Rock the Universe is held at Universal Studios FloridaIn a move that I will admit that I did not expect, Rock the Universe will be held on February 1 and 2, 2019. It’s a separate ticketed event that takes place at Universal Studios Florida. The Christian rock festival dates back to 1998, and this is the first time that it will take place outside of the month of September. The 2018 version wrapped up just a few days ago.
The lineups have been announced as well. Friday, February 1 will feature Colton Dixon, Matthew West, and Lecrae. Saturday, February 2 will have performances by Crowder, Bethel Music, and Skillet. It is unknown whether or not more acts will be added. In the past few years Rock the Universe has hosted at least six artists each night.
Saturday night will also include a candlelight ceremony. There will be two worship services on Sunday morning, which are included with a Rock the Universe ticket. Advance registration for the worship services is required.
For years Rock the Universe was held on the same weekend as Night of Joy at Walt Disney World. That festival began in 1983, and ended in 2017. In 2018 Rock the Universe had the weekend to themselves, although MercyMe and Tauren Wells performed at Epcot as part of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series.
Praise Wave has been held the past few years in the winter months at SeaWorld Orlando, but that’s more of a series of concerts. Praise Wave is included with SeaWorld admission (reserved seating is available), and it features one artist a day. A few weeks ago SeaWorld announced two extra concerts that will be held this month. Michael W. Smith will perform on September 15, and on September 22 it will be Newsboys. I think I need a map to keep track of what is going on, where, and when.
I attended Rock the Universe once several years ago. It was packed. The weather was miserable, with the normal summer combination of heat and rain. In 2017 the second evening was canceled because of Hurricane Irma. Maybe moving Rock the Universe to February is a good idea.