The M3 Rock Festival is a celebration of the days of decadence and glamour by people who lived it and their children who remember hearing about this cultural movement! The hard rock and heavy metal festival returns for a new edition in 2026 with headliners Cinderella’s Tom Keifer and Queensÿche at Merriweather Post Pavilion on Saturday, May 2.
M3 Rock Festival 2026 delivers a powerhouse line up featuring Cinderella’s Tom Keifer, Queensÿche, Buckcherry, White Lion, Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room, Faster Pussycat, Trixter, and more into one packed day of “Night Songs,” with an exclusive VIP Kickoff Party featuring Quiet Riot on Friday, May 1, and an exclusive VIP Afterparty featuring Steven Adler on Saturday, May 2, both at the Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel.
M3 has always been “More Than A Feeling” – it’s a community, founded and fed by the ‘80s arena rock experience. Over the last 17 years, M3 has evolved into an annual pilgrimage for diehard fans from six continents, 30 countries, and every state, bringing together those who grew up with the music in the ’80s as well as younger fans who embrace the fun andexcitement of arena rock’s greatest era. This year promises to be no different, giving fans the chance to hear some of the era’s most iconic rock hits, including “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone),” “Silent Lucidity,” “More Than A Feeling,” and many more.
At the top of the M3 bill on May 2, Tom Keifer delivers the signature grit and bluesy swagger that made Cinderella a staple of MTV-era rock. His solo band leans heavily into those classic hits, giving fans a chance to relive songs that defined the era. Alongside him, Queensrÿche brings a more progressive edge, with soaring vocals and theatrical songwriting that still resonates decades after Operation: Mindcrime. Together, they anchor a lineup that balances melody, muscle, and pure nostalgia.
Watch Tom Keifer perform “Don’t Know What You Got (Til It’s Gone)” live for 93.3 KDKB on YouTube:
Beyond the headliners, the day is packed with acts that helped shape hard rock’s evolution. Buckcherry injects a modern, high-octane punch into the lineup, while White Lion brings back polished hooks and anthemic choruses. Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room adds classic-rock pedigree, and Faster Pussycat leans into sleaze-rock attitude and swagger. Rounding things out, Trixter delivers upbeat, crowd-pleasing melodies that capture the lighter side of the era.
Condensed into a single, high-energy day, M3 Rock Festival 2026 promises a nonstop celebration of big riffs, bigger choruses and the enduring spirit of arena rock — exactly the kind of experience Merriweather was built to host.
M3 Rock Festival
Headliners: Cinderella’s Tom Keifer, Queensryche
W/ Buckcherry, White Lion, Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room, Faster Pussycat, Trixter
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Saturday, May 2
Show @ 12pm
$68.85/$118.05
All ages
