BottleRock Napa Valley is back in 2026 with what many are calling its boldest, most eclectic lineup yet. Announced on January 13, 2026, the festival is set to electrify the Napa Valley Expo from May 22 to May 24, promising three days packed with music, culinary delights, and the signature California wine-country vibe that’s made it a Memorial Day weekend staple. The headliners alone—Foo Fighters, Backstreet Boys, Lorde, and LCD Soundsystem—are enough to make festival regulars and newcomers alike scramble for tickets, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
This year marks the 13th edition of BottleRock, and organizers have pulled out all the stops. According to The Press Democrat, more than 80 acts will perform across six stages, with a genre-spanning roster that includes pop, hard rock, hip-hop, indie, funk, and more. Festival booker Tom Hoppa revealed that about 90% of the acts are new to the festival, an intentional move to keep the experience fresh and unpredictable. “We go after a lot of artists we have not had before,” Hoppa told The Press Democrat. “We try to book as many new acts as we can.”
The 2026 headliners are a study in musical diversity. Foo Fighters, led by Dave Grohl, will be making their third BottleRock appearance, having previously headlined in 2017 and 2021. “With the Foo Fighters, you’re getting one of the biggest acts in the world and in rock ‘n’ roll history,” Hoppa emphasized. Lorde, whose latest album ‘Virgin’ was named the best album of 2025 by The Mercury News, returns to the Bay Area following a show-stopping performance at Berkeley’s Greek Theatre last year. For the Backstreet Boys, it’s a rare festival appearance and their first local show since 2022’s DNA Tour. LCD Soundsystem, Teddy Swims, and rising alt-pop star SOMBR round out the top of the bill.
But BottleRock’s appeal goes far beyond its headliners. The undercard features an impressive array of artists, from hip-hop legends like Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Rev Run (of Run DMC), and Treach (of Naughty By Nature) to hard rock favorites such as Papa Roach, Bush, and Mexican sister trio The Warning. Indie fans can look forward to acts like Rilo Kiley, Mt. Joy, and The Beths, while funk and soul enthusiasts will be treated to performances by Chaka Khan and Kool & The Gang. The festival also welcomes iconic names like Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Men at Work, and Natasha Bedingfield, as well as a host of up-and-coming artists including Paris Jackson, Good Neighbours, and Nilüfer Yanya.
Local flavor is never in short supply at BottleRock. Moonalice, The Alive, DJ Umami, and the Napa Valley Youth Symphony are all returning, ensuring that the festival maintains its deep roots in the Bay Area music scene. According to Riff Magazine, the festival’s bookers “took more chances than in recent years,” curating a lineup that is “one of its more eclectic” to date. With more than 80 acts, there’s truly something for every musical taste.
Of course, BottleRock is as much about the experience as it is about the music. The Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage will once again be a major attraction, pairing celebrity chefs with athletes, musicians, and Bay Area luminaries for live cooking demonstrations. While the culinary lineup will be announced at a later date, past years have featured everything from Iron Chef showdowns to rock stars flipping burgers. Food, wine, and craft beer flow freely throughout the festival grounds, turning the Napa Valley Expo into a true celebration of the region’s culinary heritage.
Tickets for the 2026 festival go on sale Wednesday, January 14, at 10:00 a.m. PST via Ticketmaster and the official BottleRock website. Three-day general admission passes are priced at $475, including all fees and shipping—a price point that’s become the norm for major festivals but still a significant investment. For those looking to spread out the cost, a layaway plan is available for $100 down. Ticket and hotel packages will also be offered while supplies last, and VIP options promise exclusive lounges, easier access, and premium viewing areas. Historically, BottleRock sells out quickly, often packing around 40,000 music fans into the Napa Valley Expo each day. Once three-day passes are gone, organizers will announce daily lineups and open up one-day ticket sales.
The festival’s enduring popularity is no accident. As Hoppa explained to The Press Democrat, “People who come to BottleRock want to come back. It’s not just the music. It’s the whole experience.” From art installations and family-friendly zones to the iconic Silent Disco—where revelers don wireless headphones to dance to DJ sets by the likes of DJ Pauly D, Meredith Marks, and Jess King—BottleRock aims to offer something for everyone. And with Napa’s world-class food and drink on hand, the festival is as much a feast for the senses as it is for the ears.
Looking back, last year’s festival was headlined by Green Day, Justin Timberlake, and Noah Kahan, according to Riff Magazine. But 2026’s lineup, with its blend of global superstars and boundary-pushing newcomers, may set a new standard. The inclusion of Lorde, whose critical and commercial success has only grown in recent years, is a particular coup. As The Mercury News put it, “That has so much to do with the inclusion of Lorde, the incredibly talented modern rock/pop entertainer whose latest release, ‘Virgin,’ came in at No. 1 on our list of the best albums of 2025.”
For fans of nostalgia, the Backstreet Boys’ appearance is a rare treat. The group, best known for hits like “I Want It That Way” and “Quit Playing Games (with My Heart),” remains one of the most beloved boy bands of the ’90s and early 2000s. Meanwhile, Foo Fighters continue to be a force in rock, and LCD Soundsystem’s dance-punk anthems are sure to get crowds moving.
As always, BottleRock’s full lineup includes something for everyone—whether you’re there for the music, the food, the wine, or simply the atmosphere. And with the promise of new acts, returning legends, and a culinary program that’s second to none, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be one for the ages. For full details and ticket information, festivalgoers are encouraged to visit the official BottleRock website.
With anticipation building and tickets sure to go fast, Napa Valley is poised to once again become the epicenter of music, food, and fun this Memorial Day weekend.
