8 moments that marked the start of the 24th edition at Mendizabala
This afternoon, Mendizabala threw its doors wide open to kick off a new edition that promises to offer all attendees massive doses of rock ’n’ roll and unforgettable moments. The first day was filled with reunions, excitement, and, above all, a strong desire to enjoy the best music among all the Azkeneros who have been looking forward to this weekend—marked in red on their calendars for months—and are now finally here.
With this year’s festival barely underway, tickets are already available for the festival’s 25th anniversary, which will take place on June 17, 18, and 19, 2027. The first tickets are now on sale at the venue’s Info Point at a special price available only at Mendizabala.
TODAY’S EVENTS IN 8 HIGHLIGHTS
1. Nhil kicks off this year’s festival in the best possible way
Nhil was responsible for getting the music started at Mendizabala. The band, originally from Aretxabaleta and led by Sara Alonso on vocals and piano, delighted the first arrivals at the venue with their polished live performance—equally sophisticated and organic—a blend of pop, soul, and funk, enriched with powerful horn arrangements.
2. Robert Finley reaffirms his mastery and announces a new tour
One of the great voices of contemporary blues joined us for the day with an unbeatable show. The artist took the opportunity to announce his new tour, which will stop in various cities, including Barcelona on November 12 at La [2] de Apolo. Tickets on sale now at lasttour.org.
3. The Power of Imelda May
In her highly anticipated return alongside Darrel Higham, Imelda May delivered an exclusive show conceived as a celebration of classic rock ’n’ roll, showcasing the elegance, charisma, and interpretive power that have made her one of the genre’s most respected artists.
4. The Hives Delight the Audience with an Unforgettable Show
The Hives have once again demonstrated why they remain one of the most explosive bands on the planet, with a live performance where precision on stage, boundless energy, and generational anthems follow one another with barely a moment’s respite.
5. Corrosion of Conformity: Icons Across Generations
Corrosion of Conformity have once again proven their status as a benchmark for several generations of hardcore, metal, and Southern rock musicians with a performance that will remain etched in the memories and ears of the audience.
6. Trashville: The Wildest Side of the Lineup
As is customary, Trashville has unleashed its parallel universe: a concert hall atmosphere and a lineup of bands that know no bounds. Today, Captain Trasho, Radioactivas, The Concrete Boys, and Les Robots took the stage, pushing the concept of rock to the limit between wild abandon and adrenaline. Pure controlled chaos.
7. Azkena Rock Festival linked to B Corp Certification
The festival will be able to announce for the first time its connection to Last Tour’s B Corp certification, a certified company that supports its development. This link, validated by B Lab through its brand review process, highlights that the festival is part of Last Tour’s ecosystem of cultural projects and operates under a shared model of management, governance, and positive impact. This approach is reflected in measures such as waste reduction and recycling, the promotion of sustainable mobility, prevention and awareness programs against sexist aggression and in favor of equality, the hiring of local teams, and the promotion of free concerts.
8. Mendizabala will host ARF’s 25th anniversary on June 17, 18, and 19, 2027
The dates for ARF’s 25th anniversary were also confirmed today: June 17, 18, and 29, 2027, and, as usual, the event will take place at Mendizabala in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The first festival passes can be purchased exclusively at a special price at the info point located on the festival grounds.
Tomorrow, the festival continues with a performance by Bywater Call at 1:30 p.m. in the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, with free admission. Back at the festival grounds, at 5:30 p.m., Black Maracas will kick off a day packed with bands and acts such as Los Enemigos, Hällas, Tropical Fuck Storm, the legendary Alice Cooper, and rock icon Evaristo.
Azkena Rock Festival
June 18, 19, and 20, 2026
Mendizabala, Vitoria-Gasteiz
General admission ticket: €175 + fees
Gaztea Pass: €100 + fees (for those under 24; ID must be presented upon entry to the festival)
Single-day ticket: €75 Fri / €75 Sat + processing fees
Free admission for children under 14 (after completing the form)
Friday, June 19
PLAZA DE LA VIRGEN BLANCA
1:30 PM BYWATER CALL
MENDIZABALA
5:00 PM Doors open
GOD
5:30 PM BLACK MARACAS
7:20 p.m. LOS ENEMIGOS
9:45 PM SUGAR
12:30 a.m. ALICE COOPER
RESPECT
6:15 PM THE DEL FUEGOS
8:25 PM OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW
11:00 PM THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT
1:55 a.m. EVARISTO
LA SALVE
6:00 PM THE DAMN TRUTH
7:30 PM HÄLLAS
9:00 PM CIRCLE JERKS
11:20 PM TROPICAL FUCK STORM
2:00 a.m. VOIVOD
TRASHVILLE – TRASH A GO-GO!
6:15 p.m. CAVEGIRL + THE NEANDERGALS
8:00 PM STOMPIN’ RIFFRAFFS
10:20 PM HENGE
1:00 AM THE DWARVES
3:00 a.m. RESTLESS RAMONE
TRASHVILLE – RAT HOLE
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM TXIKI ARF
Saturday, June 20
PLAZA DE LA VIRGEN BLANCA
1:30 PM THE BACKYARD CASANOVAS
MENDIZABALA
5:00 p.m. Doors open
GOD
5:30 p.m. LEPORA
7:20 p.m. SUPERCHUNK
9:40 p.m. SOCIAL DISTORTION
12:35 a.m. CARPENTER BRUT
RESPECT
6:15 PM VANDOLIERS
8:25 PM SLEAFORD MODS
11:15 PM JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT
1:55 a.m. ALCALÁ NORTE
LA SALVE
6:00 PM RODEO
7:30 PM SPLIT DOGS
8:50 PM STARBENDERS
10:30 PM LADY BANANA
12:15 a.m. DISCHARGE
1:50 THERAPY?
TRASHVILLE – TRASH A GO-GO!
6:30 PM TWIN GHOSTS
8:30 PM BRIDGE CITY SINNERS
10:30 PM CAPITÁN ENTRESIJOS feat. Garganta Profunda
1:00 AM BLOODSUCKING ZOMBIES FROM OUTER SPACE
3:00 CUIR
TRASHVILLE – RAT HOLE
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM TXIKI ARF
