Top 7 Rock and Metal Events in August 2026

This August is a true celebration for Bulgarian fans of heavy music — from progressive metal titans, through symphonic metal spectacles, to the return of some of the biggest legends in the genre. Here is our selection of the Top 7 Rock and Metal Events for the month.

1. PERIPHERY — August 1, Vidas Art Arena, Sofia

The progressive metal titans are coming to Bulgaria for the first time. Complex rhythms, technical guitars and unconventional time signatures — Periphery are among the founders of the djent movement and this concert is a must for fans of Meshuggah, TesseracT and Animals as Leaders.

2. Moonspell – Opus Diabolicum — August 2, Ancient Theatre, Plovdiv

The Portuguese metal legends bring their classics in a symphonic format — over 50 musicians, orchestra and choir in the unique setting of the Ancient Theatre. The project is inspired by the band's recorded concert in Lisbon and promises one of the most spectacular shows of the year in the country.

3. VOIVOD with Eric Forrest — August 2, Club Mixtape 5, Sofia

The Canadian avant-garde metal pioneers are coming with a major lineup change — vocalist Denis „Snake“ Belanger is absent for family reasons, and stepping in is former band member and current frontman of E-Force, Eric Forrest. Over 40 years of career and living legend status in progressive metal.

4. Evoken – Live in Sofia — August 14, Mixtape 5 / B-side, Sofia

A debut for the American funeral doom pioneers from New Jersey, invited by Autumn Souls Of Sofia. They will be joined by the doom/death formation Gods Of Ancient, who will exclusively present material from their anticipated second album.

5. Running Free Festival — August 28–29, Dryanovo

A two-day celebration of the non-commercial metal scene in a natural setting. This year's lineup includes Aura Noir, The Troops of Doom, Massacre, Cruel Force and other names from the international underground.

6. National Rock Fest „Hotalich“ — August 28–29, Hotalich Fortress, Sevlievo

A medieval fortress meets rock legends — Marco Mendoza, Ronnie Romero and Johnny Gioeli (names that have written history with Whitesnake, Rainbow and Hardline) stand alongside the heaviest artillery of the Bulgarian rock scene, including Sevi, Elit and Hellion Stone.

7. Judas Priest – Faithkeepers Tour 2026 — August 29, Vidas Art Arena, Borisova Gradina, Sofia

The headliner of the month. Two years after their last major show in the country, the British heavy metal legends return with the „Faithkeepers“ tour — special guests are the Croatian rock band Jelusick. Expect classics like „Breaking the Law“, „Painkiller“ and „You've Got Another Thing Comin'“ from a band with nearly 60 years of career, Grammy winners and inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Tickets: from €55, three categories — Standard Standing, Golden Circle and VIP Lounge.

The full calendar with all events for the month can be viewed at RockLive.