Tennessee's The Mountain Festival Announces Full Lineup

Classic rock acts like Bret Michaels, Rick Springfield, and Ratt to perform at three-day event in Gatlinburg.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Mountain Music Festival, a classic rock music festival held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, has announced its full lineup for the 2026 event taking place August 21-23. The three-day festival will feature over 25 artists across three stages, including Bret Michaels, Rick Springfield, Ratt's Stephen Pearcy and Warren DeMartini, 38 Special, Night Ranger, Skid Row's Sebastian Bach, Warrant, John Waite, Lita Ford, and Jackyl.

Why it matters

The Mountain Music Festival has become a popular annual event in the Gatlinburg area, drawing classic rock fans from across the region to enjoy performances by iconic artists from the 1980s and 1990s. The festival's growth and ability to secure high-profile acts speaks to the enduring appeal of classic rock music and the draw of live events in the scenic Great Smoky Mountains.

The details

Three-day and two-day passes for the festival are on sale now, with single day general admission passes going on sale this spring/summer. A complete lineup can be found at TheMountainUSA.com. The Mountain Music Festival debuted in October 2021 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, before moving to the larger Gatlinburg Convention Center for the 2026 event.

  • The Mountain Music Festival will take place August 21-23, 2026.
  • Three-day and two-day passes are on sale now.
  • Single day general admission passes will go on sale this spring/summer.

The players

The Mountain Music Festival

An annual classic rock music festival held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, featuring performances by iconic artists from the 1980s and 1990s.

Gatlinburg Convention Center

The venue that will host the 2026 edition of The Mountain Music Festival, located in the Great Smoky Mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Mountain Music Festival will continue to be made available in the coming months, with single day passes going on sale this spring/summer.

The takeaway

The Mountain Music Festival has solidified its place as a must-attend event for classic rock fans in the Southeast, drawing top-tier talent to perform in the scenic setting of the Great Smoky Mountains. The 2026 lineup promises another weekend of nostalgia and great live music.