Rock for People is only a week away and we don’t know about you, but we’re stoked! With the festival spanning a full five days for the second year in a row, fans will have plenty to keep them busy. Between musical acts, craft beer tents, creative workshops, and much more, the schedule is jam packed.
Of course, headliners Gorillaz, Limp Bizkit, Bring Me The Horizon, Halsey, and Iron Maiden will draw the entire crowd to the Mastercard Stage each night, but there are so many more performers scattered throughout the weekend. There are plenty of overlapping sets and many up-and-coming bands to discover — so many, in fact, that we recommend showing up with a plan.
Not sure who to prioritize? Here’s a list of our top 5 bands who aren’t headliners whose sets you won’t want to miss.
1. Westside Cowboy
Listen: “I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You),” “Don’t Throw Rocks,” “Kick Stones (The Boys)”
Similar artists: Cardinals, Dove Ellis, Man/Woman/Chainsaw
When they’re playing: Saturday, June 13 @ 3pm on the Petr Svoboda Stage
After a successful run opening for iconic rock band Black Country, New Road, Westside Cowboy released their latest EP So Much Country ‘Till We Get There in January to high praise. The British band is known for their unique style that blends folk and indie rock influences into a sound that the band has described as “Britainicana.” Having shot to fame after winning Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition in 2025, Westside Cowboy’s set at Rock for People is sure to be eclectic and energizing.
2. Bloodywood
Listen: “Nu Delhi,” “Bekhauf” (ft. BABYMETAL), “Gaddaar”
Similar artists: FEVER 333, House of Protection, The HU
When they’re playing: Wednesday, June 10 @ 2:30pm on the Rock for People Stage
Bloodywood, hailing from New Delhi, India, brings an unexpected twist to the metal genre. They combine the sounds of traditional Indian instruments with heavy thrash metal and urban rap vocals in English, Punjabi, and Hindi, making them a one-of-a-kind act in the scene today. The first Indian metal band to land an album on the Billboard charts, their out-of-the-box sound has attracted fans from across the globe, and we highly recommend catching them at Rock for People if you have the chance.
3. blackbear
Listen: “hot girl bummer,” “idfc,” “ENEMY” (with Sueco)
Similar artists: Halsey, G-Eazy, Bazzi
When he’s playing: Saturday, June 13 @ 8:50pm on the Rock for People Stage
We’re so excited about blackbear’s return to music following his renewed sobriety that we’ve been watching his every move, and we can’t wait to see him at Rock for People. Having returned to the music scene after three years with his single “britney in 07” last November, he’s gearing up to release a mixtape on June 26. This will be followed by his highly anticipated album analogue dream, whose release date has yet to be announced.
4. Calva Louise
Listen: “Aimless,” “W.T.F.,” “Under The Skin”
Similar artists: KNIFE BRIDE, Lake Malice, WARGASM (UK)
When they’re playing: Saturday, June 13 @ 12:30pm on the E2 Stage
The band Calva Louise may hail from London, UK, but its members bring influence from across the globe: vocalist Jess Allanic is from Venezuela, bassist Alizon Taho is from France, and drummer Ben Parker is from New Zealand. Together, Calva Louise has formed a unique sound that blends elements of metal, electronica, punk, and more, gaining them international attention. After an opening run for the legendary punk band Stray From The Path’s farewell tour last year, Calva Louise is poised to take Rock for People by storm this summer.
5. Breaking Benjamin
Listen: “I Will Not Bow,” “The Diary of Jane,” “Something Wicked”
Similar artists: Seether, Three Days Grace, Trapt
When they’re playing: Thursday, June 11 @ 3:50pm on the Mastercard Stage
Breaking Benjamin are legends in the rock scene, having been active in the music scene since 2001. They shot to fame with their renowned album Dear Agony, and their journey as a band has been nothing short of turbulent. Addiction and health struggles have plagued multiple band members throughout the years, but they’ve come back stronger than ever, with new singles having been released earlier this month. The opportunity to see them play at Rock for People is a rare one; Breaking Benjamin performs international shows much less frequently than other bands due to the lead singer’s fear of flying. Take advantage of this special set while you can.
Get ready to rock out to these 5 and many other band’s at this year’s festival, starting next Wednesday, June 10, at Hradec Králové’s Park360.
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