June 5th & 6th, 2026
Mad With Power is Madison, Wisconsin’s premier annual celebration of power & melodic metal - grunge‑free, fee‑free, and arcade‑infused. Created by Lords of the Trident, the fest has grown since its 2017 debut into North America’s largest power‑metal gathering, consistently showcasing rising and mid‑tier bands alongside international headliners. Join your fellow Warriors and bang your head to the thunderous sound of HEAVY METAL!
This is more than just a fest - it's a community. Connect with old friends and make new ones at our pre‑party at Aftershock Classic Arcade, free‑play pinball and vintage game zones, and even the now‑famous "Cheese Curd Massacre" street event—a quirky communal ritual beloved by fans!
Tickets will go on sale for Lords of the Trident Patreon backers first! We sell out fast - ESPECIALLY VIP Passes - so if you want a guaranteed ticket, make sure you join the Lords of the Trident Patreon at ANY LEVEL (even $1)!
Last year, all VIP tickets sold out in 10 minutes, so DON'T WAIT! Join our Patreon and help support the fest!
We take care of our bands AND our fans.
Mad With Power takes pride in removing most of the music-industry bullsh*t for our fans and our bands. We are the only fest that offers:
No ticketing fees - what you see is what you pay!
Affordable tickets - everyone, no matter their income level, should be able to attend
A DINNER BREAK - why has NO ONE thought of this yet?
LGBTQIA+ friendly - bring your authentic self
ZERO merch cuts - 100% of merch sales go to the band
Free, fully-mixed livestream - it's not the same as being there, but you can still attend