Bruce Springsteen added to Power to the People Festival lineup in Columbia, MD this October
The Power to the People Festival is set to take place at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, on October 3, 2026. Organized by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, this one-day event aims to bring together the worlds of rock music and activism. The star-studded lineup includes iconic artists like Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Joan Baez, Public Enemy, Dropkick Murphys, Serj Tankian, Brittany Howard, and Jack Black.
Tom Morello, known for his political activism, envisioned this festival as a platform to celebrate community power and grassroots engagement. Morello highlighted the festival’s focus on freedom, justice, equality, and rock and roll while emphasizing the ability of ordinary people to come together through music, art, and collective action. This non-partisan event diverges from traditional festival structures by integrating activism organizations and nonprofits directly into the festival experience.
The festival’s lineup combines musical excellence with a commitment to social consciousness. Artists like Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews Band, Joan Baez, Public Enemy, Dropkick Murphys, Serj Tankian, Brittany Howard, and Jack Black represent diverse genres and generations, spanning rock, hip-hop, soul, punk, and alternative music. The event will feature two stages, allowing for simultaneous performances and creating opportunities for activism and community engagement.
Unlike other music festivals that often overlook nonprofit and advocacy groups, the Power to the People Festival places activism at its core. Various organizations and community leaders will engage with attendees to discuss important causes alongside the musical performances. Merriweather Post Pavilion’s central location in Maryland, positioned between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, adds historical significance to the event. Scheduled one month before the 2026 midterm elections, the festival aims to inspire attendees to participate actively in the electoral process.
The festival’s deliberate connection to the 2026 elections underscores its political relevance. By infusing musical performance with activist organization and community engagement, the event aligns with the historical role of rock and roll in advocating for social change. Morello believes that the festival embodies the spirit of activism, creativity, and hope, serving as a tangible manifestation of collective power.
The Power to the People Festival signifies a continuation of rock and roll’s legacy of politically conscious music. By bringing together renowned musicians and activist organizations, this event creates a space where art and social action converge, uniting individuals through shared values of freedom, justice, and equality.