Leading independent stoner rock, doom, psych & heavy rock festival Desertfest returns to New York this September. Hot off the heels of their largest US event to date in May ‘22, the globally renowned festival will return to the unique space of the Knockdown Center in Queens, alongside an exclusive pre-party at heavy metal institution, Saint Vitus Bar from 14thto 16th September 2023.

Headlining the 3rd edition of the festival will be genre-defining trailblazers the MELVINS. With King Buzzo & Dale Crover at the helm ensuring their 40-year status as icons of the underground, Desertfest attendees can expect a MELVINS performance unlike any other, as they are treated to the bands’ expansive & iconic back catalogue.
Joining them on the Knockdown Center main-stage, with a rare New York performance, will be Japan’s own BORIS. An exercise in auditory marksmanship for any whom are lucky enough to bear witness, BORIS continue to redefine heavy on their own terms.

German psychedelic trio COLOUR HAZE will join the festival for a US exclusive, headlining Thursday’s pre-party at Saint Vitus Bar. A band who move beyond a space of labels, their continued evolution propels them out of any current galaxy recognised as ‘stoner rock’. Thursday night will also welcome the infectiously groovy sounds of LO-PAN & Texan goodtimers DUEL to help warm up the gears.

Long-time friends in the Desertfest-sphere, high-octane Swedish rockers TRUCKFIGHTERS join proceedings for their first New York performance in three years. Greece’s stoner rock heroes 1000MODS also make the jump overseas, ready to bring their ear-worm worthy riffs to revellers. Local legends WHITE HILLS, raucous street doom reapers R.I.P & ‘heavy primal psych’ outfit ECSTASTIC VISION all join the bill. Elsewhere Desertfest NYC also welcomes HEAVY TEMPLE, CLOUDS TASTE SATANIC, MICK’S JAGUAR, CASTLE RAT, GRAVE BATHERS & SPELLBOOK, with more still to be announced…