The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu


Arizona's Real Rock 98KUPD Releases UFEST 2020 Lineup

originally published: 01/13/2020

Arizona

(TEMPE, AZ) -- Arizona’s top rock station, 98KUPD, have announced rock artists Volbeat, Clutch and Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals (performing a Pantera set) will headline UFEST 2020, the radio station’s long-running annual music festival, on April 4th, 2020 at Big Surf Waterpark.

UFEST 2020, which will also feature performances from the bands Fire From The Gods, The Picturebooks and more to be announced. The radio station’s music festival will this year be filled with waterslides, beer, liquor, food vendors, an artist autograph booth, meet & greets with the artists and classic video games. The rock music festival is expected to draw more than 10,000 fans this year.

The 98KUPD/RideNOW Powersports broadcast stage will host live interviews and contests all day.

“Growing up in Arizona in the ‘80s, I can remember all the big rock bands coming through town and playing at Big Surf,” says 98KUPD Brand and Content Director Larry McFeelie. “Rockers like Tesla, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and even Pink Floyd have performed at the waterpark. So, why not bring UFEST and some current day rock acts to Big Surf!?! The weather will be perfect, the drinks will be flowing and the music will be loud! Sounds like a good UFEST to me.”

Tickets for UFEST 2020 start at just $39 plus fees. $1 from the sale of each ticket goes to benefit the United Phoenix Firefighters Charities. Two levels of VIP packages are also available, starting at $175.



 
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info



“As firefighters we unfortunately often meet people at times of tragedy, these circumstances give us a unique perspective on the needs of the community” says Director of Charities Ben Lindquist. “United Phoenix Firefighters Charities gives our firefighters the resources to give back in the communities we serve. We can’t say thank you enough to KUPD for making us the beneficiary of this year’s UFest and helping us to further our efforts in our community! We are excited to see everyone at UFest this year!”

General Admission tickets will also be available at valley Zia Records locations. For tickets and more information, click here.  Big Surf Waterpark is located at 1500 North McClintock Drive in Tempe, Arizona. Parking is available on-site.

UFEST 2020 is presented by Bud Light, Sprint PCS, Ride NOW Powersports, Zia Records and the New Times. It is an all-ages events, with bar access for those with a valid ID. Doors open at 1:00pm, with music beginning at 3:00pm.

98KUPD (97.9FM) is a commercial active rock radio station. Licensed to Tempe, Arizona, the station serves the Phoenix metropolitan area. The station is owned by Hubbard Radio, a division of Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. of St. Paul, Minnesota. The radio station’s morning show, “Holmberg’s Morning Sickness,” has dominated the airwaves for the 19+ years and can be heard each weekday morning from 5:30 a.m.-10 a.m. on the FM dial at 97.9FM or via 98KUPD’s Mobile App.


 

COLUMNS


BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 1/19/26

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Tiny Cities, The Melancholy Kings, Jay Ingstrup, Bamberdost, furiousBall, Evil6, Steam Enginess, Jason Didner and the Drive, Jon Caspi & The First Gun, and Bruce Tunkel. Plus a look back at "M.L. King" by Jon Caspi.




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Light the Room" by The Extensions




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 01/15/2026




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from January 13-19, 2026





 
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




 

MORE NEWS

(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The Middletown Arts Center presents the MAC Music Café: Under the Western Sky on Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Saddle up for a great night of music featuring Shotgun Bill Anania, Rick Dill, and Christian Beach. The event is FREE (with a suggested donation of $5).


The Band Perry LIVE! at bergenPAC




Helen O'Shea Shares Rendition of "Lost" by The Cranberries, Honouring Dolores O'Riordan




BBD Rhythm & Blues Band are 'Keeping the Blues Alive'




An Interview with Zalerno about "Mythic Romance"






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Light of Day WinterFest 2026 Preview

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- It's time for the annual Light of Day shows! A time when Asbury Park comes alive with music throughout the city -- everything from singer-songwriter to rock & blues to cover bands and tribute acts. It's a great time to check out new artists, see your favorites, and experience new venues. In addition to Asbury Park, there are shows at City Winery in NYC, John & Peter's in New Hope, Outpost in the Burbs, and Bob's Birthday Bash in Red Bank.


The Legendary Wailers featuring Julian Junior Marvin come to the Scottish Rite Auditorium




Lee Brice: Acoustic with special guest Deltona at State Theatre on January 23rd




Lizzie Rose Music Room presents the Matt O'Ree Band on January 23rd






Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info


The Penguin Rocks

© 2026 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads


News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates