Entertainment

The one-day, two-stage festival is set for Oct. 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland.

By REBECCA SANTANA, Associated Press

May 28, 2026

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Boston’s Dropkick Murphys will join Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Brittany Howard and Joan Baez for a star-studded protest festival set for the Washington, D.C., area a month before the midterm elections.

Springsteen and Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello announced the festival Wednesday while performing together at Nationals Park in Washington as Springsteen winds down his Land of Hope and Dreams American tour.

At the concert Wednesday, Springsteen played many of his most political songs, including “American Skin (41 Shots)” about a fatal police shooting and “Streets of Minneapolis,” in response to the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents. “The Gestapo tactics of this president and this administration will not stand here,” Springsteen said.

“This American tragedy can only be stopped by the American people: you. There is no one coming to save us. We’ve got to do it ourselves,” he said. “So join us and let’s fight for the America that we love. Do you hear me, Washington?”

The one-day, two-stage Power to the People festival is set for Oct. 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, and is billed as being about “freedom, justice, equality and rock ’n’ roll.” A portion of the proceeds from all ticket sales will benefit the organizations VoteRiders and HeadCount.

“It’s about the power everyday human beings have when they come together through music, art, community and action,” Morello said in a statement. “We’re honored to bring this incredible lineup to the DC area for a day that celebrates the spirit of activism, creativity, and hope.”

“We’re proud to announce that we’ll be joining Tom Morello’s Power to the People festival in Columbia, Maryland — along with Foo Fighters, Jack Black, Serj Tankian from System Of A Down, Bruce Springsteen and many others,” the Dropkick Murphys announced Thursday.

The festival will also include Killer Mike, Taylor Momsen, and the Linda Lindas, among others.

Springsteen has long criticized President Donald Trump, who in turn has called for a boycott of Springsteen’s shows, calling him a “total loser who spews hate.”

On Wednesday, Springsteen led the crowd in an “ICE out!” chant, encouraging the audience to make their voices heard all the way to the White House.