Everyone knows that music is the main focus on Download Festival, but every year there’s also much more going on!
So, with about a month to go until we’re all back in Donington, let’s go beyond the bands and see what else Download Festival 2026 has in store for us.
There’s a huge collaboration with Final Fantasy XIV in District X with a Final Fantasy XIV online stand, giving fans a chance to get immersed in storytelling, adventures and battles.
In the arena, another big collaboration is taking place – with Fourth Wing. Fans of the novels by Rebecca Yarros can visit the General’s Office and get an exclusive item!
There’s plenty of arcade games on offer too as Four Quarters Arcade Bar will be in District X with more than 20 iconic arcade games. You can expect titles such as Time Crisis and Crazy Taxi.
They will also be hosting competitions on the big screen, giving a chance to show off skills in Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart, and fittingly, Guitar Hero!
The Cinema will showcase a number of films including Final Fantasy XIV: Dad of Light, John Wick in honour of Keanu Reeves who will be performing at Download with Dogstar, and a specially curated 90 minutes of short films called A Brief History of Skateboard Videos.
There will also be free skateboard lessons for children and free skate sessions from South West Skate Ramps in District X.
The Pit will also be in District X, providing a range of barber and piercing services as well as alternative beauty. RockFit will be providing fitness workouts and Flow State will be hosting morning mind and body sessions at The Outpost.
Want to grow your record collection? Raven Records will be on hand to with metal music, merch, alcohol free drinks and metal-inspired coffee over in District X South.
There’s something new for the younger Downloaders too as those aged eight to 17 can get masterclasses in the Rockschool workshops. They will be kitted out with drums, guitars, bass, keyboards and microphones under the tuition of professional musicians and teachers.
There will be a dedication to Ozzy Osbourne with the Hellfire stage, focused on cooking, with demonstrations, fire cooking and eating competitions.
There’s also more than 160 food traders throughout the site, offering a range of food and catering to vegetarian, vegan and coeliac diets.