Iron Maiden, one of heavy metal’s most enduring and influential acts, has unveiled their highly anticipated “Run For Your Lives” World Tour 2026, promising fans across the globe an unforgettable experience spanning three continents. The legendary British band will embark on this massive tour beginning in May 2026, with dates scheduled through October, covering Europe, North America, and concluding in Mexico City.
European Invasion: A Stadium Spectacle
The tour launches in spectacular fashion on May 23, 2026, at the OAKA stadium in Athens, Greece, with thrash metal pioneers Anthrax serving as special guests. This pairing sets the tone for what promises to be an explosive combination of classic heavy metal and thrash energy. The European leg demonstrates Iron Maiden’s continued dominance in the region, with the band scheduled to perform at some of the continent’s most prestigious venues and festivals.
Following the Greek debut, Iron Maiden will sweep through Eastern Europe, performing at Bulgaria’s Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia on May 26 and Romania’s Arena Națională in Bucharest on May 28. The band then heads to Bratislava, Slovakia’s Národný Futbalový Štadión on May 30, maintaining Anthrax as their opening act throughout these stadium shows.
Germany receives special attention during this tour, with multiple appearances scheduled throughout June. The band will perform at Hannover’s Heinz von Heiden Arena on June 2, this time featuring Megadeth as support—a true meeting of metal titans. Iron Maiden will also dominate Germany’s premier rock festivals, including headlining slots at Rock im Park in Nürnberg and Rock am Ring at Nürburgring on June 6 and 7 respectively.
Festival Season Dominance
The European festival circuit forms a crucial component of the “Run For Your Lives” tour, showcasing Iron Maiden’s continued relevance and drawing power. The band will appear at Sweden Rock Festival in Solvesborg from June 3-6, bringing their theatrical stage presence to one of Scandinavia’s most beloved metal gatherings.
Austria’s Nova Rock festival on June 13 and the Czech Republic’s Rock For People in Hradec Kralove on June 14 will see the band continue their festival domination. Perhaps most notably, Iron Maiden will headline France’s legendary Hellfest on June 19 in Clisson, one of Europe’s largest and most prestigious heavy metal festivals.
The Scandinavian run continues with appearances at Denmark’s Copenhell festival from June 24-27 in Copenhagen, and Norway’s Tons of Rock festival on June 25 in Oslo. These back-to-back festival appearances demonstrate the logistical prowess that has become synonymous with Iron Maiden’s touring operation.
Spain’s metal faithful will be treated to performances at Resurrection Fest in Viveiro from July 1-4 and Rock Imperium Festival in Cartagena on July 4, before the band concludes their European stadium shows in Lisbon, Portugal at the iconic Estádio da Luz on July 7.
The British Homecoming
No Iron Maiden world tour would be complete without a triumphant return to British soil. The band has scheduled a massive outdoor concert at Knebworth Park on July 11, 2026. This show carries particular significance, as Knebworth has historically hosted some of rock music’s most legendary performances. Supporting Iron Maiden will be The Darkness, The Hu, Airbourne, and The Almighty—a diverse lineup that spans from classic British rock to Mongolian folk metal, ensuring an unforgettable day for British metal fans.
North American Assault
After conquering Europe, Iron Maiden crosses the Atlantic for an extensive North American tour beginning in late August. The tour kicks off with back-to-back nights at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on August 29 and 30, with Megadeth providing support. This Canadian double-header demonstrates the band’s massive drawing power in the region.
The tour continues with a major outdoor show at Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau on September 3, featuring both Megadeth and Anthrax—creating a true celebration of classic and thrash metal for Canadian fans. The band then heads to the United States, with consecutive nights scheduled at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, on September 5 and 6, maintaining the powerhouse lineup of Megadeth and Anthrax.
As the tour progresses through September, Iron Maiden will make stops at major venues including Boston’s TD Garden, Bristow’s Jiffy Lube Live, Charlotte’s PNC Music Pavilion, and Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Each of these shows features Megadeth as support, ensuring fans receive a full evening of legendary heavy metal.
The band will also headline the Louder Than Life Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, on September 17—one of America’s premier rock festivals. The tour continues through the American heartland with a performance at Shakopee’s Mystic Lake Amphitheater in Minnesota on September 19 and Chicago’s Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre on September 22.
West Coast and Grand Finale
The West Coast receives special treatment with back-to-back stadium shows at Los Angeles’s BMO Stadium on September 25 and 26, both featuring the killer combination of Megadeth and Anthrax. These Los Angeles shows represent some of the tour’s largest North American dates, befitting the band’s legendary status in the region.
The American leg concludes with a massive stadium show at San Antonio’s Alamodome on September 29, maintaining the triple-threat lineup that has defined much of the North American tour. Finally, Iron Maiden will wrap up the entire “Run For Your Lives” World Tour 2026 with a grand finale at Mexico City’s Estadio GNP Seguros on October 2, with Anthrax providing support one final time.
A Legacy Continues
The “Run For Your Lives” World Tour 2026 represents more than just another series of concerts—it’s a testament to Iron Maiden’s enduring power and relevance in heavy metal. With over four decades of recording and touring behind them, the band continues to pack stadiums and headline major festivals worldwide, proving that their brand of epic, theatrical heavy metal remains as vital as ever.
The tour’s diverse lineup of supporting acts, including Megadeth, Anthrax, Evergrey, Trivium, The Darkness, The Hu, Airbourne, and The Almighty, ensures that each night offers a complete heavy metal experience spanning multiple generations and subgenres. This approach has always been a hallmark of Iron Maiden’s touring philosophy—bringing along both legendary peers and exciting newer acts to create memorable evenings for metal fans.
As tickets go on sale across all territories, fans worldwide are preparing for what promises to be one of 2026’s most significant touring events. Whether performing in intimate arenas, massive stadiums, or legendary festival stages, Iron Maiden continues to prove why they remain heavy metal royalty—and the “Run For Your Lives” World Tour 2026 will undoubtedly add another glorious chapter to their legendary story.