Set It Off Festival to feature metal concerts for all ages at Chelsea’s Live this weekend
Baton Rouge’s Set It Off Festival, known for its all-ages hardcore and metal rock, is returning for its second year this weekend at Chelsea’s Live. Organized by Garrett Saia, a seasoned event organizer with experience in booking shows since he was 17, the festival features 13 bands, both local and touring, promising a night of rock music for fans of all ages.
Saia, the mastermind behind popular music events like Emo Night, has long harbored a dream of hosting an all-ages hardcore metal festival. His vision was finally realized last year at Mid City Ballroom, and this year, the festival lineup boasts an array of Louisiana bands such as Swampgrave, Decoy, and Christworm, coupled with out-of-state artists like Chicago-based Torture and Alabama-based Delta Hate. The festival’s growth over the years is evident, with an increase in the number of bands on the roster since its inception in 2024.
The festival, an entire day-long event, was inspired by a song from local rapper Boosie Badazz, imbuing it with a sense of Baton Rouge culture and a nod to metal. Saia’s choice of the festival’s title was strategic, drawing inspiration from popular hardcore bands that also bore the name “Set It Off.” The event’s materials, from flyers to food vendors, maintain a focus on local talent, with collaborations with artists like Boo Driskill and vendors such as Tasty Creations and Boyo’s Black Magic Pizzas.
Reflecting on the significance of hosting an all-ages concert, Saia reveals that his motivation stems from his own experiences attending such events in his youth. Recalling vibrant shows he attended at venues like The Darkroom and Here Today Gone Tomorrow Thrift Store, he emphasizes the importance of engaging the younger generation in metal and hardcore concerts to ensure the longevity of the music scene. By providing a space for younger crowds to experience live music, Saia believes it fosters a continuous passion for live music throughout their lives, thereby nurturing a thriving music community in the city.
Set It Off Festival marks the culmination of these efforts, offering a diverse lineup of bands and an inclusive environment for music enthusiasts of all ages. Scheduled to run from early afternoon until midnight, the festival guarantees a high-energy, memorable experience for attendees. With tickets available online for $20 and at the door for $25, Set It Off Festival invites the Baton Rouge community to come together for a day of hardcore and metal performances at Chelsea’s Live.