About

What it is

Emissions from the Monolith is an independent music festival focused on the heavy underground. We know the bands and the fans make a festival work. We don't do pay to play, or take a merch rate. Just 2 dudes sharing their vision of what a festival should be.

History

Founded in 1999 by Greg Barratt who set out to create a festival rooted in heavy music, independence, and community. Using undiagnosed ADHD and sheer will as his superpower, he ran 9 successful festivals in Youngstown, OH – Chicago, IL – Austin, TX from 2000–2007. Fast forward to 2025 and Greg Barratt teamed up with Nate Offerdahl of Westside Bowl fame to bring the heavy back, keeping to the core principles of all killer, no filler.

2026 event

The festival will take place October 8–11, 2026 at Westside Bowl in Youngstown, Ohio. The venue provides a straightforward environment with solid sound, fair treatment for performers, and space for people to connect around music

Principles

• DIY and independent: Emissions is independently organized and curated. We may accept support from aligned partners to cover real costs — but sponsors never influence the lineup, schedule, or creative direction.
• Artist and fan focused: no pay to play, no merch rate. A curated lineup of acts of all levels and styles.
• Community over hierarchy: no VIP tiers or exclusive areas.
• ALWAYS One stage, no band overlap, no short sets.
• Respect and inclusion: everyone should feel safe and welcome.

ABOUT THE VENUE — WESTSIDE BOWL (YOUNGSTOWN, OH)

Emissions from the Monolith 10 takes place at Westside Bowl in Youngstown, Ohio — one of the best live music rooms in the region. This is a real venue built for sound, with a full professional PA, great sightlines, and a comfortable layout that keeps the crowd close without feeling packed in.

Westside Bowl features a full bar and kitchen, with food available on-site throughout the weekend. Whether you’re here for one night or the full four-day run, you won’t be stuck living off gas station snacks.

The venue is all ages (with ID required for alcohol), and the staff and atmosphere are welcoming, safe, and easy to navigate. Expect a clean, comfortable space where you can actually settle in and focus on the music.

Most importantly: Westside Bowl is designed for people who want to experience live music loud, clear, and immersive — without the usual festival headaches.

We are also intentionally limiting ticket sales to keep the room comfortable. Emissions is a four-day experience, and we want the venue to feel spacious, breathable, and enjoyable all weekend — not oversold, not chaotic, and not a fight for space.

One stage. No overlaps. No running between rooms.
Just heavy music, full focus, and a venue that delivers.

Emissions is built by the same people who attend it — bands, fans, and volunteers who believe in loud, independent music. If you were part of it before, welcome back. If this is your first time, you’re in for a treat.