Bad news, but not the end of the story: New England Metal & Hardcore Festival will not return in 2026.
Festival organizers shared a short statement earlier today, confirming that the long-running event is pressing pause for the year:
“After a great run, we’re taking 2026 off. This isn’t goodbye — it’s just a breather. New England Metal & Hardcore Festival will return. Thank you for always showing up and making this fest what it is.”
The festival originally ran from 1999 to 2016, helping shape generations of metal and hardcore fans, before making a strong comeback between 2023 and 2025. Its most recent edition was headlined by LORNA SHORE, CANNIBAL CORPSE, and KUBLAI KHAN TX, proving the demand was still very much alive.
Traditionally held at the Worcester Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts, the festival has long been a cornerstone of the Northeast heavy music scene. For now, no additional details have been shared regarding the 2026 hiatus or what the return might look like.
A pause, not a funeral. If history says anything, this one isn’t done yet.
