HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ, Czech Republic — Rock for People, one of Europe’s premier rock and metal festivals, has officially unveiled the first wave of its Rock for People 2026 lineup, and it is nothing short of monumental. Leading the announcement are two global heavyweights: Iron Maiden and Bring Me The Horizon, joined by a powerhouse roster including Papa Roach, Electric Callboy, Megadeth, The Pretty Reckless, and more.
The festival will expand once again, running five full days from June 10–14, 2026, at Park 360 in Hradec Králové, reaffirming its status as one of the most ambitious and influential rock festivals in Europe.
Iron Maiden to Headline a Special Extra Day for Their 50th Anniversary
In a historic moment for both the festival and metal fans worldwide, Iron Maiden will headline a special added festival day on Sunday, June 14, marking an exclusive celebration of the band’s 50 years on stage.
This stop on their Run For Your Lives World Tour (2023–2026) will be among the last opportunities to see Iron Maiden live before the band takes a break from touring in 2027—a major draw for longtime fans.
With classics spanning decades, a stage production unlike anything else in heavy metal, and the legendary Eddie in full force, Iron Maiden’s appearance is being hailed as one of the most significant bookings in Rock for People history.
Festival founder Michal Thomes expressed both pride and disbelief at securing them:
“Rock for People 2026 will once again be marked by the fulfillment of some of my dreams, led by Iron Maiden, whose music has shaped several generations, including me.”
Bring Me The Horizon Returns as a Generation-Defining Headliner
Modern heavy music juggernauts Bring Me The Horizon will headline on June 12, bringing their genre-shattering mix of metalcore, electronics, pop, and alternative rock back to the RFP stage after their unforgettable performance in 2024.
BMTH continue to dominate globally with:
- A BRIT Award,
- A Grammy nomination,
- 7.2 million albums sold,
- Major festival appearances including Download Festival, When We Were Young, Sick New World, and NEX FEST,
- Collaborations with Ed Sheeran, Yungblud, Machine Gun Kelly, and Sigrid.
Their high-production, emotional, apocalyptic live shows have become a hallmark of modern rock festivals worldwide—and Rock for People is positioning them as the flagship act for younger audiences.
Rock for People 2026 — More Heavy Music Than Ever
Alongside the first two headliners, organizers have dropped a massive batch of 22 additional artists, confirming that 2026 will heavily spotlight rock, metal, and metalcore.
First Wave Lineup Highlights
- Iron Maiden (June 14)
- Bring Me The Horizon (June 12)
- Papa Roach
- Electric Callboy
- Megadeth
- Breaking Benjamin
- Alter Bridge
- The Pretty Reckless
- Social Distortion
- Static-X
- Malevolence
- Blood Incantation
- Bilmuri
- Don Broco
- Lottery Winners
- Wohnout (first Czech act announced)
- Yonaka
- Zero 9:36
- And many more across the rock, metal, metalcore, punk, and alternative spectrum.
Organizers confirmed this is only the beginning, with hundreds of artists still to come.
Festival Expansion, Ticket Details, and Extra-Day Options
After a record-setting 30th anniversary edition in 2025—featuring Linkin Park, Slipknot, Guns N’ Roses, Sex Pistols, and Avenged Sevenfold—Rock for People is once again pushing boundaries by extending to five days.
Key ticket info includes:
- Full festival tickets are automatically extended from 3 days to 4 (June 10–13).
- Iron Maiden extra-day add-on available for CZK 1,000 until October 31.
- 5-day tickets also available.
- VIP, Comfy+, and children’s tickets (ages 0–9) are automatically valid for all 5 days.
- One-day tickets will be available once sales reopen.
Ticket sales resume September 25 at 10:00 a.m. at rockforpeople.cz.
A Festival Built on Sustainability, Accessibility & Innovation
Since 1995, Rock for People has championed modern rock music while building a festival culture rooted in sustainability, accessibility, and community.
Park 360 is moving toward climate neutrality by 2030, supported by:
- 17-type recycling system
- Deposit-refund drinkware
- Low-waste operations
- Fully wheelchair-accessible grounds
The festival also supports multi-generational inclusion—each year inviting more than 200 senior citizens from the region to a special concert experience.
Rock for People’s Influence on Europe’s Festival Scene
Organized by Ameba Production, the team also behind RFP Concerts, the festival continues to set records:
- 50,000+ attendees in 2025
- First festival in the Czech Republic to run five consecutive days
- Previous headline shows by Ed Sheeran and Bryan Adams at Park 360
- Additional programming including the Kefír baby-punk festival and Prague Music Week
With its genre-spanning approach, commitment to sustainability, and consistently elite lineups, Rock for People continues to establish itself as one of Europe’s must-attend rock, metal, punk, and alternative music festivals.
