A round-up of today’s festival news stories
Coachella 2026 headliners revealed
Coachella 2026 will be headlined by Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G, each claiming a top billing for the first time at the festival. It runs across two weekends, April 10-12 and April 17-19 in Indio, California. Alongside the big names are The xx, The Strokes, Teddy Swims, Major Lazer, FKA twigs, and more. (The Guardian)
Monterey Jazz Festival shakes up leadership ahead of its 68th season
As the Monterey Jazz Festival nears its 68th year (Sept 26-28, 2025), it is undergoing leadership changes. Gerald Clayton steps in as artistic adviser, joined by Jason Olaine as consultant. New adjustments include longer performance sets, earlier end times, and the return of its indoor venue Dizzy’s Den. The veteran lineup will feature Gregory Porter, Dianne Reeves, and Ledisi. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Breakaway Carolina 2025 promises its biggest turnout yet
Breakaway Carolina, set for September 26-27 at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina, is expecting record-breaking crowds. Headliners include John Summit, Eli Brown, Kaytranada, and Louis the Child, plus dozens more national and local electronic acts. Passes range from general admission to VIP. Shuttle services, vendor activations, and lodging options are in place. (Axios)
Great British Beer Festival cancelled for 2026 amid financial troubles
CAMRA has announced the cancellation of both the 2026 Great British Beer Festival and its winter edition, citing rising costs, stagnant membership, disappointing attendance, and financial shortfalls. As the UK’s biggest beer festival, it has been held since 1977 with only four previous cancellations (two during COVID-19). The move prompts calls for governmental support for pubs and festivals. (The Guardian)
Mysuru Dasara Cultural Festival: fusion of classical, folk and modern
The Mysuru Palace Cultural Festival in India (Sept 22-29, 2025) will feature 14 musical evenings blending classical, folk, and contemporary performances. Artists include Hariharan, Thaikkudam Bridge, Sai Shiv Lakshmi Keshav, Mohsin Khan, and Bala’s violin trio. The festival also hosts the Dasara Air Show at Banni Mantap Grounds with aerobatics by Sarang and Surya Kiran. (The Times of India)
The Abergavenny Food Festival 2025 is returning to the historic town this weekend, from September 20 to 22, and is described as “Wales’ most beloved food festival”.
In Sheffield, the Castlegate Festival will be hosting an Artist and Makers Market at Raccoon Studios on September 20.
The Rude Health Festival, an artist-led community charity event, is returning to Trinity Laban with a new season of performances, film, dance, and community art.
The World’s Largest Chicken Wing Festival is heading to Manchester this weekend and will include live music, axe throwing, bourbon masterclasses, and various games and competitions.
Additionally, the Macnaughton-Howe Festival is inviting artists to submit entries for its return to St Catherine’s Church in Ventnor on October 24 and 25.
Other UK Festival News
- The British Science Festival, which ran from September 10-14, has concluded after four days of talks and interactive experiences celebrating science and innovation in Liverpool.
- The London Design Festival, a citywide celebration of design, is taking place from September 13 to 21.
- The St Ives September Festival, a two-week celebration of music and arts, is also underway, featuring a new headline venue at the renovated St Ives Theatre.
- The Jane Austen Festival in Bath, the world’s largest and longest-running event of its kind, is celebrating the author’s 250th anniversary from September 12 to 21.
- Boundary Brighton, a two-day electronic dance music festival, will take place on September 26 and 27 at Stanmer Park, with a new site layout and stages.
Sources: [1] Science comes alive at the 2025 British Science Festival – News – University of Liverpool, https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2025/09/16/science-comes-alive-in-liverpool-at-the-2025-british-science-festival/. [2] London Design Festival, https://londondesignfestival.com/. [3] Home – St Ives September Festival 2025, https://www.stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk/. [4] The Jane Austen Festival, Bath, UK, https://janeausten.co.uk/pages/festival-home-page. [5] Boundary Festival | Stanmer Park, Brighton | Friday 26th – Saturday 27th September 2025, https://www.boundarybrighton.com/.
