Rock in Rio returns to Rio de Janeiro in September 2026 with an enormous lineup covering rock, pop, K-pop, electronic music, hip-hop and Brazilian music.

The festival takes place across seven days: 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12 and 13 September 2026.

Rock in Rio 2026 headliners

Friday 4 September is led by Foo Fighters, supported on the Palco Mundo by Rise Against, The Hives and Nova Twins.

Avenged Sevenfold lead 5 September alongside Bring Me The Horizon, mgk and Sepultura.

The programme then changes direction dramatically.

Calvin Harris tops the main stage on 6 September, with Black Eyed Peas and Nelly also appearing.

On 7 September, Elton John headlines a bill featuring Brazilian legend Gilberto Gil and Jon Batiste.

The second weekend starts with Stray Kids on 11 September alongside ALOK, HWASA and NEXZ.

Maroon 5 headline 12 September, supported by Demi Lovato, J Balvin and Pedro Sampaio.

Twenty One Pilots close the festival on 13 September alongside Halsey, Lola Young and Ivete Sangalo.

One festival, almost every major genre

That diversity is perhaps the most interesting thing about Rock in Rio 2026.

A fan could theoretically see Foo Fighters, Sepultura, Calvin Harris, Elton John, Stray Kids, Maroon 5 and Twenty One Pilots at the same festival.

There are significant artists away from the main stage too.

Mumford & Sons appear on the Palco Sunset on 12 September, while Zara Larsson closes that stage on the final night.

When is Rock in Rio 2026?

Rock in Rio takes place on 4–7 September and 11–13 September 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Few festivals in the world have the scale to assemble Elton John, Foo Fighters, Stray Kids, Maroon 5, Twenty One Pilots, Calvin Harris and Avenged Sevenfold across the same edition.

For sheer variety, Rock in Rio 2026 might have one of the most ambitious festival lineups of the year.