Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, Maryland
Website: powertothepeoplefest.com
A major new music festival is heading to Maryland this fall.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist and activist Tom Morello has officially announced the inaugural Power To The People Festival, taking place Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland.
The one-day festival will combine live music, activism, art, and community engagement with a lineup featuring some of the biggest names in rock, alternative, hip-hop, and socially conscious music.
Morello announced the festival while on stage with Bruce Springsteen during a recent performance at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
Power To The People Festival 2026 Lineup
Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, Brittany Howard, Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black featuring Roman Morello, Revel Ian, Yoyoka Soma, and Hugo Weiss, Serj Tankian, Cypress Hill, Killer Mike, grandson, Taylor Momsen, Matt Cameron, The Linda Lindas, Tom Morello
The event will also feature artwork and a DJ set from legendary artist Shepard Fairey.
According to organizers, performances throughout the day will include collaborative sets, special appearances, and unique live moments curated specifically for the festival.
A Festival Focused on Music, Activism & Community
Power To The People Festival is being described as more than just a traditional concert.
In addition to performances across two stages, attendees will be able to explore the festival’s Freedom Village, an immersive space featuring nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, artists, and community partners focused on civic engagement, grassroots organizing, education, mutual aid, and social impact initiatives.
A portion of proceeds from ticket sales, along with 100% of net proceeds from VIP ticket sales, will benefit VoteRiders and HeadCount. HeadCount will also be on-site helping attendees register to vote and learn more about participating in upcoming elections.
“The Power To The People Festival is about freedom, justice, equality, and rock and roll,” said Tom Morello. “It’s about the power everyday human beings have when they come together through music, art, community, and action.”
Additional participating organizations, activations, and special guests are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets
Festival presale begins Friday, May 29, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET.
General public ticket sales begin Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET.
For tickets and additional festival information, visit powertothepeoplefest.com.
Transportation & Parking
Merriweather Post Pavilion is located in Columbia, Maryland, between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., making it one of the DMV’s most popular outdoor concert venues.
Festival attendees should expect heavy traffic surrounding the venue and are encouraged to review official Merriweather parking, rideshare, and transportation guidance closer to the event date.
Metro Montage Take
Between Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Morello, Dave Matthews, Joan Baez, Cypress Hill, Killer Mike, and Brittany Howard all appearing on the same bill, Power To The People Festival already feels like one of the biggest music festival announcements to hit the area in 2026.
For longtime rock fans, politically conscious music fans, and anyone who misses the feeling of large-scale destination festivals with a purpose-driven atmosphere, this could easily become one of the most talked-about live music events of the fall in Maryland.
Looking for more music festivals in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia? Click here.
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