Full Breakdown
John Summit's Experts Only Festival Returns for 2026
3/31/2026, 10:33:53 PM
Festival Overview and Lineup Announcement
John Summit has announced the phase one lineup for the second edition of his Experts Only Festival, scheduled for September 19-20, 2026, at Randall’s Island Park in New York City. Following a successful debut in 2025 that attracted over 50,000 attendees, the festival aims to continue its mission of showcasing both established and emerging electronic music talent. Summit, who curated the lineup, will perform both solo and as part of the collaborative project Subjohnics with Subtronics.
The initial roster includes notable acts such as British rave duo Prospa, bass producer LYNY, experimental artist Rohaan, garage artist Taiki Nulight, and regular festival performer Devault. Other artists featured in the lineup are Dreya V, OMRI., Partiboi69, Jackie Hollander, Airrica, Gabss, MADI, Soraya, and Korolova. Additional performers will be announced in the coming months.
Background and Context
The Experts Only Festival was established to fill a gap in New York's electronic music scene, particularly after the Electric Zoo festival faced significant issues in 2023 and did not return. Summit's vision for the festival is rooted in creating a community-driven atmosphere, emphasizing genuine connections among artists rather than a corporate festival model focused solely on ticket sales.
Official Statements and Responses
John Summit expressed his commitment to maintaining a familial atmosphere at the festival, stating, “I’ve grown close friendships with everyone, too, so it’s going to feel like a family affair and not a big corporate festival where we just tried booking DJs that would sell as many tickets as possible.” This sentiment reflects his goal of fostering a supportive environment for artists associated with his label, Experts Only.
Ticket Sales and Future Developments
Tickets for the Experts Only Festival will go on sale on April 3, 2026, with a presale starting at 10 a.m. ET and general sales commencing at 12 p.m. ET. The festival's organizers, Medium Rare, Relentless Beats, and EMW, are expected to continue enhancing the event's offerings, with further lineup announcements anticipated in the months leading up to the festival.
Why It Matters
The Experts Only Festival is significant for the New York electronic music landscape, providing a platform for both rising and established artists. By prioritizing community and collaboration, the festival aims to redefine the festival experience in a way that resonates with both artists and fans alike.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What they’re saying “'The obvious next step is throwing a festival to showcase everyone.” — John Summit
- “We’re taking what we learned over the past year and taking things to new heights,” — John Summit
The Experts Only Festival is set to be a pivotal event in the electronic music calendar, promising an engaging experience for attendees and a showcase of diverse talent.
