Rock in Rio's 2026 edition wrapped up on Sunday, September 13, after seven days of concerts that drew more than 700,000 people, according to the festival's organizers. The event has already confirmed its next edition will take place in 2028.
Organizers said 49% of attendees traveled from outside the state of Rio de Janeiro, while fans from 89 countries attended the festival. In total, the week featured 190 shows, more than 1,300 artists and 45 international performances.
Highlights of the week
This year's edition included what organizers described as Elton John's final performance in South America, the festival's first-ever K-Pop showcase, and Calvin Harris performing as Rock in Rio's first-ever DJ headliner. Maroon 5 and Demi Lovato brought pop sets from the two veteran acts, and the festival dedicated two consecutive days entirely to rock.
Rock in Rio is one of the world's largest music festivals, first held in Rio de Janeiro in 1985 and since expanded to editions in other countries. Elton John is a British singer-songwriter known for a decades-long career and hits including "Rocket Man" and "Tiny Dancer." Calvin Harris is a Scottish DJ and producer, while Maroon 5 and Demi Lovato are established acts on the American pop scene.
New running event announced
Alongside the attendance figures, the company behind the festival announced the first edition of Rock in Run, an official Rock in Rio race, which will also take place in September 2028. The race will offer 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer courses.
Organizers also opened the countdown to the third edition of The Town, a sister festival held in Sao Paulo, which is scheduled for September 4, 5, 6, 11 and 12 of 2027.
Closing day lineup
The final day of Rock in Rio 2026 featured performances from Twenty One Pilots, Lola Young and Zara Larsson. The Sunday schedule also included Halsey, Ivete Sangalo and Marina Sena. Twenty One Pilots, an American musical duo, closed out the festival's last night.
