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From Maryland Deathfest to 70000 Tons of Metal, these are the festivals defining the sound — and chaos — of 2026.
The roar of the crowd. The crash of drums. The heat of summer and the pulse of guitars echoing through open air and steel halls. The U.S. metal festival scene in 2026 is louder, larger, and more diverse than ever – from ocean-bound cruises to haunted prisons and desert stages. Whether you crave the brutality of death metal, the precision of prog, or the nostalgia of ’80s glam, there’s a festival ready to melt your face off. Here are 13 of the most legendary metal gatherings across America you won’t want to miss this year.
The Small Metal Music Festivals up to 10k Visitors
Something in the Way 2026, Boston, Massachusetts
A rising name in the U.S. metal scene, this festival blends grunge, alternative, and heavy metal in a celebration of both nostalgia and new energy. Known for its emotionally charged atmosphere and coastal city setting, it attracts fans who appreciate artistry beyond pure aggression.
Date
January 31 – February 1, 2026
Lineup
Angel Du$t, Citizen, Explosions in the Sky, Febuary, First Day Back, Glitterer, Glixen, Gollylagging, Graham Hunt, Guv, Horse Jumper of Love, How Much Art, Momma, No Warning, Park National, Pelican, Pool Kids, Sheer Mag, Sunny Day Real Estate, Teen Suicide, The Hotelier, Tigers Jaw, Wicca Phase Springs Eternal
Website
https://www.somethingintheway.net
Buy Tickets
https://www.axs.com/us/series/29298/something-in-the-way-2026-tickets
70000 Tons of Metal 2026, On a Cruise Liner From Miami to Nassau, Bahamas
The world’s largest heavy metal cruise, 70000 Tons of Metal is legendary for its floating, non-stop metal party featuring over 60 bands and intimate performances at sea. Fans and musicians mingle freely, creating one of the most unique and immersive festival experiences anywhere.
Date
January 29 – February 2, 2026
Lineup
Anthrax, Amorphis, Anthrax, Arkona, Beast In Black, Bloodred Hourglass, Cemetery Skyline, Dark Tranquillity, Darkane, Dødheimsgard, Dragonland, Dust Bolt, Eluveitie, Ereb Altor, Firewind, Gama Bomb, Groza, Haggard, Harakiri For The Sky, Heathen, Hiraes, Hirax, Hour Of Penance, Ignea, Illdisposed, Illumishade, In Mourning, Insomnium, Izegrim, Kamelot, Kanonenfieber, Orden Ogan, Paradise Lost, Persefone, Rhapsody Of Fire, Royal Hunt, Satan, Saturnus, Seven Spires, Skeletal Remains, Skyclad, Soen, Soilwork, Suidakra, Tribulation, Týr, Vader, Vbo, Vio-Lence, Wind Rose, Wolf, Xandria
Website
Buy Tickets
https://book70000tons.com/booking/
Hells Heroes Festival 2026, Houston, Texas
A mecca for traditional heavy metal and thrash fans, Hells Heroes celebrates the roots of the genre with a fiery lineup of old-school legends and rising underground acts. Its DIY spirit, passionate crowds, and Texas-sized energy make it a cult favorite.
Date
March 19-21, 2026
Lineup
3 Inches of Blood, Bat, Bulldozer, Butcher, Dirkschneider, Grand Magus, H.O.L.M.E.S., Hellbutcher, Interceptor, Phantom, Power From Hell, Sanctuary, Tankard, Virgin Steele, Voivod, Vulture, White Wizzard
Website
https://www.facebook.com/hellsheroesfest
Buy Tickets
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/3A006271FF1642DA
Dark Force Fest 2026, Parsippany, New Jersey
Focused on gothic, industrial, and darkwave metal subgenres, Dark Force Fest stands out for its moody aesthetics, art installations, and community of fans who thrive on the darker side of sound and style. It’s part music festival, part fashion and culture event.
Date
May 1-3, 2026
Lineup
16Volt, Amulet, Anders Manga, Ayria, Blaklight, Calaverx, Chrom, Crossbreed, Das Ich, Ego Likeness, Emberfast, En Esch, ESA, FGFC820, Forever Grey, Front Line Assembly, Frontal Boundary, Frozen Plasma, Ghost Cop, Hate Dept., Haunt Me, Leather Strip, Light Asylum, London After Midnight, Male Tears, Maplegun, Matte Blvck, None Shall Remain, Panic Lift, PIG, Presto, Rabbit Junk, Reaper, Spankthenun, Ultra Sunn, Unitcode:Machine, Unter Null
Website
Buy Tickets
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dark-force-fest-2026-tickets-1475124319549
Maryland Deathfest 2026, Baltimore, Maryland
The ultimate extreme metal gathering in North America, Maryland Deathfest is world-famous for its brutal lineup featuring death, grind, black, and doom metal icons. Known for raw intensity and global fan attendance, it’s a must for true underground devotees.
Date
May 21-24, 2026
Lineup
https://deathfests.com/lineup/
Website
Buy Tickets
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/maryland-deathfest-xxi-tickets-1348200787849
ProgPower USA 2026, Atlanta, Georgia
The premier U.S. festival for progressive and power metal fans, ProgPower USA is renowned for its technical musicianship and exclusive performances. With a smaller, fan-friendly setup, it offers a close-knit experience with bands from across the world.
Date
September 9-12, 2026
Lineup
Brainstorm, Conception, Crimson Glory, DGM, Eluveitie, Elvenking, Ensiferum, Evergrey, Fabio Lione’s Dawn of Victory, Fires in the Distance, Hammerfall, Nevermore, Noveria, Redemption, Roy Khan, Scardust, Seven Spires, Sunburst, Teramaze, The Gathering (feat. Anneke Van Giersbergen), The Reticent, Threshold, Voyager
Website
Buy Tickets
https://www.ticketmaster.com/progpower-usa-tickets/artist/823833
The Medium Metal Music Festivals from >10k to 25k Visitors
M3 Rock Festival 2026, Columbia, Maryland
A glam and hard rock celebration of the ’80s and early ’90s scene, M3 Rock Festival is a nostalgia-packed weekend filled with big hair, soaring vocals, and guitar solos. It’s famous for its party atmosphere and loyal multigenerational fanbase.
Date
May 1-3, 2026
Lineup
David Lee Roth, Stephen Pearcy and Warren DeMartini performing RATT, Sebastian Bach, Accept, Ace Frehley, Warrant, Winger, Lita Ford, Slaughter, Great White, Steven Adler, Vixen, Child’s Play, Spread Eagle, Red Voodoo, Snake Oil, Soundcheck Rock Academy
Website
Buy Tickets
https://www.ticketmaster.com/m3-rock-festival-tickets/artist/1795072
Inkcarceration Festival 2026, Mansfield, Ohio
Set at the hauntingly iconic Ohio State Reformatory, Inkcarceration combines heavy metal, tattoo artistry, and haunted history. Known for its mix of top metal acts and massive tattoo expo, it’s a perfect blend of music, art, and atmosphere.
Date
July 17-19, 2026
Lineup
https://www.inkcarceration.com/lineup/
Website
https://www.inkcarceration.com
Buy Tickets
https://www.ticketmaster.com/inkcarceration-tickets/artist/2470543
Sick New World Texas 2026, Las Vegas, Nevada & Fort Worth, Texas
Focused on nu-metal, alt-metal, and industrial rock, Sick New World has quickly become a cultural phenomenon. Its 2026 expansion to Texas shows its explosive popularity, with over-the-top visuals, nostalgia acts, and massive crowd energy defining the experience.
Date
April 25, 2026 (Las Vegas) & October 24, 2026 (Fort Worth)
Lineup
https://www.sicknewworldfest.com/vegas/lineup
https://www.sicknewworldfest.com/texas/lineup
Website
https://www.sicknewworldfest.com
Buy Tickets
https://www.sicknewworldfest.com/vegas/tickets
https://www.sicknewworldfest.com/texas/tickets
The Large Metal Music Festivals from >25k to 50k Visitors
Welcome to Rockville 2026, Daytona Beach, Florida
A titan among U.S. rock and metal festivals, Rockville is famed for its colossal lineups featuring both mainstream and underground acts. Held at the Daytona International Speedway, it offers sun, speed, and sonic power in equal measure.
Date
May 7-10, 2026
Lineup
https://www.welcometorockville.com/lineup/
Website
https://www.welcometorockville.com
Buy Tickets
https://www.jampack.com/events/welcome-to-rockville-2026/book
Rock Fest Wisconsin 2026, Cadott, Wisconsin
The Midwest’s largest rock and metal camping festival, Rock Fest is known for its laid-back, community vibe and multi-day lineup of hard-hitting acts. Fans love its outdoor camping culture and the classic festival spirit it keeps alive.
Date
July 16-18, 2026
Lineup
https://www.rock-fest.com/lineup/
Website
Buy Tickets
https://www.rock-fest.com/tickets/
Riot Fest Chicago 2026, Chicago, Illinois
A genre-spanning giant, Riot Fest blends punk, metal, and alternative rock with a rebellious edge. Famous for its eclectic lineups and carnival-like atmosphere, it’s one of the few major fests where metalcore meets emo and everything in between.
Date
September 18- 20, 2026
Lineup
To be announced.
Website
Buy Tickets
https://www.tixr.com/groups/riotfest/events/riot-fest-2026-158068
The Gigantic Metal Music Festivals with more than 50k Visitors
Sonic Temple Festival 2026, Columbus, Ohio
Held in the heart of rock country, Sonic Temple is known for its stadium-scale production and elite headliners. As the spiritual successor to Rock on the Range, it continues to draw massive crowds for a weekend of high-octane performances and festival spectacle.
Date
May 14-17, 2026
Lineup
Alestorm, All That Remains, All Time Low, Allt, Alpha Wolf, Amira Elfeky, Amon Amarth, Anberlin, Anthrax, Apocalyptica, Architects, Archspire, Atreyu, Attack Attack!, August Burns Red, Avatar, Behemoth, Black Label Society, Black Veil Brides, Bloodywood, Body Count feat. Ice-T, Bodysnatcher, Brand of Sacrifice, Breaking Benjamin, Bring Me The Horizon, Buckcherry, BUSH, Butcher Babies, Carcass, Carnifex, Castle Rat, Catch Your Breath, Cattle Decapitation, Chelsea Grin, Chiodos, Citizen, CKY, Coal Chamber, Coheed and Cambria, Conquer Divide, Cradle of Filth, Crown The Empire, Dance Gavin Dance, Daughtry, Dayseeker, Demon Hunter, Dethklok, DevilDriver, Disembodied Tyrant, Dope, DragonForce, Drop Dead, Gorgeous, Dying Fetus, Egypt Central, Electric Callboy, Everclear, FLAW, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Flyleaf with Lacey Sturm, Fozzy, From First To Last, Godsmack, Good Charlotte, Halestorm, Hawthorne Heights, Hinder, Holding Absence, In Flames, Jiluka, Knuckle Puck, Kreator, Kublai Khan TX, L. S. Dunes, Lamb of God, Lit, Lorna Shore, Magnolia Park, Make Them Suffer, Marilyn Manson, Mayday Parade, Megadeth, Motion City Soundtrack, Motionless in White, Mushroomhead, My Chemical Romance, Napalm Death, Nekrogoblikon, Nerv, New Found Glory, Not Enough Space, Novelists, P.O.D., Palaye Royale, Paleface Swiss, Pierce The Veil, Polaris, Powerman 5000, Public Enemy, Rise Against, Saliva, Senses Fail, Sepultura, Sevendust, Shinedown, Signs of the Swarm, Simple Plan, Slaughter To Prevail, Snot, SOiL, Spiritworld, Staind, State Champs, Static-X, Stone Temple Pilots, Story of the Year, Sublime, Suffocation, The Amity Affliction, The Ghost Inside, The Offspring, The Plot In You, The Pretty Wild, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, The Story So Far, The Used, The Wonder Years, The Word Alive, Thornhill, Thrice, Thy Art Is Murder, Tom Morello, Tool, We Came As Romans, Whitechapel, Wind Rose, Wind Walkers, Windwaker, Woe, is Me, Yellowcard, Zakk Sabbath
Website
https://sonictemplefestival.com
Buy Tickets
https://sonictemplefestival.com/passes/
The final Riff
From the raging pits of Maryland Deathfest to the sun-soaked chaos of Daytona Beach, 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for metalheads across the map. Each festival offers its own flavor of intensity – whether it’s headbanging on the high seas, camping under the stars, or moshing inside a haunted prison. One thing’s for sure: the amps are warmed up, the stages are set, and the U.S. metal scene is louder than ever. So crank up the volume, grab your gear, and let the festival season begin.
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