Armstrong MetalFest is preparing to return to British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley in July 2027, with organizers opening a two-week submission window for bands interested in joining the festival’s next lineup.
The heavy metal festival will take place July 16 and 17, 2027, at Hassen Arena in Armstrong, B.C., continuing an event that has developed into a destination for Canadian and international metal fans.
Band Submissions Open October 1 for Armstrong MetalFest 2027
Bands seeking a spot on the 2027 bill will be able to submit applications from Oct. 1 through Oct. 15.
The application period follows the festival’s 2026 edition, which featured co-headliners Rivers of Nihil and Dying Fetus. Other performers included Cyborg Octopus, Into Eternity, Fervence, Vintersea, Lycanthro, Iron Kingdom, Odinfist and Art of Attrition.
Organizers are now looking to build the next lineup as the festival continues its long-running presence in the North Okanagan music scene.
The 2026 event was described by the Vernon Morning Star and Penticton Western News as a record-setting year for attendance.
“Armstrong MetalFest hits all the right notes… The music was loud, but the impact echoed far beyond the fairgrounds. Armstrong MetalFest’s 16th year reached new heights, drawing the largest crowds in the festival’s history for two unforgettable days of world-class heavy metal music, camping, and community in the North Okanagan.” – Vernon Morning Star / Penticton Western News (AMF 2026)
Festival Combines Heavy Metal With Okanagan Camping Experience
Armstrong MetalFest has built its identity around combining live heavy metal performances with camping and other activities in the Okanagan Valley.
The event traces its beginnings to 2009 and took a hiatus in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its launch, West Metal Entertainment and Armstrong MetalFest have provided performance opportunities for hundreds of local bands while also bringing international acts to Armstrong.
Fans travel from across Canada and the United States for the annual gathering, which features three days of camping alongside two days of live music. Festival activities have also included wrestling, scavenger hunts and other programming.
International and Canadian Metal Acts Have Played Armstrong
Over the years, Armstrong MetalFest has hosted a broad range of established and emerging heavy metal acts.
Previous headliners and performers have included Kataklysm, Cattle Decapitation, Archspire, Nekrogoblikon, Origin, Warbringer, Fallujah, Striker, Beyond Creation, Born of Osiris, Havok, The Browning and Virvum.
The Vancouver Sun previously described the event as “It’s one of the premier festivals of its kind in Canada, showcasing the biggest names in local, national, and international heavy metal music.”
The festival’s growth has also attracted attention for turning Armstrong into a summer gathering point for metal audiences in Western Canada.
Kelowna Now previously wrote, “What started out as a backyard gathering for Armstrong metalheads has turned into a beacon for metal fans of all kinds from across British Columbia and Alberta.”
Ticket Details for 2027 to Be Announced Later
Ticket information for Armstrong MetalFest 2027 will be released at a later date.
According to organizers, general admission will provide access to the festival grounds, camping area and arena. Free camping is included, although additional fees apply to certain vehicle and RV passes.
RV hookups with water and power are available, while attendees who leave their vehicles in the main parking area outside the camping zone will not require a vehicle pass.
West Metal Entertainment, the non-profit society behind Armstrong MetalFest, also supports the regional music community by organizing performances at other venues, including all-ages events intended to encourage participation in music among younger and adult audiences.
With band applications opening in October and the festival dates already confirmed, organizers are beginning the process of assembling the acts that will take the stage in Armstrong next summer.