CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO — Sammy Hagar wrapped up his 2026 Birthday Bash on October 13, celebrating his 79th birthday and 36 years of Cabo Wabo Cantina with three nights of music, rock legends and memorable moments.

Held October 9, 11 and 13 at the legendary Cabo Wabo Cantina, the annual celebration brought fans from around the world to the intimate venue Hagar opened in 1990.

This year’s performances featured music spanning his Montrose beginnings, solo career and Van Halen years, along with a special appearance by Alice in Chains guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell.

Jerry Cantrell Brings Alice in Chains to Cabo

One of the celebration’s biggest highlights came October 11, when Cantrell joined Hagar onstage for Van Halen’s “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” and Alice in Chains’ “Man in the Box.”

The unexpected collaboration brought a different edge to the Birthday Bash, with Hagar taking on the Alice in Chains classic alongside Cantrell.

Cantrell returned for the October 13 finale, performing both songs again as Hagar celebrated his actual birthday.

36 Years of Cabo Wabo: Bigger Than He Ever Dreamed

Cabo Wabo Cantina first opened in April 1990, originally envisioned as a place where Hagar and his musician friends could gather, relax and play music.

Thirty-six years later, it has become one of Cabo San Lucas’ most recognizable destinations and the home of an annual birthday celebration that draws devoted fans from around the world.

During the October 11 performance, Hagar took a moment to reflect on just how far the cantina had come, speaking about dreams and how he never imagined Cabo Wabo would grow into something so much bigger than his original vision.

The moment carried particular significance when he performed “Dreams,” the soaring Van Halen classic that he has acknowledged is difficult to sing in its original arrangement today.

Hagar found a way to revisit the song, closing the October 11 show with a performance that connected the music’s message to the reality of what Cabo Wabo has become.

For a man who once dreamed of having a place to play music with his friends, the scene unfolding around him was a reminder of just how far that dream had traveled.

Three Nights of Rock: The 2026 Birthday Bash Setlists

The Birthday Bash also brought a family moment to the stage when Sammy Hagar’s daughters joined their dad for a performance of his classic “Heavy Metal.” It was another memorable highlight of the celebration, bringing two generations of the Hagar family together at Cabo Wabo Cantina.

The opening night leaned heavily into Montrose material, while October 11 featured a mixture of solo hits, Van Halen favorites, covers and Cantrell’s special appearance. The October 13 finale brought the celebration full circle with birthday festivities and a closing performance of “Cabo Wabo.”

Complete 2026 Birthday Bash Setlists

Night One — Friday, October 9

1. Good Rocking Tonight
2. Make It Last
3. Space Station #5
4. Rock Candy
5. Rock the Nation
6. Bad Motor Scooter
7. Marching to Mars
8. There’s Only One Way to Rock
9. I’ll Fall in Love Again
10. Three Lock Box
11. Red
12. Best of Both Worlds
13. Top of the World
14. Poundcake
15. Simple Man
16. Heavy Metal

Night Two — Sunday, October 11

1. I Can’t Drive 55
2. Runaround
3. I’ve Done Everything for You
4. Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy
5. Give to Live
6. Personal Jesus
7. Whole Lotta Rosie
8. Finish What Ya Started
9. Why Can’t This Be Love
10. Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love — with Jerry Cantrell
11. Man in the Box — with Jerry Cantrell
12. Rock ‘n’ Roll Weekend
13. I Got the Fire
14. Good Rocking Tonight
15. A Whiter Shade of Pale
16. Fight for Your Right
17. Mas Tequila
18. Dreams

Night Three — Tuesday, October 13

1. Marching to Mars
2. Three Lock Box
3. Poundcake
4. There’s Only One Way to Rock
5. I’ll Fall in Love Again
6. Top of the World
7. Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy
8. Right Now
9. Rock the Nation
10. Rock ‘n’ Roll Weekend
11. Rock Candy
12. Bad Motor Scooter
13. Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love — with Jerry Cantrell
14. Man in the Box — with Jerry Cantrell
15. I Can’t Drive 55
16. Heavy Metal
17. Happy Birthday
18. Eagles Fly
19. Cabo Wabo

Still Rocking at 79

From Montrose classics to Van Halen anthems and unexpected collaborations, the 2026 Birthday Bash delivered another chapter in a tradition that has become synonymous with Sammy Hagar and Cabo San Lucas.

Thirty-six years after opening Cabo Wabo Cantina, Hagar continues to bring his friends and fans together in the place where it all began.

And with his 80th birthday approaching next year, one thing seems certain: the Red Rocker still knows how to throw a party.

Barrelassin’ Media attended the October 11 performance at Cabo Wabo Cantina, capturing original concert photography and video from the celebration.
All photographs © Barrelassin’ Media.