The M3 Rock Festival is set to return to the Merriweather Post Pavilion on May 2, 2026, marking its 17th year as the premier global pilgrimage for 80s arena rock and heavy metal. This year’s powerhouse lineup features Cinderella’s Tom Keifer, Queensÿche, Buckcherry, and White Lion, alongside Faster Pussycat and Trixter. The festival remains a cultural touchstone for the hard rock community, drawing fans from six continents to celebrate iconic hits like “Silent Lucidity” and “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone).” The weekend kicks off early with an exclusive VIP party on Friday, May 1, featuring Quiet Riot, and concludes with a Saturday night afterparty hosted by Steven Adler at the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel.
Tickets and VIP packages for the one-day spectacle are on sale now via the festival’s official channels and select local box offices including the 9:30 Club and The Anthem. Historically, pavilion seating and VIP tiers sell out almost immediately due to the event’s dedicated international following. Beyond the main stage performances, the 2026 edition promises the same high-energy atmosphere that has defined the M3 experience for nearly two decades, blending nostalgia with a relentless passion for live rock and roll. Whether you’re a lifelong devotee of the “Night Songs” era or a new fan of the genre, M3 continues to deliver the definitive arena rock experience in the heart of Maryland.