Loudwire's weekly tour roundup highlights 18 new rock and metal tours announced during the week of February 20-26, 2026 — a staggering number that speaks volumes about the health and vitality of the live music industry as spring touring season approaches. The sheer volume of announcements made this one of the busiest booking weeks of the year so far, with established veterans and returning acts leading the charge.
Among the most notable announcements: Social Distortion confirmed their return to the road after a lengthy hiatus, with a North American run scheduled for late spring. Flyleaf announced a special 20th anniversary tour celebrating the self-titled debut album that launched them to mainstream success in 2005, with original vocalist Lacey Sturm leading the charge. Queens of the Stone Age revealed a series of intimate venue dates that promise to deliver a raw, stripped-back alternative to the arena shows that have defined their recent touring history.
In the heavier realm, COHEED AND CAMBRIA and A DAY TO REMEMBER announced their addition to the 2026 Vans Warped Tour lineup, adding significant star power to the revived festival's already impressive roster. Shinedown unveiled their Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour launching May 13, building on the momentum of their latest album cycle.
The roundup also included tour announcements from several mid-level acts across the rock and metal spectrum, each carving out their own touring territory in an increasingly competitive marketplace. The combined ticket inventory from these 18 announcements represents hundreds of thousands of seats across North America and Europe, underscoring the reality that despite inflation and rising ticket prices, fans remain willing to invest in live music experiences. For touring bands, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of unprecedented opportunity.