Here it comes — the ultimate gathering for metal, punk and alternative fans: Hellfest has officially unveiled its lineup for June 18–21, 2026 in Clisson, France. With 183 bands confirmed, this edition promises to deliver a heavy-hitting mix of legends, breakthrough acts and genre-defying wild cards.
🎸 Headliners and major highlights
First off, the four headliners anchor each day and set the tone:
- Bring Me The Horizon will kick things off Thursday night, bringing their modern metal-anthem energy.
- Friday is reserved for the iconic Iron Maiden, celebrating 50 years of a career that defined heavy metal’s very fabric.
- Saturday sees a surge of nu-metal power as Limp Bizkit takes the stage, proving Hellfest isn’t just about classic thrash but all corners of heavy culture.
- And to close out, Sunday features punk rock royalty The Offspring bringing the energy and sing-along choruses to send the crowd home in full charge.
🤘 Beyond the headliners: something for every heavy fan
The lineup goes deep. Here are some particularly exciting tiers:
- Metal titans: Megadeth, Sabaton, Behemoth, Sepultura — all bringing heavyweight credits.
- Punk and alt-rock energy: The Offspring aside, acts like Rise Against, Social Distortion and The Hives will shake things up.
- Newer and underground fire: Bands like Bad Omens, Blood Incantation and Igorrr bring a more experimental or fresh edge.
- Community & scene gems: French-based acts like Ultra Vomit are included, locals will love that.
🎤 Why this edition feels special
- It’s the 19th edition of Hellfest, and the event keeps evolving while still holding true to its brutal roots.
- The festival claims that 85 bands are making their Hellfest debut in 2026 — which means even veteran attendees will have fresh discoveries.
- It blends veteran legends and rising stars, giving fans both nostalgia and tomorrow’s next wave.
- With 183 bands across four days, it’s a massive scale — huge choices, multiple stages, non-stop action.
✅ What to know if you’re planning to go
- Dates: June 18–21, 2026, Clisson, France.
- Tickets: Four-day passes are already sold out according to the official site. Single-day passes may become available.
- Prepare for: Long days, crowded fields, heavy heat (or unpredictable weather), and serious mosh-pit energy.
- Let your festival crew know: You’ll want to schedule wisely to catch your must-see acts and also wander for surprises.
📝 Final verdict
Hellfest 2026 is shaping up as one of the most balanced and bold lineups we’ve seen in recent years. Whether you’re here for shredding solos, punk anthems, hardcore breakdowns or even the wild edge of experimental metal, the lineup has you covered. From the sheer scale of 183 bands to the mixture of known icons and fresh blood, this edition is a solid statement: Hellfest remains a must-experience for heavy-music fans.
If you like, I can pull together a top 20 must-see acts from the lineup (with time slots & stage suggestions) to help plan your trip. Want that?
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