Name: Dead Of Winter Fest 2026
Start: 2026-02-21T13:00:00-07:00
Location: 3749 E Atlanta Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040-2960, United States

The 11th Annual Dead of Winter Fest 2026
Feb 21st, 2026
Mill of Madness – Phoenix, Arizona
Two Stages – 19 Bands – No Overlapping Sets
EVENT OVERVIEW
The Dead of Winter Fest brings Arizona’s heavy community together for a full day of nonstop metal, charity, and connection. With 19 bands across two alternating stages, fans move freely between sets without missing a moment. This year includes youth openers, returning DOWF favorites, and touring acts from across the Southwest. If you love supporting local music or discovering new heavy bands, this is the event the entire scene shows up for and talks about long after the gates close.
DATE & TIMES
Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Doors: 1:00 PM
First band: 2:00 PM
Event ends: approx. 12:00 AM
(Set times will be posted closer to the event and are subject to change.)
VENUE
Mill of Madness
3749 E Atlanta Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Outdoor main Stage and indoor stage will run all day.
Full bar service.
All-ages event (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult).
Free on-site parking.
Accessible venue.
LINEUP (Alphabetical)
Dead World Reclamation
Dumasikis
Evasion
Faultline (Opening youth band)
Flesh Prison
Gasping
Hell Throne
Internal Descent
Lethean
Painting Fences
Postmodern Society
Rattlesnake Suitcase
Reog (Outdoor headliner)
Suicide Forest
Tides
Vacendak
Varkan
Vipera (Opening youth band)
Withermoon (Indoor headliner)
(Final lineup subject to change. All artists scheduled to appear are confirmed unless noted.)
FESTIVAL FEATURES
Two stages running all day with zero overlapping sets.
19 bands across death metal, thrash metal and extreme underground styles.
Vendors including artists, clothing, food, and more.
Sponsors include: Keep Children Rockin, After12, Mattstache Productions, Extreme Metal Scene, Savage Photographix, and more.
TICKETS
General Admission: $25
Tickets purchased through the website are digital and are redeemed via call at the door.
All sales are final unless the event is canceled.
RE-ENTRY & RULES
Re-entry allowed with wristband.
No outside food or drink.
Professional cameras require approval.
Mosh at your own risk.
Respect venue staff and festival personnel.
Security reserves the right to remove anyone for unsafe behavior.
BAND MERCH / VENDORS
All bands will have dedicated merch space.
Vendor hall will be open during all festival hours.
Cash and cards accepted (varies by vendor).
ABOUT THE FEST
Dead of Winter Fest is the yearly fundraiser for Keep Children Rockin, a nonprofit helping Arizona youth music programs with instrument donations and repairs. Since 2015, the festival has sparked community support that has delivered more than $20,000 in equipment to over 20 schools. Every share, RSVP, and ticket helps expand access to music for the next generation. When people come together at Dead of Winter Fest, they’re not only supporting local heavy music...they’re helping keep music education alive in Arizona!