Looking for the biggest new album releases in 2026? From pop and country to rock, hip-hop, K-pop and alternative, some of music's biggest artists are dropping highly anticipated projects throughout the year.

The first half of 2026 delivered major releases from artists including Hilary Duff, who returned with her first studio album in more than a decade, as well as BTS and BLACKPINK, whose long-awaited comeback albums dominated headlines and streaming charts.

Now, the second half of the year is shaping up to be just as exciting. Fans can look forward to new music from Ariana Grande, Stray Kids, KATSEYE, ENHYPEN, Sam Smith, Weezer, Beck, Carly Rae Jepsen, Miranda Lambert, Nickelback, Tinashe and many more.

Below is a running calendar of upcoming album release dates in 2026. We'll continue updating this list as new projects are announced and release dates change.

Note: Release dates are provided by artists and record labels and are subject to change.

July 31

Ariana Grande — Petal

August 3

Picheolin (SEVENTEEN's DINO) — 吉BOARD (Gilboard)

August 7

Role Model — Chuck Timely & The Hourglass
Stray Kids — THIS & THAT

August 14

Becky G — Baraja Bendita
Camp Rock 3 Soundtrack
Carly Simon — Comes in Waves
KATSEYE — WILD
Phoebe Bridgers — Lost Weekend

August 21

Chelsea Wolfe — The Dark
ENHYPEN — THE SIN : BLISS
Sam Smith — Hazel Eyes
Weezer — Self-Titled

August 24

NCT 127 — BLINGY

August 28

Dinosaur Jr. — There Near
Little Big Town — It's a Dying Art
Mike D 5D — Thank You
Prince — Timeless
The Linda Lindas — Gotta Get Out

September 18

Anthrax — Cursum Perficio
beabadoobee — Pylon
Beck — Ride Lonesome
Carly Rae Jepsen — Day and Night
Luke Bryan — Signs
Orville Peck — Mule
Tove Lo — Estrus

September 25

Kenny Chesney — Silver Sands Marina
Tinashe — Popstar

October 1

Pabllo Vittar — Lost in Lust

October 2

Miranda Lambert — Crisco
Victoria Monét — Frequency of Love
Wynonna — The Hard Truth

October 30

Ministry — Hate to Go
Nickelback — Everything Under the Sun

Upcoming Albums to Watch in 2026

The 2026 music calendar continues to grow as more artists announce new albums throughout the year. Whether you're waiting for the latest pop blockbuster, a country release, a rock comeback, or the next K-pop phenomenon, we'll keep this list updated with the newest album announcements and confirmed release dates.

Check back often for the latest 2026 album release schedule, including newly announced projects, surprise releases, and any changes to upcoming release dates.

Theresa Lucas