Following a milestone 15th anniversary marked by record-breaking attendance and its most successful edition to date, Armstrong MetalFest has announced its return for a 16th year. The festival will take place July 17 and 18, 2026, at the Hassen Arena in Armstrong, British Columbia, bringing two days of heavy metal, on-site camping, and community-focused programming back to the Okanagan Valley.
Early bird weekend passes are on sale now for $179.99 CAD and will remain available until March 1, 2026. After the early bird window closes, pre-sale weekend passes will be priced at $229.99 CAD, with gate admission set at $274.99 CAD. All prices apply to full weekend passes and are subject to applicable taxes.
Each weekend pass includes general admission, free camping, and access to the festival grounds, camping area, and arena from 9:00 AM on Friday, July 17, through 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 18.
Camping and Vehicle Pass Information
Festivalgoers planning to camp should note that RV, non-hookup RV, and vehicle passes must be reserved separately to secure preferred locations on the grounds. A vehicle fee is required per weekend, in addition to a festival pass. RV hookups include water and power. Vehicles parked in the main lot outside the camping area do not require a vehicle pass.
Early bird passes are available now through the festival’s official website.
Lineup Announcement Expected March 2026
The ARMSTRONG METALFEST 2026 lineup will be revealed in March, following a strong 2025 edition that featured Born of Osiris, Havok, Glyph, Riot City, The Browning, Virvum, and additional acts from across Canada and abroad.
In addition to live performances, last year’s festival expanded beyond the stage with attractions including Yeti Games, the Metal Madness Market, and Thrash Wrestling, reinforcing the event’s reputation as a destination festival rather than a standard concert weekend.
The Vancouver Sun has previously described Armstrong MetalFest as “one of the premier festivals of its kind in Canada, showcasing the biggest names in local, national, and international heavy metal music.”
That sentiment was echoed by Stan Schinners of Broken Neck Radio / Absolute Underground Magazine, who reflected on the close of the 2025 festival:
“It’s not just about bands and beer — it’s about belonging. Armstrong MetalFest brings together a community that truly loves heavy music. If you’ve never been to AMF, consider this your sign. It’s more than a music festival—it’s a metal rite of passage.”
Festival Background
Founded in 2009, with a brief hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Armstrong MetalFest is produced by West Metal Entertainment, a non-profit society dedicated to supporting the regional heavy music scene.
Over the years, the festival has hosted acts including Kataklysm, Cattle Decapitation, Archspire, Nekrogoblikon, Origin, Warbringer, Fallujah, Striker, and Beyond Creation, while also providing a platform for emerging Canadian bands. Each year, the event draws attendees from across Canada and the United States for a weekend that combines live music, outdoor camping, and community activities, with the site restored following the festival.
With tickets now available and the lineup announcement scheduled for March, ARMSTRONG METALFEST 2026 is positioned as an early anchor on the Canadian summer festival calendar.
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