Rock the Universe 2023: Celebrating Faith at Florida’s Biggest Christian Music Festival
It’s finally here! One of the best weekends to experience in Florida: Rock the Universe at Universal Studios Orlando! This year marks the festival’s 25th anniversary of making a joyful noise in the Sunshine State, which is certainly a milestone worth celebrating.
The most exciting aspect of Rock the Universe 2023 isn’t just the amazing Christian artists and bands or even getting to ride Universal’s insane roller coasters – it’s the opportunity to worship in such a unique way, gathering together with strangers in one accord and revitalizing faith through song.
This year, Rock the Universe 2023 promises to be another amazing weekend of both faith and fun; it’s perfect for a youth group excursion or anyone who wants to worship alongside their favorite artists and friends of the faith from around the country.
Are you ready to rock and rejoice??
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.”
psalm 98:4
What is Rock the Universe?
Rock the Universe, Floridas biggest Christian music festival, began in 1998, as Universal sought to offer activities that rivaled Disney World. In this instance, they were seeking to compete with the Night of Joy, a Christian rockfest at the House of Mouse. However, as the companies tended to swap the same musical acts back and forth, one has to wonder if the rivalry was really all that vicious.1 (We’d like to think arguing over worship music never happens…)
Even though Disney sadly ended Night of Joy in 2018, we’re happy to say Universal’s Christian rockfest is still going strong, especially if this year’s agenda is anything to go by!
Rock the Universe 2023 is a separately ticketed event, with the festivities kicking off once the park is closed – but rest assured, several attractions keep running well into the night! The combination of music fest and roller coasters is a delightful one. (Did Rock the Universe secretly inspire the musical coaster, Rip Ride Rockit?!)
Let’s Jam!
Rock the Universe 2023 will be held on the winter weekend of January 27th – 28th, starting at 4 p.m. and rocking until 1 a.m. each night.
As a separately ticketed event, be aware that a daytime pass to Universal won’t grant you access to the music festival (likewise, you don’t need a daytime ticket to enjoy the music). There are several ticket options, from basic one-night tickets (you pick which night you want to go), two-night tickets, and park-hopping weekend tickets. If you are indeed bringing a youth group and have at least ten people, you can inquire about group benefits! (Perks include a special lounge for youth leaders!)
Now for the big question: who is playing Rock the Universe 2023?? Here’s the official line-up, and it looks great!
January 27th
- Skillet – Music Plaza Stage
Skillet is a popular, GRAMMY-nominated Christian rock band. - Tauren Wells – Music Plaza Stage
Wells is a platinum-selling contemporary Christian singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist. - Bethel Music – Hollywood Stage
Bethel is a well-known collective of musicians, singers, and songwriters. - Rend Collective – Music Plaza Stage
Rend Collective is a Northern Irish Christian folk rock worship band from Bangor, Northern Ireland. - Evan Craft – Hollywood Stage
Craft is a contemporary worship music singer with albums in English and Spanish. - Katy Nicole – Hollywood Stage
Katy Nicole is a Christian musician and songwriter who debuted in 2022.
January 28th
- Zach Williams – Music Plaza Stage
Williams is a GRAMMY-award winning Christian rock artist who has been the lead vocalist of different worship groups. - Matthew West – Music Plaza Stage
West is a contemporary Christian musician and Billboard’s #1 Hot Christian Song Artist. - Dante Bowe – Hollywood Stage
Bowe is a Christian singer and songwriter and a member of the Maverick City Music collective. - Anne Wilson – Music Plaza Stage
Wilson is a Christian musician and songwriter who debuted in 2021. Her song “My Jesus” reached #1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart. - We Are Messengers – Hollywood Stage
We Are Messengers is a Christian band originally from Ireland. Their first studio album reached the top 10 on Billboard album charts. - Cain – Hollywood Stage
Cain is a Christian country trio.
In addition to the concerts and rides, Rock the Universe attendees can also enjoy a Sunday morning worship service (provided with your admission ticket) as well as the FanZone, which features autograph sessions, live music from DJ Promote, and performances from up-and-coming artists.
More Than Just a Concert
While worshipping God in the middle of a theme park might seem unconventional, it’s also amazingly appropriate, as we can – and are meant to – be in constant praise regardless of our circumstances.
There’s also something incredibly special about coming together with Christians from around the country – around the globe, even! – to offer up praise. It’s a poignant reminder that we, as the Apostle Paul writes, are the body of Christ.
While at surface level, “Rock the Universe” simply refers to rock music at Universal Studios, I think it’s possible to find another layer in the name; it is the Christian’s call to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, and that good news of forgiveness does indeed “rock the universe” in a most glorious way! In fact, it’s the reason why we sing!
Rock the Universe is a truly special event, and we hope Universal Studios continues to host it for another 25 years and beyond.
Have you been to Rock the Universe 2023? Who is your favorite Christian artist that you’ve seen there? Is there someone you’re hoping will make the roster next year? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing Shane & Shane!
Cover Image
Photo: Unsplash
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