2026 POWER TRIP FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED: AC/DC, METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, GUNS N’ ROSES & TOOL RETURN FOR THE BIGGEST ROCK EVENT OF THE DECADE — SET TIMES REVEALED
Rock and metal fans around the globe can officially start marking their calendars. The legendary Power Trip Festival is making its grand return in 2026 with what promises to be the most spectacular lineup of the decade. Confirmed headliners include AC/DC, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Guns N’ Roses, and Tool, all set to converge for three nights of thunderous riffs, soaring vocals, and unforgettable stage performances. With the festival organizers officially releasing the set times, anticipation has reached a fever pitch as fans prepare for what many are already calling a “once-in-a-lifetime rock pilgrimage.”
A Legacy of Power
First launched in 2023 in Indio, California, Power Trip Festival quickly earned a reputation as the ultimate gathering of rock and metal royalty. The inaugural event featured Iron Maiden, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, and Tool, creating history as one of the most iconic festival bills ever assembled. Now, just three years later, the festival is returning with nearly the exact same power-packed lineup—minus Ozzy Osbourne, who retired from touring in 2024.
Instead, Judas Priest steps into the legendary billing, continuing their role as pioneers of heavy metal while celebrating over five decades of breaking the law and raising hell. This addition has electrified fans, with many hailing the 2026 Power Trip as the perfect bridge between classic hard rock and pure heavy metal energy.
The Lineup and Set Times
Organizers revealed not only the acts but also the official set times for the three-day extravaganza:
- Friday, October 2, 2026
- 7:00 PM — Judas Priest
- 9:30 PM — AC/DC
- Saturday, October 3, 2026
- 6:30 PM — Iron Maiden
- 9:30 PM — Metallica
- Sunday, October 4, 2026
- 6:30 PM — Tool
- 9:30 PM — Guns N’ Roses
Each night features just two acts, ensuring extended, career-spanning sets from every band. Unlike many festivals crammed with short performances, Power Trip continues its tradition of giving legends the stage time they deserve.
Why This Matters
The announcement has sent shockwaves throughout the music world, not only because of the sheer star power involved but also because it represents the rare alignment of rock’s greatest titans on the same stage, at the same event. With AC/DC still carrying the torch of high-voltage rock ‘n’ roll, Metallica dominating as metal’s most global force, Iron Maiden touring with their ever-expanding legacy, Judas Priest cementing their status as the “Metal Gods,” Guns N’ Roses maintaining their reunion run, and Tool mesmerizing audiences with their progressive mastery, this festival serves as both a celebration of rock’s glorious past and its vibrant present.
Fans React Worldwide
Within hours of the announcement, social media platforms exploded with excitement. Hashtags like #PowerTrip2026 and #MetalGodsUnite began trending, while ticket presales threatened to crash servers due to overwhelming demand. Fans from Europe, South America, and Asia have already confirmed travel plans, underscoring the global nature of the event. “This isn’t just a concert—it’s history,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). Another echoed: “Six of the greatest bands of all time, in one place, three nights. If you love rock and metal, this is the holy grail.”
What to Expect On Stage
Each band is expected to deliver blockbuster performances. Rumors suggest that AC/DC may debut new material from a rumored upcoming album, while Metallica’s setlist is expected to lean heavily on their recent “72 Seasons” world tour highlights. Iron Maiden, fresh off the back of their Future Past era, may showcase both fan favorites and deeper cuts. Judas Priest, now celebrating over 50 years of metal, will undoubtedly bring classics like Breaking the Law and Painkiller to life. Tool, known for their hypnotic visuals and extended compositions, will likely provide the most immersive experience of the weekend, leading into Guns N’ Roses’ signature marathon set packed with hits from Appetite for Destruction to Chinese Democracy.
Beyond the Music
Power Trip Festival isn’t just about the performances—it’s about community. Rockers young and old are expected to camp out, swap stories, and celebrate the culture that has bound generations together. Merchandise, exclusive vinyl releases, and festival-only collaborations are already being teased. The Indio venue will also feature expanded VIP areas, food and drink options curated by celebrity chefs, and fan interaction zones to elevate the festival experience.
Final Word
The 2026 Power Trip Festival is more than just another music event—it is a defining moment in rock history. To witness these six giants of music share a single stage is an opportunity that may never come again. With set times now revealed and anticipation at its peak, the countdown begins. For fans of loud guitars, epic anthems, and the enduring spirit of rock and roll, October 2026 is shaping up to be the ultimate celebration of everything heavy, powerful, and unforgettable.
