The buzz is building in Napa Valley as the BottleRock Festival gears up for its highly anticipated return in 2026. Scheduled for May 22-24 at the Napa Valley Expo, this annual Memorial Day weekend event has long promised “the first taste of summer” to music lovers—and if the newly announced lineup is anything to go by, it’s set to deliver on that promise in spectacular fashion. With more than 75 acts confirmed across five stages, BottleRock’s 2026 edition is shaping up to be a musical smorgasbord that caters to just about every taste imaginable.
Headlining this year’s festival are some of the biggest names in the industry, spanning genres and generations. Fans can look forward to performances from the iconic Backstreet Boys, hard rock legends Foo Fighters, avant-pop sensation Lorde, and the ever-eclectic LCD Soundsystem. Hip-hop heavyweight Lil Wayne will also take the stage, alongside party-starters like Teddy Swims, EDM powerhouse Zedd, and the genre-blending Sombr. According to Melodic Mag, the bill also boasts appearances from Ludacris and Del Water Gap, with a total roster that includes industry veterans such as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Busta Rhymes, Rilo Kiley, Chaka Khan, and even Kool and the Gang. If that’s not enough, festival-goers can also catch Rev Run of Run DMC, Men At Work, AJR, BØRNS, BigXThaPlug, and many more, with the full list reaching approximately 80 acts.
The festival’s reputation for offering more than just music remains intact. Attendees can expect world-class cuisine and beverages, curated from the best of Napa Valley’s renowned food and drink scene. As reported by Glide Magazine, past editions have featured everything from craft beer and regional wine to cocktails and gourmet fare, satisfying even the most discerning palates. The perimeter of the festival grounds is lined with food and beverage areas, some offering picnic table seating for those who wish to relax and refuel between sets.
But BottleRock isn’t just about the music and the food. The festival experience is rounded out with unique amenities and activities. There’s a spa for anyone seeking a bit of pampering, a silent disco for those who want to dance under the stars, and the LittleRockers area, where kids can participate in drum jams, button making, festival hairstyling, and more. As New York Post’s Matt Levy noted, “Every performance had loud, clear sound quality with good lighting, even from the areas furthest away from the stage. GA attendees stood or relaxed on blankets across the vast lawns while food and beverage areas along the perimeter of the stages had some picnic table seating.”
For those seeking a more elevated festival experience, BottleRock offers a range of ticketing options, each packed with perks. General admission tickets grant access to all five stages, gourmet and local food, drinks, and even free Wi-Fi. Three-day GA pass holders enjoy in-and-out privileges, making it easy to explore both the festival and the surrounding Napa Valley. VIP passes, meanwhile, include fast lane entry, in-and-out privileges, prime viewing areas at each stage, and access to the VIP Village, which features exclusive performances, ample lounge seating, shaded eating areas, and premium bars.
Attendees looking for the ultimate in comfort and exclusivity can opt for the Skydeck VIP or Platinum passes. Skydeck VIP, available as a three-day pass, offers access to exclusive, elevated, and shaded viewing lounges with unparalleled views of the Main Stage, Culinary Stage, and Second Stage. These passes also include all-inclusive Skydeck bars, a refresh station with complimentary amenities and cell phone charging, free Wi-Fi powered by Cisco, and special offers at Napa Valley wineries. For the truly dedicated, Platinum passes provide all the above benefits plus backstage parking and entrance, exclusive on-stage, front row, and sound mix viewing areas, access to the Platinum Lounge, reservation assistance for lodging, airport transfers, and transportation to and from the festival, on-site concierge services, air-conditioned spaces, premium restrooms, and complimentary lockers.
Tickets went on sale to the general public on January 16, 2026, at 10 am PT through Ticketmaster, but are also available on secondary market sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, GameTime, and Seatgeek. All recommended platforms provide a 100% buyer guarantee, ensuring safe transactions and timely ticket delivery. Passes are available in single-day and multi-day options, with a complete breakdown of ticket types—including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday single-day passes—readily accessible on official and verified ticketing sites.
The festival’s timing cements its place as one of the first major music events of the summer, offering a “first look at summer’s staple music,” as Seatgeek put it. The weather in Napa Valley during late May is typically comfortable, though attendees are advised by Glide Magazine to pack an extra layer for the evening chill. While most of the event takes place outdoors, there are indoor spaces available for shelter if needed.
Beyond the music and amenities, BottleRock’s 2026 edition is part of a broader trend of blockbuster music festivals returning in full force across the United States. As highlighted by the New York Post, other can’t-miss events in 2026 include the Innings Festival in Tempe, Arizona, Treefort Music Festival in Boise, Idaho, Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, Bonnaroo in Tennessee, and Hinterland Music Festival in Iowa. Each of these festivals boasts its own star-studded lineup, but BottleRock’s unique blend of music, food, and Napa Valley charm sets it apart.
For families, music aficionados, and foodies alike, BottleRock 2026 offers an experience that goes well beyond the standard festival fare. Whether you’re there to see legendary acts like the Foo Fighters and Backstreet Boys, discover up-and-coming performers such as Teddy Swims and Sombr, or simply soak in the atmosphere with a glass of local wine in hand, there’s something for everyone. As Glide Magazine succinctly put it, “All this luxury came at a steep price as tickets, food, and beverages were quite costly.” Yet for many, the combination of world-class entertainment and Napa Valley hospitality is well worth the investment.
With tickets now on sale and the lineup officially revealed, the countdown to BottleRock 2026 is on. As thousands prepare to descend on Napa Valley for three days of music, food, and unforgettable experiences, the festival is poised to once again set the tone for the summer season. For those lucky enough to secure a pass, it promises to be a weekend to remember.