Louder Than Life returns to Louisville from 17–20 September 2026 with a huge four-day rock and metal lineup.

At the top are My Chemical Romance, Iron Maiden, Tool and Limp Bizkit, supported by dozens of major metal, rock, emo and alternative acts.

Who is playing Louder Than Life 2026?

Beyond the four biggest names, the festival includes Pantera, Pierce The Veil, Gojira, Danny Elfman, The Prodigy, Sublime, Papa Roach and A Day To Remember.

BABYMETAL and Megadeth also appear, while the latter is billed as part of its farewell era.

Other standout bookings include Danzig, Halestorm, Rise Against, Alice Cooper, Ice Nine Kills and Jimmy Eat World.

One particularly notable booking is Circa Survive, whose appearance is billed as a reunion.

A huge meeting point for different generations of heavy music

The Louder Than Life lineup isn’t focused purely on modern metal.

Iron Maiden and Alice Cooper represent one generation.

Tool, Pantera and Limp Bizkit represent another.

My Chemical Romance, Pierce The Veil and A Day To Remember bring in emo and post-hardcore audiences, while BABYMETAL, Gojira and newer heavy acts keep the festival from simply becoming a nostalgia event.

The Prodigy and Danny Elfman add even stranger edges to the bill.

When is Louder Than Life 2026?

Louder Than Life takes place from 17–20 September 2026 at the Kentucky Expo Center grounds in Louisville.

With My Chemical Romance, Iron Maiden, Tool and Limp Bizkit at the top of an enormous lineup, it should once again be one of North America’s biggest rock festivals.