The globally acclaimed band Linkin Park is the first headliner for Rock in Rio 2026 in Lisbon, which will take place on June 20, 21, 27 and 28 at Parque Tejo in Parque das Nações.
The news was confirmed by the organizers a few minutes ago, with the American band taking to the World Stage on June 21.
The countdown is on
Rock in Rio Lisboa has already started counting down to what will be the 11th edition of the world’s biggest rock festival in our city, the second to be held in Parque Tejo, in Parque das Nações, which will be transformed into the place of rock to hear the best music and the best bands and artists on the planet, on June 20, 21, 27 and 28, 2026.
After welcoming more than 300,000 people in 2024, one of the world’s hottest festivals has already started its waiting list to buy tickets for the 2026 edition.
Linkin Park: do you need an introduction?
And as a musical attraction, there’s nothing like announcing one of the best-known superbands of today, Linkin Park, who will be performing on the World Stage on the second day of the festival (June 21).
Linkin Park are a Californian band formed in 1996, famous for mixing Alternative Rock, Nu Metal, Rap and Electronic Music, having achieved huge worldwide success with their debut album Hybrid Theory (2000), one of the best-selling albums of the century.
With a historic connection to Rock in Rio, with performances in 2008, 2012 and 2014, the Californian group, now led by new vocalist Emily Armstrong, retains Mike Shinoda as vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, guitarist Brad Delson, bassist Dave Farrell, DJ Joe Hahn, and a new drummer, Colin Brittain.
We are delighted to announce Linkin Park as the first major headliner for Rock in Rio Lisboa 2026. The band has an emotional and historical connection with the festival – they’ve performed at several editions, put on unforgettable nights and are one of the most requested bands by our fans. They’re one of the biggest bands in the world, with a huge impact on the history of music. Choosing Rock in Rio Lisboa to be part of their world tour on their return to the stage reinforces the size and prestige of our festival, which is one of the most important in Europe,” says Roberta Medina, Executive Vice-President of Rock in Rio.
It was exactly 11 years ago today that Linkin Park took to the World Stage at Rock in Rio Lisboa, in what was their last performance in Portugal, still under the command of the charismatic Chester Bennington.
In 2026, they return to Lisbon for a night that promises to be remembered by thousands of fans, with the presentation to the Portuguese of their new vocalist Emily Armstrong, as well as their new album “From Zero”.
This return to the Rock in Rio stage is eagerly awaited by fans and will undoubtedly reinforce Rock in Rio as one of Europe’s biggest music festivals.
“Road to Rock in Rio”
In addition to this announcement, the Rock in Rio organization also took the opportunity to launch the “Road to Rock in Rio” project, a national and cross-border campaign, with actions and activations, to announce the festival’s official countdown until June 2026.
This campaign also includes the “All In Rio” initiative, which focuses on the messages of unity, peace and hope that will be displayed on the World Stage during the four days of the festival.
Rock in Rio Lisboa continues its mission to provide unforgettable experiences and to position Lisbon and Portugal as global references in music, culture and entertainment, promoting the country as a creative, vibrant and inspiring destination.
For a more “comfortable” Rock in Rio
As a way of better accommodating all festival-goers, Rock in Rio has also announced a new Comfort Zone, a paid-access area, which will be located in the side area next to the Mundo Stage, designed for fans who prefer to stay in a more secluded area, while continuing to experience all the emotions of the live concerts.
The Conforto Zone will also have exclusive bars and toilets, rest areas and a privileged view of the entire show and venue, which in 2026 will be 25% larger, with more circulation space, more green areas, new rest points and, of course, 40% more toilets and 30% more restaurants.
Rock in Rio has always accustomed us to headliners full of great international (and national) music stars, so we have no doubt that in 2026 the new Cidade do Rock will host one of the best music festivals in the country.
Until then, don’t miss all the news on our pages.
