Stray Kids make history as they become first K-Pop headliners at Rock in Rio 2026

Stray Kids are set to take over the main stage at the Cidade do Rock (City of Rock) on September 11, 2026, marking a historic moment for both the group and the decades-old festival.

Stray Kids have officially been announced as the first Korean act to headline the iconic Brazilian music festival, Rock in Rio. The announcement was made on November 26, instantly triggering excitement among STAYs and festival-goers across the world.

Stray Kids are set to take over the main stage at the Cidade do Rock (City of Rock) on September 11, 2026, marking a historic moment for both the group and the decades-old festival.

Rock in Rio, founded in 1985 in Rio de Janeiro, remains one of the largest and most influential music festivals globally. Over the years, it has hosted legendary acts such as Queen, Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Muse, and countless international superstars.

With Stray Kids stepping in as headliners, the festival breaks new ground, signalling K-pop’s undeniable impact on the international music landscape. The group is not only the first K-pop artist to perform at the festival, but also the first to headline, placing them in the same league as some of history’s biggest performers.

https://x.com/rockinrio/status/1993464807211909457

This achievement didn’t happen overnight. Stray Kids have been steadily building their global festival portfolio:

Lollapalooza Paris (2023) – Their standout appearance earned strong praise from European audiences.
I-Days and BST Hyde Park (2024) – Their powerful performances drew massive crowds and established them as festival favourites.

Lollapalooza Chicago (2024) – Another major milestone that exposed them to North American festival fans.

Adding to the excitement, Stray Kids recently dropped their latest album, DO IT, on November 21, further fuelling anticipation for their 2026 headlining act. Known for their intense stage presence, self-produced music, and experimental sound, the group is expected to deliver a high-impact performance for Brazilian fans.

The festival will run across two weekends—September 4–7 and 11–13 in 2026. Stray Kids’ headlining slot on September 11 is already being hailed as one of the most anticipated performances of the 2026 lineup.