UMATILLA — The city of Umatilla is tuning up for the second annual Rock the Locks Music Festival Oct. 4-6 at Big River Golf Course.

Nightly headliners are Halestorm (Friday), a Pennsylvania-based post-grunge quartet; Stone Temple Pilots (Saturday), a 1990s alt-metal band; and Barenaked Ladies (Sunday), a Canadian pop-rock band.

“This is a rock festival,” Umatilla Parks and Recreation Director Esmeralda Perches and Manager Luke Romero said while describing the sounds audiences can expect.

Other lead performers include Hoobastank, Puddle of Mudd, Phillip Phillips, Warrant and Winger. The festival features a total of 23 musical acts, including several with ties to the region.

“The city is dedicated to supporting and showcasing local talent,” Romero and Perches said. “Featuring local bands adds a unique flavor to the event, fosters community pride and provides valuable opportunities for local musicians to showcase their skills, network with industry professionals and expand their fan base.”

Shortly after the gates open each day, the music will crank up alternately between two stages. And to further the music festival atmosphere, onsite camping is available. Also, there will be food, beverage and merchandise vendors.

Tuning up for second year

Daily attendance for the 2023 event ranged from 2,500 to 3,000. While that was somewhat below expectations, Umatilla City Manager David Stockdale was satisfied with the crowds for the event’s inaugural year. Perches and Romero anticipate drawing 5,000 people per day for the 2024 event.

“Last year’s event successfully attracted our target demographic, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the bands, which resonated well with the audience,” Romero and Perches said.

Building on the momentum established in 2023, the city allocated a substantial budget for promoting this year’s music festival throughout the Pacific Northwest. Perches and Romero said efforts are focused on reaching rock music lovers from Seattle to Idaho and northern California via digital marketing, airport advertising, billboards, radio and TV.

“Ticket sales are progressing well, and we anticipate continued momentum as the festival date approaches,” they said.

Ticket options include single-day general admission ranging from $79-$99 (prices increase on Sept. 30) or three-day general admission passes for $219. Also, three-day VIP passes are $449, which includes upfront seating for main shows, 15 alcoholic beverages, free soda and water, an event T-shirt and poster, a commemorative VIP laminate and access to a bar area with shade, seating and restrooms.

Parking is $20 each day or $50 for a three-day pass. Also, tent camping ranges from $75-$110 and limited RV space is still available for $129.

Festival details and tickets are available via www.rockthelocks.org. Also, for more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3EOMqt4. For questions, call 541-922-3226.

Rock the Locks lineup

Friday, Oct. 4

1:45 p.m., Groove Principal

3 p.m., Jeff Scott Soto/Jason Bieler

4:15 p.m., Sponge

5:15 p.m., Eclipse

6:30 p.m., Hell’s Belles

8 p.m., Cory Marks

9:30 p.m., Halestorm

Saturday, Oct. 5

Noon, Colorblind

1:15 p.m., Fine Winos

2:15 p.m., Steelheart

3:15 p.m., Bombshell Molly

4:15 p.m., Winger

5:15 p.m., Josey Scott

6:15 p.m., Puddle of Mudd

7:45 p.m., Hoobastank

9:30 p.m., Stone Temple Pilots

Sunday, Oct. 6

Noon, Dallin Puzey

1 p.m., Chase the Bear

2 p.m., Sarah Moon Band

3 p.m., Warrant

4:30 p.m., Blue Tattoo

5:45 p.m., Phillip Phillips

7:30 p.m., Barenaked Ladies