Upheaval 2025: Essential Guide to Grand Rapids’ Biggest Rock Fest

Grand Rapids' Belknap Park will be home to one of the biggest rock festivals in the country this weekend, and if you're planning to go, you're going to want to be prepared.

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Upheaval Festival 2025

Upheaval Festival is returning to Belknap Park on July 18 & 19, 2025, with an impressive lineup that includes Rob Zombie, Falling in Reverse, and more.  This two-day festival brings in both locals and folks who have travelled from all over the country.

Before you head to the festival (whether you're going for both days or just one), there are a few things that you need to know.

Upheaval Festival Bag Policy

Bags are allowed into Belknap Park for Upheaval, but there are some restrictions. Expect all bags to be searched at the gate.

Bags that are allowed include:

• Small purses
• Fanny packs
• Single drawstring bags
• Small, empty hydration packs

Bags larger than 14"x11"x5", backpacks, and bags with multiple pockets are not allowed on the festival grounds.

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If you need a refrigerated bag for medication, you can bring it in, but it must fit the bag size guidelines.

What Can You Bring in to Upheaval Festival?

As noted above, bags are allowed as long as they fit the parameters.

• Other allowed items include:
• EMPTY reusable water containers (it's important to stay hydrated.)
• Chairs - specifically bag chairs. Bags will be searched before you enter the festival.
• Binoculars
• Blankets
• Sheets
• Towels
• Non-professional cameras (anything without a removable lens)
• Neck fans.
• Sunscreen (must be in non-aerosol containers)
• Strollers
• Medication. There are stipulations with this one. Upon arrival, you "must present the pharmacy-labeled container which states the prescription, dosage, and patient name to our security staff at each entrance gate."

Items You Can Not Bring into Upheaval Festival

That's a lot of things that you can bring in, but what are the things you can't?

• Bags that do not comply with the bag parameters
• Oversized umbrellas
• Umbrellas with a pointed or metal tip
• Aerosol containers.
• Outside food or drinks
• Cans or glass bottles
• Illegal or illicit substances
• Pets (service animals are permitted)
• Selfie sticks
• Video equipment
• Recording devices
• Drones
• Professional cameras
• Laser pointers
• Skateboards
• Rollerblades
• Bikes
• Wagons
• Kites
• Frisbees
• Picnic baskets
• Coolers
• Firearms
• Explosives
• Pocket knives
• Pepper spray
• All other weapons

Is Smoking or Vaping Permitted at Upheaval Festival?

In short? No. Smoking, vaping, and marijuana usage are banned at all Grand Rapids parks.

Where to Park for Upheaval Festival

Parking in and around Upheaval can be tricky. The festival does offer premium spots at the park, but they are sold out for 2025. Other parking options include:

• Metered parking within walking distance of Belknap Park
• Parking at downtown Grand Rapids ramps and lots
• Parking in a DASH lot and shuttling to the park

Weather Expected for Upheaval Festival

You'll also want to be prepared for some weather. Friday is expected to be around 81 degrees and sunny. Saturday is a different story. While Saturday is expected to be equally as warm, rain showers are expected later in the day, so you may want to come prepared with a poncho and/or an umbrella that meets the festival specifications.

Want to eat something hearty before heading to the festival? Check out these Grand Rapids spots where you can grab a burger for breakfast.