Louder Than Life returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky, September 17-20 for its twelfth year, bringing the largest lineup in the festival’s history and the biggest bill ever put together by Danny Wimmer Presents.
Joining previously announced headliners My Chemical Romance and Iron Maiden, both Tool and Limp Bizkit are now confirmed for four full days of rock and metal at Louder Than Life 2026.
Nearly 200 bands will perform across seven stages, covering the full spectrum of rock. The daily headliners break down as follows:
Thursday, September 17: Iron Maiden, Pantera, Megadeth
Friday, September 18: My Chemical Romance, Pierce The Veil, A Day To Remember
Saturday, September 19: Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach, Sublime
Sunday, September 20: Tool, Gojira, Danny Elfman
Saturday will also spotlight one of the most prominent all-female-fronted stage lineups ever assembled at a major U.S. rock festival. That stage will feature Halestorm, In This Moment, Lindsey Stirling, Orianthi, Icon For Hire, Kami Kehoe and Diamante. A mystery guest band will make its live debut at the festival, and a very special guest — described as one of the biggest heavy bands of the modern era — will be revealed at a later date.
“Last year, we took over Kentucky Kingdom and broke rock festival records. This year, we’re back to deliver the ultimate rock escape,” says Danny Wimmer of DWP. “Louder Than Life is your playground — ride the coasters, catch legendary and emerging bands, enjoy incredible food and bourbon, and dive headfirst into the rock experience you’ve been waiting for. It’s time to let loose and have fun. We’ll see you soon.”
David S. Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues, adds: “Year after year, Louder Than Life raises the bar for what a rock festival can be. Bringing the festival grounds to the heart of the Kentucky Exposition Center last year demonstrated what’s possible when a world-class venue and a visionary festival producer share a commitment to the ultimate fan experience.”
Beyond the music, all passholders will again receive free access to amusement rides inside Kentucky Kingdom, which became part of the festival grounds in 2025 and remains open exclusively to attendees during the event.
Danny Wimmer Presents is also launching the Louder Than Life “Battle For The Big Stage” competition, beginning March 1, 2026. Bands can submit entries through March 31. Fans will vote on who earns a slot at the festival during Sunday episodes of the “Space Zebra Show”, airing at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT on the DWP Twitch channel.
Locals can mark the lineup reveal at the official announcement party on Monday, February 23, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Fox Den. Presented by Blackcraft and hosted by Bobby Schubenski and Josh Balz of “Space Zebra”, the event will feature live performances from Soulkiller, Nailwound, Actus Reus and Wave Painter, along with custom cocktails, photo opportunities, vintage merch, giveaways and service-fee-free passes. Everyone attending will have a chance to win two GA passes.
