnic. (Leave the booze at home, only water is welcomed through the gates.) Rumor has it the weekend will wrap with an encore jam session featuring the artists of this year’s lineup. Rock on, y’all.
The Specs
- The Merriweather Post Pavillion, where the festival is held, has a capacity of nearly 20,000.
- Ticket costs start at $90 for a 2-day GA pass on the lawn, and go up to around $275.
- Complete the visit to Maryland with a stop at Chesapeake Bay.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to Bottlerock Napa Valley?
BWI- Baltimore Washington International Airport is a quick 20-minute drive from the festival.
When does the fest begin and end?
The M3 Rock Festival starts on Saturday, May 4 and ends Sunday, May 5.
What’s the bag policy?
While there’s no specific bag policy mentioned, the website does say that no outside beverages, save one factory-sealed water bottle per person, are permitted and that all outside food must be in disposable plastic containers.
Where should I stay?
The festival website features a list of recommended, nearby hotels. You can also opt for a home rental.
Which artists are on the M3 Rock Fest lineup?
Poison’s Bret Michaels, Night Ranger, Queensrÿche, Stephen Pearcy of Ratt, Last In Line, Y&T, Stryper, Doro, Dee Snider, Lynch Mob, Quiet Riot, Aldo Nova, Cold Sweat, Faster Pussycat, Pretty Boy Floyd, Child’s Play, Sun Dogs, and Fan Halen.
Playlist
Poster
