Edmonton turned up the volume this weekend with the first-ever Rockin’ Thunder, a two-day, hard-hitting rock festival that took place at the iconic Exhibition Lands Racetrack.
With performances by some of the biggest names in rock history, the electrifying weekend of high-voltage performances brought everything from jaw-dropping guitar solos to heart-pumping beats, hosting more than 20,000 rock and roll fans.
“Edmonton knows how to rock—and this weekend they showed it loud and clear,” shared main stage host and Canadian media icon Rick Campanelli.
Def Leppard (Dale MacMillan photo above) closed out the first night of the Festival with a legendary, career-spanning performance of their biggest hits, while Joan Jett & The Blackhearts brought their raw punk spirit to the stage right before.
“You know, I heard you a little earlier in the night singing Oh Canada together,” Jett told the audience.
“That was so beautiful. I got to tell you, I got to read this so I don’t veer, but I’ve been coming here for four decades to play music to this wonderful country. I’ll tell you, it really hurts my heart that in the States, we are in these ongoing, terrible, political and ethical crises, which has seeped into every crevice of our lives.”
Jett added: “Many of us in America, the majority, look forward to a time when this behaviour by our government is untolerated by our citizens and who are able to change. So, please, stick with us. Oh Canada, please accept this music in the spirit it’s given with love.”
More highlights of the opening day included the official opening set of the Festival with hard-rockers Queensrÿche, who had the crowd’s faces melting from the very first guitar lick.
Here are SWOMP’s photos from the Queensrÿche set:
Canadian rockers Toque brought the energy, commanding the crowd with a fan-favourite rendition of “Sunglasses at Night”. Here are SWOMP’s photos from their set:
Bret Michaels also brought pure rockstar charisma and infectious energy to the stage. Here are our photos:
“The energy and talent on display this weekend have surpassed our wildest hopes,” said CEO of Rockin’ Thunder Music Festivals, Troy Vollhoffer. “Seeing the response for this first Rockin’ Thunder has us excited to make some huge announcements very soon for 2026.”
With this weekend’s success firmly setting the stage, tickets for the 2026 Rockin’ Thunder festival are on sale now, with a limited number of early-bird GA weekend tickets available for $240. For more information and to purchase tickets for next year’s event, fans can visit www.rockinthunderfest.com.
Def Leppard | Photo Credit Dale MacMillan
Watch for Day #2 coverage on SWOMP.