24 unmissable rock and metal festivals in Europe 2026

Some of the most popular rock festivals are: Wacken Open Air, Rock am Ring, Sziget Festival, Nova Rock, and Rock in Rio Lisboa. Whether you’re after big names or hidden gems, you’ll find your next favourite festival right here.

Why are festivals in Europe unique?

European rock festivals stand out for their incredible venues and massive group energy. Where else can you find a rock event set inside a fortress, on a river island, or on a legendary race track?

Most festivals here last several days, bringing together fans from all over the world. You’ll experience non-stop music, unique food, and a welcoming culture that makes every event feel like its own city.

Find your perfect rock festival with our 2026 guide

April 2026

Viña Rock

📍 Villarrobledo, Spain | 📅 30 Apr–2 May 2026

Viña Rock kicks off festival season in Spain with a wild celebration of rock, punk, and metal that’s deeply rooted in Spanish music culture. The 2026 line-up is a perfect snapshot of this scene: Sex Pistols bring that legendary punk attitude, Skindred inject high-voltage energy, and Mägo de Oz add their unmistakable folk-metal flavour. If you’re after an event where the crowd, the camping, and the culture are as important as the music, Viña Rock is where you want to be.

May 2026

Slam Dunk Festival

📍 Hatfield (South) & Leeds (North), UK | 📅 23–24 May 2026

Pop-punk dreams come true every May at Slam Dunk Festival: a group adventure across two buzzing UK cities. 2026 promises more fun, more crowd surfing, and more singalongs, with scene legends Good Charlotte, reggae-punk icons Sublime, and the unforgettable hooks of The All-American Rejects all on the bill. This festival is all about that feeling of being part of something bigger: one weekend, two venues, and non-stop alternative music life.

June 2026

Rock am Ring

📍 Nürburgring, Germany | 📅 5–7 June 2026

Rock am Ring is a world-famous venue where rock, alternative, and metal take over the legendary Nürburgring racetrack. For 2026, they’re going huge: expect anthems from the mighty Linkin Park, the classic heavy of Iron Maiden, and the stadium-shaking energy of Volbeat. From the food stalls to the camping fields, this event’s about bringing together a global community for three days of unforgettable music and festival perks.

Primavera Sound (Barcelona)

📍 Barcelona, Spain | 📅 4–6 June 2026

Primavera Sound is a world-famous music event where rock festivals meet indie, alternative, and global sounds. The 2026 line-up includes legends like The Cure, modern icons The xx, and the eclectic Doja Cat. Enjoy festival perks, amazing food, and a buzzing venue: bring your group for non-stop fun and new music discoveries.

Sweden Rock Festival

📍 Norje, Sweden | 📅 3–6 June 2026

At Sweden Rock Festival, the world of classic rock and metal comes alive by the sea. This secure event is famous for camping, friendly crowds, and an epic field of music. For 2026, catch heavyweights Iron Maiden, powerful Volbeat, and chart-toppers Bring Me The Horizon: perfect for any fan looking to start the summer with life-changing music.

Download Festival

📍 Donington Park, UK | 📅 10–14 June 2026

Download Festival is the UK’s home of hard rock festivals. This event is a must for anyone who wants to stay inside a buzzing venue filled with energy. 2026 brings legendary acts: Limp Bizkit, iconic Guns N’ Roses, and the world’s favourite Linkin Park. Bring your friends, set up camp, and experience days packed with music, food, and festival life.

Rock for People

📍 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic | 📅 10–14 June 2026

Rock for People is one of Europe’s top rock festivals, with a culture that celebrates all things music and life. This event is packed with perks like world-class camping, tasty food stalls, and a field buzzing with fans. In 2026, icons like Iron Maiden, festival heroes Bring Me The Horizon, and the anthemic Alter Bridge will help make every day unforgettable.

Nova Rock

📍 Nickelsdorf, Austria | 📅 11–14 June 2026

Get inside the energy of Nova Rock, a festival where massive crowds, group fun, and non-stop music rule. Expect four days of rock festival life, featuring Iron Maiden’s power, The Cure’s timeless hits, and modern rock titans Bring Me The Horizon. Camping, great food, and a secure venue make Nova Rock a can’t-miss event in the summer festival world.

Best Kept Secret

📍 Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands | 📅 12–14 June 2026

Best Kept Secret is the Netherlands’ boutique indie / alternative rock sweet spot: curated, scenic, and stacked with left-field discoveries alongside proper headline heft. In 2026, it’s set to balance prestige and bite with Gorillaz, Jack White and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: basically a masterclass in mood, riffs, and midnight-level drama.

Rock in Rio Lisboa

📍 Lisbon, Portugal | 📅 20, 21, 27, 28 June 2026

Rock in Rio Lisboa is a world-class music festival that brings huge crowds to Portugal every two years. The 2026 event lights up the venue with headline performances from Linkin Park, pop icon Katy Perry, and local star Pedro Sampaio. Bring your group, enjoy great food, and dive into four days of rock festival culture and non-stop fun.

Graspop Metal Meeting

📍 Festivalpark Dessel, Dessel, Belgium | 📅 18–21 June 2026

If you’re searching for a true metal and rock festival, Graspop Metal Meeting is a global favourite. The secure festival grounds are home to perks like top-notch camping and every kind of festival food. This year, the stage will host Megadeth, modern rock heroes Bring Me The Horizon, and the legendary Def Leppard: a group of artists ready to deliver an epic event inside the world of heavy music.

Jera On Air

📍 Ysselsteyn, Netherlands | 📅 25–27 June 2026

Punk, hardcore, and metalcore fans come together at Jera On Air: a festival made for pure energy and community vibes. The 2026 line-up is stacked with heavy hitters like Architects, the crowd-favourite The Offspring, and high-octane Papa Roach. With secure camping, lively food courts, and a festival field buzzing with life, it’s a true celebration of rock music in every sense.

July 2026

Rock Werchter

📍 Werchter, Belgium | 📅 2–5 July 2026

Rock Werchter is one of the world’s most famous rock festivals, blending massive music line-ups with top-notch festival perks and camping. The 2026 event brings legends The Cure, creative force Gorillaz, and global rock stars Twenty One Pilots to the stage. It’s the perfect venue for music fans, with group fun, great food, and unforgettable days inside a buzzing festival world.

Resurrection Fest

📍 Viveiro, Spain | 📅 1–4 July 2026

Get ready for pure energy at Resurrection Fest, where metal, punk, and hardcore take over the Spanish coast. This event is famous for wild crowds, camping life, and an unbeatable culture that keeps fans coming back every year. In 2026, don’t miss heavyweights Slipknot, the iconic Korn, and metal gods Judas Priest: every day is packed with festival fun and epic group memories.

Bilbao BBK Live

📍 Bilbao, Spain | 📅 9–11 July 2026

Bilbao BBK Live combines the best of indie, rock, and electronic in a beautiful hillside venue. This festival offers world-class music, tasty food, secure camping, and a vibrant group vibe. In 2026, you’ll catch sets from pop legend Robbie Williams, creative genius David Byrne, and the explosive energy of IDLES. Bring your friends and stay for three days of festival life you’ll never forget.

Pirata Beach Fest

📍 Polígono Benieto, Gandía, Spain | 📅 8–11 July 2026

Pirata Beach Fest is where rock and rap fuse under the Spanish sun, delivering an event that packs every day with music, beach life, and true festival culture. In 2026, the field will be set alight by genre-bending acts like La Raíz, the legendary Residente, and festival favourites Soziedad Alkoholika. If you’re after that electric blend of live rock, camping fun, and late-night memories by the sea, this festival brings it all together in one wild group celebration.

Zwarte Cross

📍 Lichtenvoorde, Netherlands | 📅 16–19 July 2026

Ready for something truly unique? Zwarte Cross is where music, mayhem, and motorsport mix in one of Europe’s wildest rock festivals. The 2026 line-up is proof: you’ll catch homegrown heroes Krezip, dance favourite La Fuente, and rock icons Mooi Wark tearing up the venue. It’s more than an event: it’s a life experience packed with camping, food, and culture, where every day brings something unexpected.

Rockstadt Extreme Fest

📍 Râșnov (Brașov area), Romania | 📅 27–31 July 2026

High in the Romanian hills, Rockstadt Extreme Fest is a must for fans of the world’s heaviest music. Extreme metal rules here, and 2026 promises more: from Accept’s powerful anthems to the shimmering sounds of Alcest, plus the melodic force of Amorphis. Expect a secure festival set-up, rowdy crowds, and a camping culture that keeps the energy going long after the last riff fades.

Beyond the Gates

📍 Bergen, Norway | 📅 29 July–1 Aug 2026

Beyond the Gates transforms the city of Bergen into a dark playground for black and extreme metal fans every summer. This event stands out in the festival world for its immersive atmosphere, killer sound, and a crowd that lives and breathes heavy music. In 2026, legendary pioneers Emperor, atmospheric masters Alcest, and thrash titans Testament are all set to unleash chaos on stage. If you’re searching for a rock festival with real edge and a supportive community vibe, this is one you can’t miss.

August 2026

Wacken Open Air

📍 Wacken, Germany | 📅 29 July–1 Aug 2026

Few festivals are as legendary as Wacken Open Air: a pilgrimage for rock and metal fans from all over the world. The fields of Wacken become home to non-stop music, a wild camping culture, and some of the biggest names in the genre. For 2026, get ready to rock out to classic heavy hitters Judas Priest, power metal masters Powerwolf, and the stadium-sized anthems of Def Leppard. Secure your spot early: this festival sells out in record time every year.

Brutal Assault

📍 Josefov Fortress, Jaroměř, Czech Republic | 📅 5–8 Aug 2026

Set inside the imposing walls of Josefov Fortress, Brutal Assault offers a unique blend of extreme music and stunning historical venue. This event draws a passionate crowd, with 2026’s line-up boasting the iconic goth-rock of The Sisters of Mercy, alt legends Primus, and the raw power of Body Count. With unbeatable camping perks, serious food options, and a non-stop group vibe, it’s the perfect setting for fans who want to experience music history in the making.

Alcatraz Open Air

📍 Kortrijk, Belgium | 📅 6–9 Aug 2026

Alcatraz Open Air is where hard rock and metal take over Belgium for a few days of total sonic assault. This festival is all about immersive camping, unforgettable late nights, and a line-up built for heavy music fans. For 2026, expect to be blown away by the epic showmanship of Powerwolf, the fierce energy of Slaughter to Prevail, and the melodic onslaught from Arch Enemy. The crowd, the perks, and the secure festival grounds make this an essential stop for anyone looking to experience the world of European rock up close.

Sziget Festival

📍 Budapest, Hungary | 📅 11–15 Aug 2026

Set on its own island in the Danube, Sziget Festival brings together the best of music, culture, and non-stop fun. It’s a true world-class event, with a multi-genre line-up that always includes rock at its heart. This year, catch the soaring sound of Florence + The Machine, genre-blenders Twenty One Pilots, and the captivating voice of Lewis Capaldi. If you want a festival where every day feels like a new adventure, Sziget’s got you covered: with food, camping, and culture all in one massive, inclusive venue.

Punk Rock Holiday

📍 Tolmin, Slovenia | 📅 11–14 Aug 2026

By the emerald waters of the Soča River, Punk Rock Holiday is paradise for punk, alternative, and rock fans who crave a more intimate festival life. Camping here means waking up to mountain views, then heading straight for mosh pits and riverside singalongs. In 2026, expect iconic sets from legends Bad Religion, the high-octane folk-punk of Flogging Molly, and revolutionary hardcore from Refused. This event is all about group energy, good vibes, and living your best music life with your feet in the sand.

FAQ: Rock festivals in Europe 2026

What are the biggest rock festivals?

Some of the world’s biggest rock festivals include Wacken Open Air (Germany), Rock am Ring (Germany), Sziget Festival (Hungary), Nova Rock (Austria), and Rock in Rio Lisboa (Portugal). Each event draws massive crowds and world-class artists every year.

What is the largest rock festival in the US?

The largest rock festival in the US is often considered to be Louder Than Life, which takes place in Louisville, Kentucky. Rockville in Florida and Rock Fest in Wisconsin are also huge, each bringing in tens of thousands of rock fans for multi-day events.

What are the top 10 largest music festivals in the US?

The largest music festivals in the US often include Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, EDC Las Vegas, Outside Lands, Ultra Music Festival, Austin City Limits, Summerfest, Rockville, and Louder Than Life.

Are European rock festivals safe and secure?

Yes, security is a major focus at all large European festivals. Many events are now cashless and use RFID wristbands for payment and access. Festivals often hire private security teams and local police to help keep everyone safe.

What should I bring to a rock festival?

Essential items include comfortable shoes, a reusable water bottle, earplugs, a rain poncho, sunscreen, and your ticket (usually digital or on your phone). If camping, bring a tent, sleeping bag, and a protein-rich snack to help you stay energised.

What’s the best way to get tickets for European festivals?

Most festivals sell tickets online directly through their websites or official ticket partners. Some events also offer merchandise email subscribe perks or early-bird deals to fans on their merchandise email lists. But if the event’s sold out or your plans change, TicketSwap is the safest way to buy or sell tickets securely.

Can I camp at European rock festivals?

Yes, camping is a huge part of the festival experience! Many events offer secure, well-organised camping areas with food vendors, showers, and even glamping options. Some fans choose nearby hotels or RVs for extra comfort.

What’s the food like at these festivals?

Expect a wide variety: classic festival food, international options, vegan and vegetarian choices, and plenty of snacks to keep your energy up. Food vendors are part of the culture at all major events.

How do I plan for long festival days?

Hydration is key: bring water and pace yourself with food. Prepare for all kinds of weather (especially in June and September). Wear comfortable footwear for the field, and check each event’s website for bag policies and prohibited items.

Why rock festivals in Europe are worth it

Every year, Europe’s rock festivals bring fans together for once-in-a-lifetime music, group adventures, and a true sense of festival culture. These events aren’t just concerts: they’re multi-day experiences packed with live bands, food, camping, and an unbeatable crowd vibe.

Curious about other festivals in Europe in 2026, or want to explore beyond just rock?

Check out our Best music festivals in Europe guide for the continent’s must-visit events. Interested in different music genres? Explore our Best EDM festivals and Best Techno Festivals guides too.

Ready to make your 2026 plans real?

With TicketSwap, you can safely buy and sell tickets for rock’s biggest festivals and hidden gems. Set a ticket alert if your favourite event is sold out, and don’t miss the next drop: download the app and get your tickets in just a few taps.

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