Tom Morello and Bruce Springsteen Announce ‘Power to the People’ Festival
Rock &. Roll Hall of Fame guitarist and activist Tom Morello has announced the inaugural “Power to the People” festival, a new non-partisan event focused on music, community action, and social advocacy. The festival is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland.
Morello, who is currently on tour with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, broke the news to fans during the band’s performance at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on May 27, 2026. The announcement marks a significant expansion of Morello’s long-standing commitment to blending musical performance with political and social engagement.
A Star-Studded Lineup for Social Change
The festival is set to feature a diverse roster of artists and activists. In addition to performances by Tom Morello and Bruce Springsteen, the lineup includes:
- Foo Fighters
- Joan Baez
- Dave Matthews
- Dropkick Murphys
- Serj Tankian
- Cypress Hill
- Killer Mike
- grandson
- Jack Black
- Taylor Momsen
- Matt Cameron
- The Linda Lindas
- Darryl “DMC” McDaniels
According to event organizers, the festival will utilize two stages to host an array of “intimate, collaborative, and special performances.” Beyond the music, the event aims to serve as a hub for civic engagement.
Freedom Village and Civic Impact
A central component of the event is the “Freedom Village,” an area dedicated to grassroots organizing, education, and mutual aid. This space will provide a platform for various nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups to connect with attendees.
The festival has also committed to supporting democratic participation. A portion of the proceeds from all VIP tickets will be donated to VoteRiders and HeadCount, two organizations focused on voter registration and providing assistance with navigating the voting process in the United States. These groups will also be present on-site to facilitate voter registration efforts.
Ticket Information
Fans looking to attend the event can access a pre-sale beginning Friday, May 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET. The general public on-sale follows on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET. For more information, including pre-sale registration, visit the official Power to the People festival website.
Key Takeaways
- Event Date: October 3, 2026.
- Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD.
- Mission: A non-partisan celebration of peace, justice, solidarity, music, and community action.
- Civic Engagement: The “Freedom Village” will host advocacy groups, with proceeds supporting VoteRiders and HeadCount.
- Ticket Sales: Pre-sale starts May 29; general sale begins May 30.
As the date approaches, the “Power to the People” festival is positioning itself as a unique intersection of high-profile rock performances and dedicated social activism, inviting attendees to engage with the issues of the day in a community-focused environment.