AceShowbiz - The 2026 installment of the CBGB Festival promises a powerhouse lineup featuring a blend of legendary punk and new wave artists alongside contemporary acts. Headlining the event are iconic figures like Patti Smith, former Smiths frontman Morrissey, Interpol, and the reunion of the Sex Pistols with guitarist Steve Jones, bassist Glen Matlock, and drummer Paul Cook. Notably, Frank Carter will fill in for original vocalist Johnny Rotten, also known as John Lydon.

Taking place on September 26 at Under the K Bridge Park in Brooklyn, the festival celebrates the legacy of the original CBGB club, a New York East Village landmark since 1973. The venue originally served as a launching ground for early American punk and new wave acts including the Ramones, Patti Smith, Television, Blondie, and Talking Heads.

Alongside the headliners, the 2026 festival will showcase classic punk bands such as Bikini Kill, Agnostic Front, Buzzcocks, Circle Jerks, and Haywire. Supporting the spirit of punk today, modern groups like Upchuck, Militarie Gun, High Vis, Bad Nerves, and Panic Shack will also perform.

An exciting addition to the lineup is Violet Grohl, daughter of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl. She will present songs from her forthcoming debut album, Be Sweet to Me, set for release on May 29. The festival will also feature The Return of Jackie and Judy, a Ramones tribute band that includes members of Sleater-Kinney and Fred Armisen, known for his work on SNL.

CBGB’s Phil Sandhaus commented on the event, stating, "Building on last year's CBGB Festival, we've worked hard to create an even stronger experience for fans this year. For decades, CBGB defined the punk scene and helped shape a generation of music lovers in New York and beyond. This year's lineup honors that legacy while celebrating the past, present, and future of punk and alternative music. No other festival on the East Coast offers that."

Last year’s festival featured prominent headliners including Iggy Pop and Jack White, along with former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, ex-Ramones drummer Marky Ramone, The Damned, Melvins, Gorilla Biscuits, Murphy’s Law, Cro-Mags, The Linda Lindas, Lambrini Girls, and others.

Fans interested in attending the 2026 CBGB Festival can register now for presale access. Presale tickets will be available starting Thursday, April 23 at 10 a.m. ET, followed by a public on-sale beginning Friday, April 24 at 10 a.m. ET. Further details and ticket links are accessible online.

The festival continues to serve as a vital homage to the storied history of punk music while also spotlighting emerging artists keeping the genre’s spirit alive. With a lineup that bridges generations, the 2026 CBGB Festival reasserts its place as an essential event for punk and alternative music enthusiasts.