Temperatures in the upper 90s didn’t keep people away from Discovery Park last weekend for the 14th annual Aftershock, arguably the most economically significant music festival in the Capital Region. This year’s event drew a record-breaking 180,000 attendees, who braved the unseasonable October heat to see blockbuster bands like My Chemical Romance, Limp Bizkit and the Wu-Tang Clan (alongside a lineup of dozens of other artists of varying levels of fame).

According to Mike Testa, president and CEO of Visit Sacramento, Aftershock reliably generates tens of millions of dollars for the local economy, with hotels booked out by visitors from well beyond Sacramento. Speaking to Comstock’s for a 2025 feature story, he said that over two-thirds of Aftershock attendees come from outside the Capital Region and that the most recent event had generated $31 million for the economy.

But that sum didn’t include what attendees spent on their clothing — and as photographer Gabriel Teague discovered, many attendees invest major time and energy into what they wear to see their favorite bands. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they shell out for their rock regalia, though. Some who said they spent $1,000 or more on their tickets made their outfits by hand or cobbled them together from things they already owned.

And who are these people when they aren’t dressed as clowns, pirate queens, horned creatures or Lord Farquaads? Warehouse clerks, state analysts, dental assistants, logistics workers — all the people who keep our economy rolling in ways other than spending freely at a music festival. Whether their day job has them in scrubs or a company polo, Aftershock gives them a chance to let their alt flags fly.

Here’s a short selection of some notable looks from Aftershock 2026. Did we miss yours? Post it and tag us on Instagram @comstocksmag.

Interview responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Mario Melgoza (left), chef from Sacramento

What was the inspiration behind your outfit?

The inspiration for my outfit was my girlfriend. We’re both nerds at heart and play Magic and D&D together. She’s a very creative person, and when she was creating her druid outfit it gave me the inspiration to make mine, which is more like a warlock of metal. Every patch in my vest was from previous shows I’ve attended over the years.

About how much did you spend on your outfit and your full Aftershock experience?

The outfit itself didn’t cost me any money, mainly because I made it myself with different trinkets and parts from other costumes I have at home, but it was definitely time consuming to make. For the festival itself I did spend over $1,500, but it was worth every penny and I can’t wait for next year.

How does this compare to what you wear to work?

This outfit is totally different from what I wear at work. Since I work in a kitchen, I always wear a chef coat and have to be normal. Aftershock is where I get to show the real me without judgement from anyone.

Anything else you want people to know about your experience at Aftershock?

One thing I can say is stay hydrated and know that everything is expensive as hell. My girlfriend snuck in some McDonald’s, and that was a great idea. Always have some ibuprofen with you because it will be needed. Aftershock is something everyone should experience once in their life, and my favorite part is seeing the metal community come together and just love each other.

Heather Frank (right), dental assistant from Sacramento

What was the inspiration behind your outfit?

I play Magic and D&D. I love making costumes. I’m a druid at heart.

How much did you spend on your outfit?

I didn’t spend anything for my outfit. I made the horns from paper mache; the rest was an old scarf and some odds and ends from around the house. I create miniatures so I have a lot of supplies. I guess I got the fishnets from Amazon lol. I made the shoulder pads from cardboard, newspaper and eyeshadow. I have magnets glued on the inside so I can make them wings or shoulder pads.

How does this compare to what you wear to work?

I wear scrubs to work. I love being able to express myself outside of the regular scrub attire. It can be so depressing to wear the exact same thing to work every single day, so being able to go outside and express myself exponentially helps my mental health.

Anything else you want people to know about your experience at Aftershock?

Everything is expensive. I snuck in McDonald’s double doubles (double cheeseburgers), and it was the best decision I have made in my adult life.

Ceasar Figueroa, metal processing worker from Fresno

Brittney Snoderly, warehouse clerk from Modesto, and her daughter Nikki

What was the inspiration behind your outfit?

I dressed as a clown because I thought it was cute, and it went with ICP (Insane Clown Posse) playing that day.

How much did you spend on your Aftershock experience?

I spent too much for Aftershock so that my daughter and I would have a good and fun time.

How does this compare to what you wear to work?

At work I wear jeans and a plain shirt with the company’s logo. The clown costume was more fun and more me in a sense.

Anything else you want people to know about your experience at Aftershock?

It was a great experience except for all the dirt. It won’t stop me from going next year, and hopefully I’ll have some new outfit/costume ideas.

Jessica Razo, barista from San Diego, and Adriana, barista from Arizona

Tuesday Morrissey, remarketing driver from San Jose

What was the inspiration behind your outfit?

Femininity and the raw sex appeal of metal music inspired this battle dress. This dress is made from 100 percent upcycled denim, upholstery thread and patches from anywhere I could get my hands on, I have so many more bands I want to add!

How does this compare to what you wear to work?

I’m actually extremely restricted in what I wear to work, I work in logistics for a very conservative company. Beige, beige and more beige.

Anything else you want people to know about your experience at Aftershock?

I am beyond excited to be able to share my artwork with whoever sees this. It took many hours of work, hand stitching and it was certainly a labor of love, so thank you Comstock’s for spreading the love! (Follow Tuesday at @disfigured_tuesday.)

Rosa Mendoza, registered veterinary technician from Vacaville

What was the inspiration behind your outfit?

I am a part of a Facebook group called Moxii: Women of Aftershock. The admin for the group took the word “moxie” and put her own twist to it. It fits the ladies who love rock and metal. We plan events, meet ups, talk about Aftershock experiences, and the music we love. Women supporting women. A safe place where women can be themselves, a place where women can express their own individuality. The theme for this particular day was Rebel Pirates. I went with my own spin to a gothic rebel pirate theme.

About how much did you spend on your outfit and your full Aftershock experience?

These are pieces I had already owned. The skirt I purchased from Killstar! Highly recommend. The corset and my skeleton mesh top I had purchased from Temu. The pirate accessories and thigh high fishnet tights were from Amazon. The boots were from the TikTok Shop. The pink banana was a representation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This was also to let others know that I had trinkets and bracelets to trade. I’d say I spent an estimated $180-$200 for my outfit. On my Aftershock experience, I spent an estimated $1300-$1500. That includes my VIP ticket, my locker, parking pass, food and beverages. I did not purchase merchandise this year.

How does this compare to what you wear to work?

I am a full-time registered veterinary technician. I spend five to six days a week in scrubs. However, I remain my own individual. I maintain my alt girl aesthetic even in scrubs. I’m the tattooed, pierced, colored-hair alt girl amongst the group. I embrace it. I embrace my individuality. I remain authentic.

Anything else you want people to know about your experience at Aftershock?

Aftershock is certainly one of the best things I look forward to all year long. My first Aftershock was in 2023. I went alone without knowing what to expect. I was nervous and didn’t want to be alone. I learned over the years that going alone is a way better experience. You’re not on someone else’s schedule or time but your own. You get your money’s worth. Not only is it great for mental health, you get to meet great people. I learned that these are my people. We all gathered here for the love of rock and metal. I’ve met so many amazing people along the way. I’ll keep going back to Aftershock for these types of experiences!

Denise Lazaro, California state analyst from Sacramento

What was the inspiration behind your outfit?

I was dressed as a pirate for Rebel Pirate Day. Throughout the last year, I started a women’s group called Moxii: Women of Aftershock.

About how much did you spend on your outfit?

I spent about $30 on my costume. It is from Amazon. It was a little too big, but I made it work, and I wore my purple Ozzy (Osbourne) glasses from the Ozzy tribute day we did last Aftershock. Fishnets are required, and go with anything, by the way. Somehow, it makes any outfit we put together complete.

How does this compare to what you wear to work?

I am a state worker, state of California, so at work I dress pretty conservatively. Once in a while, on casual day, I do throw on a ball cap and one of my favorite rock T-shirts — one of the tamer ones, of course, and office friendly. But yes, by day a summer dress and sandals is the go-to. Winter, I like to wear dresses with tights and Doc Martens with a sweater, or jeans, boots and a blouse with a sweater. My closet is black. I may have a problem.

Anything else you want people to know about your experience at Aftershock?

We started Moxii: Women of Aftershock this last year. Rosa (Mendoza) is an active member!

It is a social group for women that are rock and metal fans. Alternative, goth girls, metalheads and all of the above and everything in between. It’s meant to bring the women’s Aftershock or women’s rock community together in a safe space where we can chat about whatever our heart desires in private within the group online and in person. We have grown to almost 1,000 as of today in less than a year. …

I have been attending Aftershock since the first one in 2012. I have been heavily involved in social media. I help moderate the main public group that has now grown to about 50,000 people. It’s a community that is strong that is close and amazing in spite of some of the issues that happened this year. We all rely on the fact that most metal heads are solid, wonderful citizens that have regular jobs and just love to rock ‘n’ roll mosh and crowd surf with our friends.

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