On July 23, 2026, just one day before the official start of HILLS OF ROCK 2026, the stage at Plovdiv’s Rowing Canal will open with a brand-new standalone concert day — BE4 HILLS (Before Hills).
Four new bands join Fest Team’s summer 2026 calendar: Swedish metal powerhouse SABATON, the cult SAVATAGE, Dutch symphonic metal band EPICA, and Bulgarian rock act SEVI will take the stage in Plovdiv as part of the special BE4 HILLS event.
This new full concert day features four shows and serves both as an independent event and as an extended festival experience for those who can’t wait to start the Hills week early, turning the festival into a four-day celebration instead of three.
Access to BE4 HILLS requires a separate ticket, available from Tuesday, October 28, via Ticket Station, priced at 99 BGN for HILLS OF ROCK 2026 ticket holders and 120 BGN for all others.
July 2026 will make Plovdiv the most vibrant festival destination in Bulgaria. Fest Team’s calendar unfolds in perfect sequence — from the brand-new PHILLGOOD Festival with THE CURE, GORILLAZ and MOBY (July 17–19), through BE4 HILLS (July 23), to the main HILLS OF ROCK 2026 dates (July 24–26). Over ten days, the Rowing Canal will once again bring together audiences of all musical directions, offering a truly rich and multi-layered festival experience.
Swedish band SABATON will headline the Plovdiv stage once again, exactly four years after their previous HILLS OF ROCK appearance (July 23, 2022).
Known for their relentless live energy, the band has just released their new album Legends – introducing a refreshed stage concept and reaffirming their warm connection with Bulgarian fans. Their performances always strike an emotional chord here, especially with songs like The Valley of Death, inspired by Bulgarian history.
Their BE4 HILLS show is part of Sabaton’s 2026 European tour.
Formed in Florida in the 1980s, SAVATAGE are one of the key pioneers who shaped the global power and progressive metal scene.
Combining symphonic virtuosity, heavy guitar riffs, and theatrical drama, the band became a unique phenomenon whose sound later evolved into Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Their appearance at BE4 HILLS will be a one-of-a-kind experience, a rare reunion moment for generations of classic heavy rock fans.
Opera, orchestral music, thrash, groove, folk, progressive, gothic, power, and death metal — this is EPICA.
The Dutch band remains one of the leading names in the global symphonic metal scene, known for grand compositions, the powerful vocals of Simone Simons, and their seamless fusion of styles – equally impressive live and in studio.
Representing Bulgaria’s rock scene, SEVI are among the most active and consistent local bands of the past decade, performing at international festivals, touring clubs, and maintaining a loyal fan base at home.
Be4 HILLS — the newest addition to the Fest Team calendar!
BE4 HILLS is the newest standalone event in Fest Team’s lineup — independent, ticketed separately, yet designed as a natural extension of HILLS OF ROCK for those who want to stretch their Plovdiv festival week even further.
The seventh edition of HILLS OF ROCK 2026 follows right after, on July 24, 25, and 26, with a remarkable lineup featuring GODSMACK, LAMB OF GOD, ELECTRIC CALLBOY, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, VENDED, PARADISE LOST, NOTHING MORE, NEVERMORE, OF MICE & MEN, DEAFHEAVEN and KAREN DIO.
If you are looking for a place to stay for Be4 HILLS festival 2026 then check out our interactive accommodation map below. Just add in the dates you want to stay and the venue and you will be able to see what’s available nearby!
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