Hellfest 2026 is back with a bang, and the lineup is nothing short of epic! 183 bands are ready to rock your world, with a diverse range of heavy metal and hard rock acts. But wait, there's a twist! The festival organizers have announced a unique format for this edition, and it's sure to spark some debate.
Hellfest, the renowned French open-air festival, has become a staple in the European metal scene. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, it returned with a bang in 2022, spreading the festivities across two weekends. And now, for 2026, they're shaking things up again.
Here's the controversial part: The festival will feature not one, but FOUR main stages! That's right, Hellfest is doubling down on the headliners, ensuring fans get a truly diverse and immersive experience. But is this a genius move or a recipe for chaos? Only time will tell.
The headliners for this massive event are none other than the legendary Iron Maiden, Bring Me The Horizon, Limp Bizkit, and The Offspring. Each band brings a unique flavor to the festival, catering to a wide range of metal and rock enthusiasts.
But Hellfest isn't just about the music. It's an experience. With a 90% international lineup and a 20% international audience, it's a melting pot of cultures and subcultures. And at the heart of it all, Hell City Square offers a unique festival village experience with partner booths, exhibitors, and a metal market that will transport you to a dystopian future.
Now, let's dive into the lineup:
On Thursday, June 18, the festival kicks off with a bang on the Mainstage 01, featuring Bring Me The Horizon, Papa Roach, and Breaking Benjamin. Meanwhile, Mainstage 02 will host the iconic Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, and The Pretty Reckless. The Warzone Stage brings a punk-infused lineup with Social Distortion and All Time Low, while the Valley Stage showcases the psychedelic sounds of Kadavar and Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats.
Friday, June 19, is a day for the heavy hitters. Iron Maiden takes the Mainstage 01, followed by Helloween's 40th-anniversary set and the mighty Accept. Mainstage 02 welcomes Sabaton, Opeth, and Sepultura, while the Warzone Stage hosts The Dillinger Escape Plan and La Dispute. The Altar Stage will be a haven for death metal fans with Blood Incantation, Periphery, and Decapitated.
Saturday, June 20, continues the onslaught with Limp Bizkit on Mainstage 01, followed by A Perfect Circle and Tom Morello. Volbeat, Megadeth, and Anthrax take over Mainstage 02, while the Warzone Stage brings the hardcore with Hatebreed and Lionheart. The Altar Stage showcases the brutal sounds of Deicide, Carcass, and Septicflesh.
On Sunday, June 21, The Offspring closes out the festival on Mainstage 01, supported by The Hives and Rise Against. Bad Omens, Architects, and Three Days Grace dominate Mainstage 02, while the Warzone Stage brings the punk with The Adicts and Agnostic Front. The Altar Stage ends the festival on a brutal note with Napalm Death, Possessed, and Forbidden.
Hellfest 2026 promises to be an unforgettable experience, but will the four main stages enhance or hinder the festival vibe? What do you think? Are you ready to rock out in Clisson, France? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let the metal community's voice be heard!
