Founded by No Innocent Victim drummer Jason Dunn[1] in 1997,[2][3] the label started small with a number of 7" record releases by Overcome, Dodgin Bullets, and Born Blind.

Comeback Kid toured behind that album for the following two years, eventually leaving Facedown to sign with Victory Records.

It has been the site of final performances by xDisciplex A.D., and xDEATHSTARx, Seventh Star, and served as the introduction of xLooking Forwardx to Facedown fans, prior to the band signing with the label.

The popularity of the Fest has grown,[citation needed] and in November 2005, an additional two days were held in Annapolis, Maryland for the convenience of those in the eastern part of the U.S. who cannot easily make it to California.

The 20th anniversary had many notable acts, including Impending Doom, Sinai Beach, Gideon, Hands and War of Ages.