Tennessee's The Mountain Festival Unveils Full Lineup

Classic rock stars set to take the stage at 3-day music festival in Gatlinburg

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Mountain Music Festival in Gatlinburg, Tennessee has announced its full lineup for the 2026 event, scheduled for August 21-23. The three-day classic rock 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 quickly become a must-attend event for classic rock fans in the Southeast, drawing thousands to the Gatlinburg area each year. The festival's diverse lineup appeals to a wide range of music lovers and helps drive tourism to the Great Smoky Mountains region.

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 and has since moved to the larger Gatlinburg Convention Center to accommodate growing crowds.

  • The Mountain Music Festival is scheduled for 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 that features over 25 artists across three stages.

Bret Michaels

An American singer, songwriter, musician, actor and reality television personality, best known as the lead singer of the glam metal band Poison.

Rick Springfield

An Australian-American musician, actor and author who is best known for his 1981 hit single "Jessie's Girl".

Ratt

An American heavy metal band formed in the late 1970s, known for hits like "Round and Round" and "Lay It Down".

Gatlinburg Convention Center

The event venue in Gatlinburg, Tennessee that hosts The Mountain Music Festival.

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What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Mountain Music Festival will go on sale to the general public in the coming months, with three-day and two-day passes available now.

The takeaway

The Mountain Music Festival's diverse lineup of classic rock legends continues to attract music fans from across the region, solidifying Gatlinburg's status as a premier destination for live entertainment in the Southeast.