The Great Smoky Mountains are gearing up for three days of classic rock and roll. The Mountain Music Festival returns August 21 to 23 to the Gatlinburg Convention Center in Tennessee, with headliners Rick Springfield, Bret Michaels, and Stephen Pearcy & Warren DeMartini leading a deep bill of rock and metal mainstays.
The lineup reads like a who’s who of arena and hair-metal history. Performances come from 38 Special, Night Ranger, Sebastian Bach, Warrant, Jackyl, Lynch Mob, Lita Ford, and more. The all-ages event spreads over 25 artists across three stages, mixing fan favourites and emerging acts, with more still to be announced.
There’s plenty happening beyond the music too. Fans get interactive events and activities, including photo opportunities with select bands and access to the Rock N’ Roll Marketplace, Rock N’ Roll Art Gallery, and Outdoor Patio Experience.
New for 2026 are Guitar Clinics hosted by three rock legends: Joel Hoekstra, Reb Beach, and George Lynch. These intimate sessions promise rare insight, hands-on guidance, and stories straight from the pros, available through the three-day GA pass plus Guitar Clinics package.
Returning as official hosts are Eddie Trunk and comedians Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson, former hosts of VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show, alongside Bay Area pioneer radio DJ Nikki Blakk. Set against the backdrop of one of eastern Tennessee’s most inviting mountain towns, with dining, shops, and lodging all within walking distance of the convention center, it’s shaping up to be a full-on rock pilgrimage. Three-day and two-day general admission passes are on sale now.