Bulgaria’s Hills of Rock Festival has locked in its full 2026 lineup, and the Plovdiv event is once again pulling together a heavy mix of metal veterans, modern heavyweights and rising acts from across the global scene.
Set to take over the Rowing Canal in Plovdiv from July 24th – 26th, the three day festival has confirmed a stacked bill topped by Marilyn Manson, Godsmack and Electric Callboy, alongside names like Lamb of God, Black Label Society, Paradise Lost and Deafheaven.
The event has quietly built a reputation as one of Eastern Europe’s most serious heavy music gatherings, pairing massive international acts with a growing crop of modern bands and regional artists.
Hills Of Rock 2026 lineup
Full Lineup – Hills of Rock 2026
Headliners & International Acts
- Marilyn Manson
- Godsmack
- Electric Callboy
- Lamb of God
- Sex Pistols feat. Frank Carter
- Black Label Society
- P.O.D.
- Nothing More
- Nevermore
- Paradise Lost
- Of Mice & Men
- Deafheaven
Modern & Rising International Acts
- Northlane
- Orbit Culture
- Vended
- House of Protection
- Karen Dió
- The Toy Dolls
- Last Train
- H09909
Bulgarian & Regional Acts
- Odd Crew
- Khanъ
- Vrani Volosa
- Tsar Plah
- Hellion Stone
- Black Tooth
- Engineer of Death
- Overhook
- Django Ze
- Neshto Tsvetno
- Velian
- P.I.F.
- Innerglow
- Almost Green
- Rusita
- Koza Mostra
- Bazzookas
- Lek City Case
- Karma Scale
- Da Seed
- Kontrol
- GOTRA feat. VEL
- Gigashadow
- Lavina
- low-key
- Sunblinds
BE4 HILLS (Pre-Festival – July 23)
- Sabaton
- Savatage
- Epica
- Sevi
Tickets and further details can be foun here.
Heavy hitters across three days
Each day of the festival brings its own flavour of heavy:
Friday, July 24th will feature Marilyn Manson, Of Mice & Men, Vended and nu-metal veterans P.O.D., the San Diego band known for blending hard rock, hip-hop and reggae across a career that’s sold more than ten million albums worldwide.
Saturday shifts into hard rock territory with Godsmack leading the charge, backed by Black Label Society, Nothing More and Karen Dio.
The festival closes on Sunday with a brutal run of modern and classic heavy acts, including Electric Callboy, Lamb of God, Nevermore, Paradise Lost and Deafheaven.
Elsewhere on the lineup, fans will find a broad cross-section of heavy music’s past and present, with acts like Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, Northlane, Orbit Culture, Vended and The Toy Dolls appearing across the weekend.
A historic setting for heavy music
Part of Hills of Rock’s appeal is the setting itself, Plovdiv, often called The City of Seven Hills, is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Roman ruins, Ottoman architecture and a thriving arts scene sit alongside the festival’s open air site at the Rowing Canal, which transforms into a natural amphitheatre each summer.
Organisers say 46 artists will perform across three stages, with programming running from afternoon into late night across the weekend, the event also expands this year with a special pre festival concert on July 23rd titled ‘BE4 HILLS’, featuring Sabaton, Savatage, Epica and Bulgaria’s Sevi.
If you’re looking to escape winter and combine heavy music with a European summer trip, Hills of Rock is quickly becoming one of the continent’s most interesting festival stops.
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