Azkena Rock Festival adds The Hives, Alcalá Norte, Counting Crows, and Superchunk to its 2026 lineup

The flame of Azkena Rock Festival remains burning bright despite the low temperatures, and the year couldn’t end without adding one last barrel of gasoline to its already impressive lineup.  The festival, which will take place on June 18, 19, and 20, 2026, in Mendizabala (Vitoria-Gasteiz), today adds a new batch of confirmations for its 24th edition, in a new unmissable event for all lovers of rock in its many forms and facets.

The Hives will return to the festival after their visit in 2010 with a show that is guaranteed to be full of adrenaline and boundless energy from start to finish. Masters at generating noisy, controlled chaos courtesy of their leader, Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist, their live performances are always synonymous with boundless stage presence, and in Mendizabala they will once again demonstrate their unique ability to connect with the audience, built on punk attitude, irresistible melodies, and an aesthetic that is as precise as it is wild.

In a new demonstration of the festival’s trademark stylistic versatility, American alternative rock from the 1990s and early 2000s will be represented by Counting Crows, thanks to the unmistakable voice of Adam Duritz and the performance of timeless classics such as Mr. Jones and Accidentally in Love. For their part, Alcalá Norte will prove on stage why they have been the fastest-growing Spanish band in recent times and will offer a sing-along setlist from start to finish, which will include hits such as La Vida Cañón and Calle Elfo. Superchunk, now a cult band, will arrive in Vitoria-Gasteiz with a new album, more polished than ever thanks to their new drummer and always standard-bearers of the DIY spirit and the most authentic indie rock. 

Honest, British-rooted blues rock will arrive at Mendizabala courtesy of The Temperance Movement, while Sweden’s Hällas will bring a progressive, 70s psychedelic and classic heavy metal vibe with their “adventure rock” full of legends and fantasy. Vandoliers will bring their “cow rock” from Texas in a genuine mix of punk urgency and country heart. From the Netherlands, DeWolff will exude youth and virtuosity with their explosive mix of electrified southern blues-rock with nods to soul and psychedelia, and closing this new batch of names, Lepora will play at home, ready to prove themselves as one of the most personal and powerful acts in Basque rock in recent years.

All these additions join the more than thirty names already revealed, in a lineup headed by Alice Cooper and Social Distortion, with which Vitoria-Gasteiz will become the capital of rock next June. The lineup continues with Imelda May in a 100% RnR show alongside Darrel Highman, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Old Crow Medicine Show, Sleaford Mods, SUGAR, The Adicts, Evaristo, Circle Jerks, Corrosion of Conformity, Therapy?, The Damn Truth, The Del Fuegos, Discharge, Split Dogs, Starbenders, Tropical Fuck Storm, Voivod, Rodeo, and Nhil… and there are still more artists to be confirmed. In addition, the complete lineup for the Trashville tent has also been revealed, including The Dwarves, Bridge City Sinners, Cuir, and Henge, who will be responsible for representing the most visceral side of the festival.

General tickets are still on sale at azkenarockfestival.com, and will remain at the promotional price until Tuesday, February 3 at 10.00am. The Gaztea Ticket (for those under 24) and the Cuadrilla Ticket (a pack of five tickets for groups of friends with a sixth free) are still available. As in previous editions, admission will be free for children under 14. 

The organizers of Azkena Rock Festival would like to express their special gratitude to the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council, the Álava Provincial Council, and to La Salve, Kutxabank and Petronor, who make this event possible.

This year, the festival will increase the frequency and number of buses to and from the festival, offering organized trips from nearby cities such as Altsasu, Arrasate, Barakaldo, Bilbao, Burgos, Donostia, Errentería, Getxo, Irún, Miranda de Ebro,  Pamplona, Portugalete and Zarautz.