The Power to the People Festival, curated by Rage Against the Machine guitarist and activist Tom Morello, transformed the Merriweather Post Pavilion into a vibrant hub of music, activism, and community action on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The non-partisan event featured a star-studded lineup of musicians and guest speakers dedicated to promoting peace, justice, and democracy.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the festival showcased performances from an eclectic mix of artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews Band, Joan Baez, Public Enemy, Jack Black, Dropkick Murphys, Cypress Hill, Killer Mike, Serj Tankian, Brittany Howard, and many others. The event was designed to highlight the power of collective action and the role of music in driving social and political change.
Morello, who also performed at the festival, expressed his vision for the event, stating, “The Power to the People festival is about freedom, justice, equality and rock and roll. It’s about the power everyday human beings have when they come together through music, art, community, and action.” He added that the festival was an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of activism, creativity, and hope in the Washington D.C. area.
Beyond the musical performances, the festival also included a “Freedom Village,” an immersive space featuring nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and community partners. This area provided attendees with opportunities for civic engagement, grassroots organizing, education, and mutual aid, fostering a deeper connection between music lovers and social impact initiatives. Organizations such as HeadCount were present to assist with voter registration and encourage civic participation. A portion of the ticket proceeds, along with all net proceeds from VIP tickets, benefited VoteRiders, a pro-democracy and pro-voter organization.
The festival was also made accessible globally through a free livestream on MS NOW’s YouTube channel, allowing fans worldwide to experience the event. The Power to the People Festival aimed to unite individuals through shared values and a commitment to shaping a better future.
The lineup was extensive, with additional performers including Nathaniel Rateliff, Stephen Stills, Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready, Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, State Radio, Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian, and The Last Internationale. Artist Shepard Fairey contributed artwork and a DJ set to the festival. Jack Black’s performance featured Roman Morello, Revel Ian, Yoyoka Soma, and Hugo Weiss.
The event, held at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, was organized to emphasize community and solidarity. Morello announced the festival in May 2026, with pre-sale tickets available shortly thereafter, followed by general sales.
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