Experts Only Festival NYC 2026 Announces Phase 1 Lineup
Written by Meagen Surowiecki on April 6, 2026
In the words of John Summit, “New York City, how the fuck we feeling?!” because Experts Only Festival NYC 2026 is returning to Randall’s Island this September. After a seismic, sold-out debut that proved music festivals are officially alive and well in the Big Apple, John Summit and the Experts Only Festival NYC will take place on September 19–20, 2026. Also announcing the exciting phase one of the lineup.
Produced in collaboration with industry heavyweights Medium Rare, Relentless Beats, and EMW Presents, the 2026 edition promises to build on the massive energy of its predecessor, which drew over fifty thousand fans and received rave reviews. At the debut Experts Only Festival NYC, the production, sound system, and layout at Randall's Island were the perfect setting. It was rebirth to the location, giving a new purpose to a new festival setting.
The Phase One roster for the return to Randall’s Island is a curated masterclass in dance music diversity. Leading the charge is, of course, the man himself, the Experts Only label boss and festival creator John Summit, who will be pulling double duty as both a solo headliner and one-half of the weekend’s most anticipated spectacle, Subjohnics. This high-octane back-to-back sees Summit join forces with bass legend Subtronics for a genre-bending performance that has become the stuff of festival legend.
The lineup balances established titans with some of the most exciting rising names in the scene, from house music to techno heavy hitters Airrica and Dansyn, who bring sophisticated grooves to the island. At the same time, Jackie Hollander and Gabss are set to deliver the driving house energy that defines the Experts Only sound. Multi-instrumentalist powerhouse GRiZ makes a massive appearance, ensuring the funk and bass levels are at their peak. He is joined by melodic techno queen Korolova and the UK’s favorite rave-revival duo Prospa. Fans looking for something outside the box can catch the cinematic stylings of Devault, the trap-infused rhythms of LYNY, and the drum and bass intricacies of Rohaan. The eccentric and legendary Partiboi69 is guaranteed to bring the chaos, while Taiki Nulight handles the heavy bass-house duties. Rounding out the talent are Dreya V, Madi, Mishell, Omri, Philou, and Soraya, each bringing a unique flair that ensures there won't be a dull moment across the two days.
Beyond the solo sets, there will be special and never-before-back-to-back performances throughout the schedule; Experts Only is known for unannounced onstage chemistry and surprise guest appearances that you won't want to miss.
Following the 2025 success, where John Summit headlined both nights alongside legends like Kaskade, Green Velvet, Layton Giordani, and LP Giobbi, the 2026 festival is aiming even higher. Expect an expanded footprint, elevated production, and the signature high-energy community that has turned Experts Only from a record label into a global cultural movement.
More details and the full Phase Two announcement in the coming months. Can’t wait to be back on Randall’s Island. Tickets, info, and pre-registration are available on the official website.
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