The second annual Rock Carnival brought some of the best rock and metal bands in the world to FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood, New Jersey, and NEPA Scene was the only publication from Northeastern Pennsylvania to endure the bad weather to cover some badass music on Friday, Sept. 30 through Sunday, Oct. 2.

“This year’s lineup far exceeds our expectations,” Rock Carnival producer John D’Esposito said in a press release before the event. “The incredible new layout, amenities, and resources are sure to enhance the Carnival experience for our fans and their families.”

Unfortunately, the rain made everything a muddy mess, shutting down stages, carnival rides, and other festivities, but that couldn’t put a damper on the amazing performances throughout the weekend. On Day 3 on Oct. 2, we photographed Citizen Zero, 10 Years, Jim Breuer and the Loud & Rowdy, Cinderella’s Tom Keifer, Life of Agony, Sebastian Bach, The Used, and Halestorm.

There were many highlights on the final day of the festival, including Halestorm vocalist and guitarist Lzzy Hale singing with Breuer and Keifer, The Used embracing the fact that they didn’t quite fit the rest of the lineup and killing it, and Keifer covering Prince’s “Purple Rain” and playing many classic Cinderella hits.

To cut down on load times and better organize all the photos, we split our coverage into two posts, so see photos of Clutch, Blue Öyster Cult, Alice Cooper, Punky Meadows, Jackyl, Monster Magnet, Fuel, Ace Frehley, Overkill, and Twisted Sister from Days 1 and 2 here.

Also, see photos from Rock’N Derby earlier this year, from the same producers of Rock Carnival, here.

Citizen Zero

10 Years

Jim Breuer and the Loud & Rowdy

Cinderella’s Tom Keifer

Life of Agony

Sebastian Bach

The Used

Halestorm

Miscellaneous festival fun