Hellfest Open Air 2026 in Clisson, France (June 19-22) has added IRON MAIDEN, DEEP PURPLE, MEGADETH, SABATON, VOLBEAT, BAD OMENS, and LIMP BIZKIT to its expanding lineup in a massive announcement that sent shockwaves through the European festival circuit. The additions join previously announced headliners including BRING ME THE HORIZON and THE OFFSPRING, creating what is rapidly shaping up to be one of the most stacked festival lineups the continent has seen in years.
IRON MAIDEN's appearance is part of their 50th anniversary "Run For Your Lives" world tour, which has been one of the most hotly anticipated touring announcements of the decade. The British heavy metal legends are expected to deliver a career-spanning set drawing from their entire discography, with speculation rampant among fans about which deep cuts might make the setlist alongside inevitable classics like "The Trooper," "Hallowed Be Thy Name," and "Fear of the Dark." Bruce Dickinson and the band have promised a production befitting the milestone anniversary.
MEGADETH's slot marks one of the thrash legends' farewell appearances on European soil, adding significant emotional weight to the booking and virtually guaranteeing a massive crowd for what could be one of the band's final European festival performances. Meanwhile, DEEP PURPLE bring living classic rock history to the bill, with the band continuing to tour and record despite the advanced years of their remaining original and classic-era members.
SABATON will bring their trademark pyrotechnic-heavy power metal spectacle, while VOLBEAT's arena-tested blend of heavy metal, rockabilly, and hard rock ensures broad crossover appeal. BAD OMENS represent the modern metalcore contingent, and LIMP BIZKIT's inclusion speaks to Hellfest's tradition of embracing the full breadth of heavy music regardless of genre purism.
With nearly 200 acts expected across the four-day event on six stages, Hellfest 2026 is positioning itself as the must-attend European metal festival of the summer. Ticket demand has been extraordinary, with weekend passes selling out within hours of the latest announcement. Day tickets remain available for select dates, but organizers have warned that remaining inventory is extremely limited.