Celebrated under variable summer weather, Tuska 2026 welcomed a total of 66 000 visitors to Helsinki’s Suvilahti over three festival days, setting an all-time attendance record in Tuska’s history.
Friday and Saturday both sold out, with 23 000 metal fans arriving each day to witness Tuska’s once again magical festival atmosphere. The most metal Sunday of the year drew 20 000 dedicated fans.
On the Karhu Main Stage, the weekend was driven by the headliners of each day: metal giant MEGADETH on their farewell tour, the rapidly rising American stars BAD OMENS performing in Helsinki for the first time, and British metalcore powerhouse BRING ME THE HORIZON. Other highlights on the main stage included metalcore pioneers TRIVIUM, one of the genre’s hottest current acts THE PLOT IN YOU, as well as Finnish metal frontrunners AMORPHIS, STAM1NA and LOST SOCIETY.
On the Radio City Stage, standout performances came from Japanese metal legends LOUDNESS, the boundary-pushing American psychedelic death metal band BLOOD INCANTATION, and Finland’s own doom ambassadors SWALLOW THE SUN.
The Nordic Energy Stage saw explosive sets from PALEFACE SWISS and their relentless deathcore, U.S. heavy hitters KUBLAI KHAN TX with their hardcore-driven assault and massive riffs, the uncompromising metal delivery of WARMEN, and Gothenburg sound pioneers SOILWORK.
On the Tiivistämö KVLT Stage, the atmosphere grew thick as humidity filled the room while Germany’s funk rock outfit Slope, genre-defying Nenerchy, and Denmark’s modern heavy metal shoegaze trio 802 packed the venue to maximum capacity.
As per tradition, Tuska also offered a wide range of side activities and area art installations. The Tuska Forum talk program, hosted by Kiki of the Bleeding Metal podcast and long-time music journalist Jussi Ahlroth, centered on the theme
“Behind the Distortion – The Humans Who Make Metal.” Discussions highlighted stories from artists, creators, and experts, as well as the phenomena shaping metal culture today.
The Tuplabazaari shopping area featured exhibitors ranging from crafts to clothing vendors, and festivavisitors also had the opportunity to get tattooed on-site.
This Tuska has been absolutely incredible by every measure. This weekend captures the current state of metal, and we’ve only reached this level of experience through the deep dedication of the audience, the artists, and the festival staff. This triangle resonates so beautifully that it gives us great momentum heading into next year! – Eeka Mäkynen, festival director
Tuska 2027 will take place at Suvilahti from July 2–4.
Confirmed Tuska 2027 acts:
Lorna Shore, Children Of Bodom, Heaven Shall Burn, Kanonenfieber, Fox Lake, Gaerea, Avralize, Sinizter
If you are looking for a place to stay for Tuska Festival 2027 then check out our interactive accommodation map below. Just add in the dates you want to stay and you will be able to see what’s available nearby.
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