Next month, The Maine’s 8123 Fest returns and is back and bigger than ever, marking an exciting evolution of the beloved Arizona-based music festival. For the first time since its formation, the event will span two days with venues across Mesa giving a home for bands & artists to perform.
With a carefully curated selection of bands & artists who resonate with The Maine’s musical journey, the lineup brings together the influences that shaped them and bands they’ve toured with. Bad Suns, Charlotte Sands, Grayscale and more will be playing alongside The Maine as part of the festival’s celebration of music and community. “8123 Fest is the Comicon for The Maine fans,” explains Pat Kirch, the band’s summer. “It’s a celebration of the community we’ve built and the connection amongst the fans within it. This year, we’re going bigger than ever, with more music, surprises, and experiences. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the desert!”
On January 16th, the kickoff party will occur at the Nile Theater and will be headlined by the dynamic Charlotte Sands, joined by a stellar lineup of supporting acts. The following day, and the first official day of the festival, will see The Maine take the stage for a double feature: a complete live performance of American Candy in honour of its 10th anniversary, followed by the final full performance of their self-titled album which was released in 2023. In addition to their performance, the day will also feature artists like Bad Suns, Grayscale, Diva Bleach, Veronica Everheart, and a special guest.
Following the first official day of the fest, on January 18th The Maine returns for a career-spanning set that promises to highlight fan favourites from across their discography. Sharing the stage are an incredible mix of artists, from The Starting Line and Real Friends to Charlotte Sands and HELLOGOODBYE. Following the final performance of the festival, attendees can go to the Nile Theater with another emo/pop-themed after-party. Although the festival will begin to wind down, there is a sendoff celebration at the Nile Theater featuring live band karaoke and performances by the 8123 House Band. Leaning into their dedication to community building, on January 20, festival attendees have the chance to give back by participating in a community service project in partnership with Arizona-based nonprofit organizations. It’s a meaningful way to close out the weekend, showcasing The Maine’s commitment to making a positive impact.
Tickets are on sale now at 8123fest.com.
