Capulet Fest 2023 Highlights

CAPULET FEST 2023 was so freaking incredible!

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To see it grow so much in such a short time is a humbling thing. Anyone who was there to experience it this past July can attest that history was being made. But to truly appreciate where we are, first we must return to where we came from.

Not everyone knows that the concept for Capulet Fest originated over a decade ago, and it existed as little more than a skeleton for years. But in 2021, ligaments and skin began to form, and a heartbeat slowly drummed. Out of struggle and loss, the first year of the festival was set in motion and though the full scope of the vision was not yet realized, there were unique, unmistakable signs of life. The first breath came on July 31, 2022. Headlined by an electrifying performance from D.R.U.G.S., and with an insane day full of fun, sweating, blown vocal chords, too much pizza, and just the right amount of moshing, memories were made, and all our homies felt the pulse of what was to come. As a wise prophet once said,

"Despise not the days of small beginnings."

While we have nothing but love for Rhode Island and have even brought tons of shows there over the years, the vision has always been to bring an epic festival to Connecticut, which is why in 2023, we shifted the event to the Thompson Speedway, believing that such a venue would not only be logistically a functional place to be the new home for Capulet Fest, but a haven for us to evolve over time. Attendees, staff, and vendors agreed, and it was clear:

Capulet Fest found a home.

To sum up Year 2 in a few words would be nearly impossible, but what is abundantly evident is the impact this festival had on the community and on the rock scene in general. In just 2 years, a fervor has risen, an enchanted expectation to beg for what is to come, what we all know New England has been longing for: A bona-fide rock festival like no other.

The skeleton can breathe. He's taken the first steps.

The 2023 Capulet Fest lineup was explosive, packed with legacy acts as well as those on the rise. From metalcore legends to alternative pioneers to hard rock heroes, each band brought the fire, bridging the chasm of specific genres within rock music, bringing unity to the scene. And memories were formed. Memphis May Fire, Norma Jean, Crown the Empire, and A Skylit Drive brought the fire, for sure, on Saturday. And who could forget the legendary performance by All that Remains, who braved the inclement weather for the sake of the fans?! Anberlin and Emery crushed it as well, and what a treat it was to have Woe, is Me back in the Northeast.

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The Meet & Greet Rocked!

‍ ‍A definite fan favorite was the Meet and Greet experience (purchased as a separate ticket or included as part of the Capulet Royal Pass), where fans got to hang for a bit with their favorite headliners. Memphis May Fire, Norma Jean, Crown the Empire, A Skylit Drive, Anberlin, Emery were among the ones fans got to meet and get a photo op with).

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We had cool and unique vendors, merch, and brands come out. We were honored to have press show up and be have shout outs on sites like Lambgoat and Loudwire, and we were stoked to have some personalities from Radio 104 in Hartford as MCs for the event. Our new homies from Bacon is My Podcast were also fun to have, as they spent the weekend curating interviews with a ton of the bands. And watching the fireworks light up the sky on Saturday night was nothing short of magical. Do you have any highlights from the event that you'd like to share? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and let us know what you're looking forward to the most for Year 3.

Capulet Fest 2023 truly was an unforgettable experience. With more than 30 bands performing across 2 electrifying stages for 2 days, it's almost hard to take it all in. Huge thanks to the bands, the venue, the staff, security, the whole production crew, everyone involved and of course, YOU, the fans! We can't thank you enough and can't wait to get sweaty with you all in 2024!

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DEFY THE STARS!