This year, the Hellfest invites more than 180 bands to light up the grounds of Clisson for four consecutive days, from June 18–21, 2026. Heavy metal, punk, hardcore, black metal, folk metal, and thrash metal—from the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Brazil, Sweden, and Spain—once again the pulls out all the stops to satisfy everyone’s tastes and preferences.
If the offers no fewer than six stages, some festival-goers still feel the urge to stake out in front of the two Mainstages all day to catch the performances of the genre’s biggest acts. So, for spectators of these two grand stages, here are 10 bands to see and not miss on the Mainstages from June 18 to 21, 2026.
As Motörhead’s indispensable drummer for over two decades, and since 2016 with the Scorpions, Mikkey Dee is bringing his sticks and his thunder to Clisson this summer. For a Mainstage 2 set, the Swedish drummer has a brilliant plan: he’ll take the stage, surrounded by his friends, to celebrate the legacy of Lemmy Kilmister’s outfit by playing a string of classics that should send festival-goers headbanging!
Is there really a need to introduce Alice Cooper, the pioneer of shock rock? Born Vincent Furnier, the tireless showman continues to fill stages around the world more than 55 years after his debut. On June 18, opening night of Hellfest, Alice Cooper is set to deliver a thunderous performance, fueled by relentless energy, iconic hits, and a meticulously devised stage show — featuring sinister creatures and a guillotine.
Five decades of history deserve a celebration! That’s exactly what Iron Maiden is doing with the extension of their Run For Your Lives Tour. Just before their Paris La Défense Arena show, the British giants will lay down a two-hour-plus set in Clisson, revisiting their most emblematic tracks, including The Number of the Beast, Run to the Hills, The Trooper, and Fear of the Dark.
They’re from Nantes and were set to electrify Hellfest’s last edition. Forced to miss out last year, Ultra Vomit returns stronger than ever. The band, renowned for its parodic heavy metal, storms the Mainstage 1 for Hellfest 2026’s second day. True to form, Ultra Vomit should keep smiles wide and crowds pogoing with its offbeat tracks. Expect a nod to their latest studio effort, Ultra Vomit et le Pouvoir de la Puissance.
Thrash metal lovers, this is a must-see on the Mainstage 2. On June 20, Hellfest welcomes the Cavalera brothers, former members of Sepultura. This year, Max and Igor step back into the spotlight to perform the ferocious tracks from the iconic Chaos A.D. album. Ready to leap back to 1993?
Another cannot-miss act on June 20, on Mainstage 2: Megadeth. Dave Mustaine has stated that their 17th studio album, released in January, will be their last and that the current tour will also be Megadeth’s farewell. Hellfest goes big: the band is indeed hitting Clisson this summer to bid farewell to their many French fans.
Volbeat’s hard rock ’n’ roll is back to resonate through Clisson this summer! As ever, Michael Poulsen and crew are likely to spark unforgettable crowd pogo and circle pits. The Danish quartet blends heavy metal, hard rock, groove metal, rock ’n’ roll, stoner rock, and rockabilly, and they’ll surely honor their excellent 2025 release God of Angels Trust.
If you grew up with No Fun At All, Bad Religion, or Black Flag, you already know Pennywise. This California quartet has been blazing since 1988 and hits Hellfest’s Mainstage 1 on June 21 for our collective joy. Jim Lindberg and his bandmates will remind us why they remain undisputed masters of punk rock.
For a dive back into our glorious adolescence, head to Mainstage 1. This year, The Offspring have been chosen to close the 2026 Hellfest with upbeat energy and timeless anthems. Expect to sing along at the top of your lungs to crowd favorites like Self Esteem, Pretty Fly (For a White Guy), Come Out and Play, Original Prankster, and The Kids Aren't Alright. Ready to take a trip back in time?
Note that this list is not exhaustive. Many more acts on the Mainstages at Hellfest this summer are not to be missed. And you, what are you planning to see and hear in Clisson on June 18, 19, 20, and 21, 2026?
Hellfest 2026: full lineup and concert times
The Hellfest returns with four more days dedicated to extreme music. Mark your calendars: the festival runs Thursday, June 18 to Sunday, June 21, 2026. Expect a盛 list of talented francophone and international acts, including Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper, Limp Bizkit, The Offspring, Deep Purple, Volbeat, Megadeth, Papa Roach, Bad Omens, Mastodon, and Behemoth. Here is the full day-by-day, stage-by-stage lineup and concert times for this edition in 2026. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From June 18, 2026 to June 21, 2026
Location
Hellfest website
Rue du Champ Louet
44190 Clisson
Official website
www.hellfest.fr
Hellfest 2026: full lineup and concert times
