2026 POWER TRIP FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED: RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, GUNS N’ ROSES & TOOL RETURN FOR THE BIGGEST ROCK EVENT OF THE DECADE — SET TIMES REVEALED
The wait is finally over. After months of speculation, the 2026 Power Trip Festival has been officially announced — and it’s shaping up to be the most explosive rock and metal event of the decade. Returning to the Empire Polo Club grounds in Indio, California, from October 2–4, 2026, the legendary lineup features an unprecedented gathering of musical titans: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Guns N’ Roses, and Tool.
The announcement, made jointly by Goldenvoice and Live Nation, sent shockwaves through the global rock community. Social media erupted as fans celebrated the reunion of some of the most influential acts in rock history on one massive stage.
A Legendary Lineup Built for the Ages
Each of the six headliners represents a cornerstone of modern rock and metal history. The inclusion of Red Hot Chili Peppers adds a funky, alternative edge to a lineup dominated by heavy metal titans. Fresh off their “Californication Forever” farewell tour, the Chili Peppers are expected to deliver an emotional yet electrifying performance celebrating over 35 years of funk-infused rock anthems.
Metallica, who recently wrapped their M72 World Tour, will return to Power Trip with their trademark precision and pyrotechnic fury. Fans can expect deep cuts alongside timeless hits like “Enter Sandman,” “Master of Puppets,” and “One.”
Iron Maiden will bring their unparalleled stage theatrics, led by Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals and the band’s beloved mascot Eddie. Their set will reportedly include material from their 2021 album Senjutsu, along with fan favorites like “The Trooper” and “Hallowed Be Thy Name.”
Judas Priest, celebrating over five decades of metal, are set to unleash a powerhouse performance that will remind the world why they are considered one of the genre’s founding fathers. Frontman Rob Halford teased fans online, promising “a fiery set that screams metal through and through.”
Guns N’ Roses, returning to Power Trip for the first time since their 2023 world tour, are expected to tear through classics from Appetite for Destruction and Use Your Illusion. With Axl Rose and Slash reunited in full force, their high-voltage performance will undoubtedly be one of the weekend’s biggest highlights.
Closing out the lineup is Tool, the progressive metal pioneers whose complex soundscapes and visual artistry have redefined live performance. Known for their immersive sets, Tool will deliver a cerebral and hypnotic finale to what promises to be a legendary festival weekend.
Set Times and Schedule Revealed
Festival organizers have now released the official 2026 Power Trip schedule, designed to give each headliner their moment under the desert sky.
Friday, October 2:
- 6:00 PM – Judas Priest
- 8:30 PM – Iron Maiden
Saturday, October 3:
- 6:00 PM – Red Hot Chili Peppers
- 9:00 PM – Guns N’ Roses
Sunday, October 4:
- 6:00 PM – Tool
- 9:00 PM – Metallica
Each evening will feature only two main-stage acts, allowing for extended, full-length performances — a format praised by fans and artists alike during the festival’s inaugural 2023 edition.
Tickets, Camping, and Fan Experience
Pre-sale for Power Trip 2026 begins Friday, November 8, 2025, via the official Power Trip website, with general tickets and VIP passes available shortly after. Fans can choose from single-day passes, three-day general admission, or exclusive VIP packages that include backstage access, premium viewing zones, and artist meet-and-greets.
Returning this year is the “Desert Metal Camp”, a massive camping experience featuring themed sections, afterparties, food trucks, and a 24-hour jam tent for fans and amateur musicians. Organizers have also confirmed improvements to shuttle services, hydration stations, and sustainability programs, reflecting an ongoing commitment to both fan comfort and environmental responsibility.
Artists React: “The Spirit of Rock Is Alive”
Following the announcement, band members across the lineup shared their excitement about returning to the Power Trip stage.
Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers called the event “a dream intersection of generations — six different interpretations of rock energy coming together in one place.”
Lars Ulrich of Metallica added, “Power Trip isn’t just another festival. It’s where legends collide. We’re coming back with everything turned up — emotionally, sonically, and spiritually.”
Meanwhile, Bruce Dickinson teased that Iron Maiden’s 2026 set will include “a few surprises for those who think they’ve seen it all before.”
A Celebration of Legacy and Unity
The 2026 Power Trip Festival arrives at a time when rock and metal continue to experience a powerful resurgence among younger audiences. With each band bringing its own generation of fans, this year’s event promises to be not just a concert, but a cross-generational celebration of rock history.
Critics are already calling it “the Coachella of metal” — a festival that bridges eras, genres, and emotions in one monumental weekend. Whether it’s the thunderous riffs of Metallica, the fiery groove of the Chili Peppers, or the haunting melodies of Tool, Power Trip 2026 is poised to remind the world why rock will never die.
Final Thoughts
As the sun sets over Indio next October, six of the greatest bands in history will take the stage — not as rivals, but as pillars of a living, breathing legacy. Power Trip 2026 isn’t just a music festival. It’s a testament to endurance, rebellion, and the unbreakable heartbeat of rock ’n’ roll.
Tickets go on sale soon, and if history is any indication, they won’t last long. The countdown to the biggest rock event of the decade has officially begun.
