Top Music Tours 2026 You Can’t Miss

Curious which headline acts will reshape your summer plans and why a single booking choice could save you time and worry?

This Ultimate Guide maps the must‑see upcoming shows across the UK and Europe, from Wembley stadium dates to arena residencies at The O2 and Co‑op Live. Expect clear signposts for stadium spectacles, The Weeknd at Wembley, Luke Combs at Wembley and Edinburgh, Bad Bunny at Tottenham, plus major arena dates from Def Leppard, Metallica, Linkin Park and more.

We list each artist, key dates and city stops so you can compare venues, travel and local amenities. The guide flags limited residencies and run outdoor shows, and shows summer 2026 city highlights to help you decide fast.

Powerful Tickets works with official ticket wholesalers to offer the best priced tickets that are 100% guaranteed, giving you a safe way to 2026 find tickets and avoid missing the most in‑demand events. Read on to plan the right event and secure seats with confidence.

Why 2026 is set to be a blockbuster year for live music in the UK and Europe

From arena residencies to festival‑style weekends, the live calendar is building into something extraordinary. Confirmed stadium runs and multi‑night residencies promise a packed schedule from late winter through peak summer.

From arena residencies to outdoor shows: what to expect

Expect headline returns, The Weeknd at Wembley, Ariana Grande’s O2 residency and Metallica’s UK dates — to drive heavy demand. Luke Combs, Bad Bunny and Def Leppard add stadium depth, while Sting and Andrea Bocelli supply classical and legacy appeal.

Late‑2025 momentum, seen around november december on‑sale cycles, will shape how quickly seats vanish. Use insights from 2025 march patterns to plan purchases and avoid rushes.

Also look out for discovery acts such as orchestral manoeuvres dark and red clay strays, and for special formats like “no repeat” weekends that raise interest in prime dates.

Powerful Tickets: best priced, 100% guaranteed tickets from official wholesalers

Powerful Tickets works with official ticket wholesalers to offer the best priced tickets that are 100% guaranteed. This route gives peace of mind when major acts are hitting road 2026 and when venues list multiple options across various venues find backups.

music tours 2026: the quick snapshot for UK fans

Plan fast: this snapshot puts confirmed headline dates and rumours in one simple view so UK fans can lock in leave and travel.

Confirmed UK highlights at a glance

Key confirmed dates include The Weeknd at Wembley (14–15 August), Luke Combs at Wembley (31 July–1 August) and Edinburgh (24–25 July), and Bad Bunny at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (27–28 June).

Arena runs stack up too: Ariana Grande’s ten O2 Arena nights in August, Def Leppard at The O2 (2 July) and Co‑op Live (6 July), Deftones in February (Birmingham 12, Glasgow 13, Manchester 14, London 20) and Laufey in March (Co‑op Live 4, The O2 8).

Biggest rumours to watch for music tours 2026

Keep an eye on Oasis continuation and possible U2 European plans. Set alerts so you can react quickly if on‑sales appear.

Tips to act smart: use the date callouts to spot clashes, pencil 10/07/2026 various venues markers for weekend planning, and lean on november find tickets and december find tickets patterns from 2025 to anticipate windows.

February kicks off with tour feb 2026 heavyweights; march brings tour march 2026 momentum. Be ready to shift cities so you various venues find alternatives and avoid various venues miss scenarios.

Discovery tip: keep last dinner party, dinner party and last dinner mentions on your radar as rising names alongside the headliners.

Powerful Tickets works with official ticket wholesalers to offer the best priced tickets that are 100% guaranteed, giving you a secure route to find tickets last and to tour 2026 find seats with confidence.

London takes centre stage: Wembley Stadium, The O2 and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium music tours 2026

London’s summer calendar centres on a trio of venues that promise blockbuster scale and choice.

The Weeknd at Wembley, August 14–15 (and wider 14–19 Aug run) delivers stadium production built for big visuals and crowd impact. Wembley anchors the capital’s season and is ideal for fans who want maximal staging and broad sightlines. Use 2026 find tickets links for Wembley to compare floor versus lower‑tier options and Club Wembley packages.

The Weeknd at Wembley - find tickets

Wembley suits those chasing atmosphere and scale. Arrive early for fan zones and expect longer entry flows than arenas. For guaranteed seats, search venues find tickets routes that prioritise official allocations.

Bad Bunny at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - purchase guaranteed seats

Bad Bunny (27–28 June) brings a Latin mega‑show to Tottenham. This stadium offers immersive staging and potential special guests. Purchase through official wholesaler channels to secure delivery and a 100% guarantee for your event tickets.

The O2 arena moments: Ariana Grande and more upcoming shows

The O2 combines convenience with intimacy. Ariana Grande’s ten‑night residency in August sits alongside Hollywood Star recognised Def Leppard (2 July) and Laufey (8 March), giving a wide choice of dates and styles.

Compare stadium vs arena for travel time, hospitality and acoustics. London’s connectivity makes day trips simple; combine shows with dining in Greenwich or central London. Protect plans by booking early for premium lower‑tier blocks and aisle seats—late releases appear but often with restricted views.

Powerful Tickets works with official ticket wholesalers to offer the best priced tickets that are 100% guaranteed, so use venues find tickets links to purchase with confidence.

Manchester and beyond: Co‑op Live, AO Arena and Northern powerhouses

Manchester’s arenas are stacking up a dense run of headline dates that reward early planning. Co‑op Live and AO Arena combine new‑build sightlines with easy rail and tram links, making multi‑night trips practical for UK fans.

Co‑op Live spotlight

Co‑op Live hosts Deftones (14 February), Laufey (4 March) and Def Leppard (6 July), while Ed Sheeran’s 7 December date shows demand remains high. The venue’s modern concourses and tech‑forward amenities improve entry flows and hospitality.

AO Arena headliners and regional runs

AO Arena complements Manchester with acts such as Lorde (15 November) and Yungblud (25 April). Use venues find tickets and various venues find searches to lock in alternatives across Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield if dates sell out.

Pulse and pulse live references point fans to bp pulse LIVE options in the Midlands, which can be useful for routing shows. Manchester London november travel patterns also make it feasible to split concerts between cities within a week.

Mark november find tickets and december find tickets cycles for winter on‑sales and late releases after production holds lift. Remember 20/11/2025 various venues as a past allocation marker that still impacts resale timing and pricing.

Powerful Tickets works with official ticket wholesalers to offer the best priced tickets that are 100% guaranteed. Use venues find tickets routes and various venues find tools to secure seats with confidence.

Spring build‑up: tour Feb 2026 and tour March 2026 you should prioritise

A focused spring schedule puts February and March on every fan's radar for upcoming shows. Short runs make it worth choosing dates early to avoid sold‑out nights and travel hassle.

Deftones UK & Europe in February

Deftones deliver a compact UK sweep: Birmingham (12 Feb, bp pulse LIVE), Glasgow (13 Feb, The OVO Hydro), Manchester (14 Feb, Co‑op Live), Cardiff (18 Feb) and London (20 Feb, The O2).

For Birmingham, note accessibility and parking at the renamed pulse venue. London’s The O2 often unlocks side‑view holds close to the date, so set alerts for late releases.

Laufey in March — Co‑op Live Manchester and The O2 London

Laufey steps up to arenas: Manchester (4 Mar, Co‑op Live) and London (8 Mar, The O2). Choose fuller arena acoustics or a London weekend depending on travel and ambience.

• Use tour find tickets and 2026 find tickets prompts to book via official wholesalers.

• Various venues find helps check cross‑city inventory and hotel combos if your first choice sells out.

• Academy Brixton isn’t on these runs but is worth watching for club‑to‑theatre companion shows.

• Add a date buffer for mid‑week travel; compare Manchester London november patterns for train vs overnight plans.

Powerful Tickets works with official ticket wholesalers to offer the best priced tickets that are 100% guaranteed.

Summer stadium season: outdoor shows 2026 you won’t want to miss

Stadium season is where spectacle meets city breaks; plan your weekends around the biggest outdoor events. Peak dates cluster in late June and July, so align travel and accommodation early to avoid surges.

Luke Combs at Wembley and Edinburgh - plus special guests

Luke Combs hits Edinburgh Murrayfield on 24–25 July and Wembley on 31 July–1 August (with an additional 2 August date noted). These long weekends are ideal for combining a city break with a stadium night.

Expect plus special guests and varied openers by location. Check listings close to the show week for confirmations and stage‑times so you can plan arrivals and onward travel.

Def Leppard UK & Ireland dates - various venues find tickets

Def Leppard’s summer swing threads arenas: Glasgow (28 June), Sheffield (30 June), The O2 London (2 July), Birmingham (4 July) and Manchester Co‑op Live (6 July). These arena dates offer an indoor alternative if your stadium calendar fills up.

Use venues find tickets and various venues find searches to hunt best‑value lower‑tier sightlines and standing pits. The 10/07/2026 various venues planning marker helps cluster multiple gigs into one travel window to save on costs.

Consider British weather when choosing seats; covered lower tiers reduce risk of showers while keeping the atmosphere. Prioritise 2026 find tickets and tour find tickets flows that link to official wholesaler allocations for guaranteed entry.

If your first pick sells out, don’t let various venues miss opportunities stop you — nearby cities in the same week often have available seats and fast rail links. Powerful Tickets works with official ticket wholesalers to offer the best priced tickets that are 100% guaranteed.

Pop and R&B superstars on the road

Pop and R&B heavyweights are lining up headline runs that will define the summer schedule. The Weeknd leads the pack with a London‑centred stadium production at Wembley Stadium on 14–15 August, part of a wider European stadium run through July and August.

The Weeknd’s extended stadium run - London focus

Wembley promises large‑scale visuals and crowd moments. Expect plus special guests at select dates and changing door times as support acts are confirmed closer to show nights.

For best results, use 2026 find tickets and venues find tickets prompts to access official allocations. If London sells out, various venues find can reveal Amsterdam, Paris or Milan alternatives with straightforward connections.

Lady Gaga and Ed Sheeran - upcoming shows and European links

Lady Gaga and Ed Sheeran anchor the multi‑platinum global pop scene, so track city links for short breaks and cheap flights. Ed Sheeran’s Co‑op Live Manchester date (7 December) and further global dates mean flexible planning is smart.

Use tour find tickets flows to reach official wholesaler stock. Remember that large productions affect load‑in and entry policies, so watch pre‑event communications. All purchases are protected by Powerful Tickets’ 100% guarantee for peace of mind.

Rock and metal giants return to Europe

Europe’s heavy-hitters return with arena runs and stadium weekends that will dominate late spring and summer calendars. Expect a mix of large stadium spectacles and tighter arena nights that suit different travel plans and budgets.

Metallica’s European push — Glasgow and Cardiff flagged

Metallica lead the heavyweight bill with key June dates flagged for Glasgow and Cardiff. These UK stops sit alongside wider European stadiums and may include plus special guests.

Linkin Park’s late‑May to June sprint

Linkin Park’s run (Stockholm 29 May; Hamburg 1 & 3 June; Vienna 9 June; Munich 11–12 June; Lisbon 21 June; Madrid 23–24 June; Florence 26 June; Werchter 28 June) is ideal for pairing a gig with a short city break.

Def Leppard — The O2, Co‑op Live and UK arenas

Def Leppard’s arena dates (Glasgow 28 June; Sheffield 30 June; The O2 London 2 July; Co‑op Live Manchester 6 July) deliver seated sightlines and reliable acoustics for fans who prefer a stable view.

Practical tips: use 2026 find tickets, venues find tickets and various venues find searches to lock the best blocks. If a date sells out, don’t let various venues miss nearby city options; cross‑border trips often save money.

For Midlands alternatives, check pulse live/pulse listings and mark 10/07/2026 various venues when planning a multi‑gig weekend. Watch november find tickets drops and use tour find tickets routes — Powerful Tickets works with official ticket wholesalers to offer the best priced tickets that are 100% guaranteed.

Iconic voices and classical‑crossover elegance

For those seeking refined evenings rather than stadium flash, the lineup of classical‑crossover dates is a strong draw. These shows favour seated acoustics and clear sightlines that highlight vocal performance.

Andrea Bocelli: Prague, Amsterdam and Paris - January to April 2026

Andrea Bocelli visits Prague O2 Arena (23–24 January), Amsterdam Ziggo Dome (29–30 March) and Paris Accor Arena (1 April). These early‑year dates suit lower‑tier seating for best vocal clarity, and Paris and Amsterdam give easy flight and rail links.

Sting’s theatre run and summer routing

Sting appears at Amsterdam Royal Theatre Carré (14 Jan–1 Feb) and Paris Seine Musicale (18 Feb–7 Mar), then resumes June–July dates across Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Portugal and France. Theatre nights deliver intimacy; summer open‑air dates offer warmer evenings and varied programming.

Compare locations and dates to align with flights and hotels; weekdays often bring better central seats and lower prices.

Use tour find tickets and venues find tickets to access official allocations quickly. If one city sells out, various venues find helps switch plans between Paris and Amsterdam.

For classical‑crossover, pick end‑stage central blocks for vocal focus and consider side‑lower tiers for value. Keep an eye on discovery lineups, orchestral manoeuvres dark appears in some adjacent programmes.

Powerful Tickets works with official ticket wholesalers to offer the best priced tickets that are 100% guaranteed.

Hot tickets by month: March to August 2026 planning guide

March to August sets a busy calendar for upcoming shows. Start with a clear plan so you can match dates, travel and accommodation without last‑minute stress.

March 2026: find key dates and venues

Lock March dates early. Laufey plays Manchester (4 Mar) and London (8 Mar), and weekend hotel rates rise fast around arena nights.

Use march 2026 find prompts and 2026 find tickets flows to secure seats via official wholesalers. Book travel with cushion time for entry and merch queues.

June–July: festival‑style city breaks

Late June and early July offer back‑to‑back options. Def Leppard runs UK arenas in late June/early July while Bad Bunny hits London (27–28 June).

Plan multi‑city weekends around the 10/07/2026 various venues pivot to save on fares. Use various venues find and venues find tickets to compare allocations across cities.

August: arena and stadium finales

August peaks with arena and stadium finales — The Weeknd at Wembley mid‑August and Ariana Grande’s O2 residency. Book seats and travel together to cut costs.

Tour‑level searches such as tour find tickets help filter multi‑leg itineraries, while keeping an eye on lineups for plus special guests that might sway your city choice.

Powerful Tickets works with official ticket wholesalers to offer the best priced tickets that are 100% guaranteed. Use november find tickets and december find tickets lessons from 20/11/2025 to anticipate releases, and track discovery acts like last dinner party, red clay strays and orchestral manoeuvres dark on club circuits.

UK venue spotlight: Brixton Academy, The O2, Co‑op Live — how to choose the best seat

Choosing the best seat and factoring travel can turn an ordinary gig into a seamless night out. This short guide compares three top UK locations so you can pick sightlines and routes with confidence.

Acoustics, sightlines and “time to venue” planning

The O2 London delivers consistent acoustics. Aim for lower tiers 101–112 or 113–118 for balanced sound and strong stage views. Ariana Grande’s August run and Laufey’s 8 March date make these blocks high demand, so buy early.

Co‑op Live Manchester emphasises circulation and tech‑forward amenities. Early reports praise sightlines from lower and club tiers. Deftones (14 February) and Def Leppard (6 July) highlight why this venue suits fans who prefer modern concourses.

Academy Brixton is ideal for intimate, high‑energy nights. Balcony front rows give clear views without the floor crush. It also works well for discovery acts in the upcoming shows calendar.

• Use venues find tickets to compare block‑by‑block seat maps across arenas and halls.

• Various venues find helps you pivot between London and Manchester if a location sells out.

• Factor time to venue — tube and rail links for The O2 and Brixton, tram/rail for Co‑op Live — when picking late finishes versus last trains.

Check pulse live and pulse listings when routing Birmingham alternatives. Plan early dining near venues to avoid queues and missed openers. Choose aisle seats for quick egress; pick central lower‑tier for audiophile clarity unless you want the floor atmosphere.

Powerful Tickets works with official ticket wholesalers to offer the best priced tickets that are 100% guaranteed. Use venues find tickets to lock blocks with confidence before prices rise.

Rumours and newly confirmed: Oasis, U2, Ariana Grande, Bon Jovi

New confirmations and persistent chatter about legacy acts make this a key moment for ticket planning. Several high‑profile announcements have landed, while a few major names remain on the rumour mill.

Confirmed: Ariana Grande O2 August run

Ariana Grande has confirmed a ten‑night residency at The O2 across August. This various venues multi‑platinum run will drive rapid demand and staggered on‑sale waves.

Tip: be ready with account details and set alerts for november find tickets style presales and late seat releases.

Bon Jovi — Wembley return flagged

Bon Jovi’s Forever Tour includes a flagged Wembley date. Expect marquee hospitality blocks and lower‑tier central drops when allocations shift.

On the rumour mill: Oasis and U2

Oasis continuation is rumoured after a 2025 comeback; stadium stops are possible. U2 are reportedly planning a European run with a likely Croke Park leg that could anchor Dublin city breaks.

• Ariana Grande’s O2 residency cements August as London’s prime arena window.

• Bon Jovi at Wembley is a marquee rock moment — monitor seat maps closely.

• Register interest for Oasis to see presale invites before general on‑sale.

• Watch U2 announcements for tiered presales that favour local markets.

Use 2026 find tickets, venues find tickets and various venues find to route quickly once dates drop. Tour find tickets helps consolidate city options if London sells out first.

Powerful Tickets works with official ticket wholesalers to offer the best priced tickets that are 100% guaranteed, so book through official channels to avoid sell‑out stress and ensure fulfilment.

How to buy: 2026 find tickets with Powerful Tickets’ 100% Guarantee

Buying tickets for headline dates needn’t be stressful when you know the right routes and timings. Use verified channels and a short checklist to move from alert to purchase with confidence.

Working with official ticket wholesalers for real peace of mind

Powerful Tickets works with official ticket wholesalers to offer the best priced tickets that are 100% guaranteed. This ensures barcodes are valid, seats match your order and delivery windows are dependable for events such as The Weeknd at Wembley and Def Leppard at The O2.

Best‑price strategies for high‑demand events and various venues

Start with 2026 find tickets filters to choose city, date and venue so checkout is faster on in‑demand releases. Use venues find tickets pages to compare like‑for‑like blocks and hospitality options.

Keep alternative cities saved under various venues find to avoid a last‑minute various venues miss. Time purchases to presales and general releases, then recheck seat maps 24–72 hours after on‑sale for late inventory.

Tip: prepare payment details and accounts before presales to reduce cart time on high‑velocity drops.

Use tour find tickets and tour 2026 find tools to bundle multi‑date weekends. Check delivery method, transfer rules and our refund guarantees before you finalise the purchase to keep your booking risk‑free.

Editor’s picks: can’t‑miss acts for every taste

We’ve shortlisted standout acts that represent the season’s best — across arenas, theatres and stadiums. Use this quick guide to match style, travel and ticket strategy.

Pop/R&R&B

The Weeknd — Wembley mid‑August offers blockbuster staging and visuals that reward stadium seats. Lady Gaga remains a multi‑platinum global pop presence with flexible European dates for city breaks.

Rock/Metal

Metallica and Linkin Park headline Europe in June with festival‑scale runs. Def Leppard and Deftones give compact UK routing that makes travel easier for weeknight or weekend plans.

Classical/Icons

Andrea Bocelli favours refined arenas for vocal clarity. Sting blends theatre nights and summer open‑air dates for polished, seated evenings.

Rising and cult favourites

Laufey moves into arenas in March; Yungblud brings high‑energy UK arena shows in April. The discovery corner layers last dinner party, dinner party and last dinner with red clay strays and orchestral manoeuvres dark for adventurous planners.

Tip: use tour find tickets and march 2026 find prompts to line up spring schedules before summer demand peaks.

Keep an eye on the hits radio live ecosystem for presale tie‑ins. Also, find tickets last reminders can net late‑release blocks that sometimes beat early listings on price and position.

Powerful Tickets works with official ticket wholesalers to offer the best priced tickets that are 100% guaranteed. Balance weekend ambience with mid‑week value and check merch and bag rules to streamline entry.

Conclusion

Here’s a concise recap of the biggest line‑ups, locations and how to lock in tickets without hassle.

2026 brings headline nights from The Weeknd at Wembley (14–15 August) to Ariana Grande’s O2 residency, Luke Combs at Wembley and Edinburgh, Bad Bunny at Tottenham and key runs from Def Leppard, Deftones, Laufey, Andrea Bocelli, Sting, Linkin Park and Metallica.

Plan around these dates, set alerts for spring on‑sales and compare venues for sightlines and travel time.

Keep a shortlist of alternative cities if London or Manchester sells out.

Watch for late production releases two to three weeks before event day to upgrade positions.

Powerful Tickets works with official ticket wholesalers to offer the best priced tickets that are 100% guaranteed.