The 2026 Louder Than Life festival lineup has officially been revealed, featuring nearly 200 bands performing at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., from September 17-20. This four-day festival is packed with hard rock legends, including Iron Maiden, My Chemical Romance, Limp Bizkit, and Tool as headliners.

Which Bands Are Featured at Louder Than Life 2026?

As mentioned, nearly 200 bands will perform on seven stages throughout the festival.

The Thursday (September 17) lineup will be led by Iron Maiden, with Pantera and Megadeth providing primary support.

On Friday (September 18), emo icons My Chemical Romance will take the stage, joined by Pierce the Veil and A Day to Remember among the top acts.

Saturday (September 19) will see Limp Bizkit in the spotlight, alongside fellow nu-metal stars Papa Roach and 90s favorites Sublime.

Finally, Tool will close out the festival on Sunday (September 20), with performances from Gojira and Danny Elfman.

The complete lineup of bands can be viewed in the advertisement below.

What Additional Features Can We Expect at Louder Than Life 2026?

Notably, Saturday’s lineup will showcase one of the most prominent female-fronted lineups ever assembled for a rock festival. Performers include Halestorm, In This Moment, Lindsey Stirling, Orianthi, Icon for Hire, Kami Kehoe, and Diamante.

Louder Than Life will also mark Pantera’s only U.S. show this year. Fans can look forward to reunion sets from Circa Survive, Get Scared, Blood for Blood, Metal Church, Primer 55, Sent By Ravens, and 40 Below Summer.

Jimmy Eat World will celebrate the 25th anniversary of their Bleed American album, while Sleeping With Sirens will perform Let’s Cheers to This for its 15th anniversary. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Alien Ant Farm, and RED also have special anniversary sets planned. Additionally, Cavalera will perform Sepultura’s album Roots live for the first time in nearly a decade.

Skillet is set to present a special pyrotechnic show. Chad Gray will perform solo across his entire career. Furthermore, Alissa White-Gluz will debut her new solo band at Louder Than Life.

What Are the New Features for Louder Than Life?

Pass holders for Louder Than Life will receive complimentary access to amusement rides within Kentucky Kingdom. The park will be open exclusively to festival attendees.

A Danny Wimmer Presents Louder Than Life Battle for the Big Stage competition will kick off on March 1. Bands can submit entries until March 31, 2026, using the link HERE. Leading up to the festival, viewers can vote for their preferred bands during Sunday episodes of the Space Zebra Show airing at 6:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM PT on the DWP Twitch channel.

Fans in the Louisville area can celebrate the Louder Than Life lineup at the Official Lineup Announcement Party on Monday, February 23 from 5 PM-9 PM at The Fox Den.

This event is presented by Blackcraft and hosted by Bobby Schubenski and Josh Balz of Space Zebra. It will feature live performances by SoulKiller, Nailwound, Actus Reus, and Wave Painter along with custom cocktails, photo opportunities, vintage merchandise, giveaways, and service fee-free passes. All attendees will have a chance to win two GA passes.

How Can I Purchase Tickets?

Passes for the 2026 edition of Louder Than Life are currently available on the festival website starting at just $1 down.

You can purchase tickets in the following categories:

●  4-Day GA

●  4-Day VIP

●  4-Day Angel’s Envy Top Shelf VIP

●  Single Day GA

●  Single Day VIP

●  Single Day Angel’s Envy Top Shelf VIP

A very limited supply of Single and 4-Day Angel’s Envy Top Shelf VIP passes are available for exclusive access and luxury amenities. For fans wanting to celebrate eight days of music in the United States, an Exacta Pass offers entry to both Louder Than Life and Bourbon & Beyond back-to-back weekends in Louisville. Starting at $700 plus fees, an Exacta Pass costs less than $88 per festival day.

A Louder Than Life Student Pass is also available for those with a valid .edu email address granting access to a $125 (all-in fees included) Single-Day GA Pass via FEVO. More details can be found here.

This year also introduces the LoudINK Pass providing entry to both Louder Than Life in Louisville and Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival in Mansfield, Ohio from July 17-19, 2026. For fans seeking maximum music experiences, there’s a new Traveler’s Pass that grants entry to Louder Than Life, Inkcarceration, and Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival in Columbus from May 14-17, 2026. More details are available here.

For a fully immersive weekend experience, fans are encouraged to explore the Louder Than Life Home Bass Tent and RV glamping options; regular Car + Tent and RV camping passes are currently on a waitlist. Onsite parking for Louder Than Life at Kentucky Exposition Center will be available for purchase prior to the festival.

DWP has partnered with GOVX to offer specially-priced Louder Than Life passes for military personnel including nurses, firefighters, and police officers.

All details regarding festival passes including Jampack hotel packages as well as camping and parking passes can be found here.

The DWP Foundation will support various nonprofits in 2026: Dare to Care and Preston Area Business Alliance among others yet to be announced.

See other rock and metal festivals and cruises taking place in 2026 in the gallery below.