On January 12, 2026, the C2C Festival, a highly anticipated event in the world of experimental music, unveiled plans for its return to New York City. This second edition of the festival will take place on May 8, 2026, at the renowned Knockdown Center in Brooklyn, continuing its mission to showcase groundbreaking music that defies genre boundaries. The festival, which has quickly earned a reputation for pushing the limits of sound and performance, is set to feature an eclectic mix of artists from a wide variety of genres, including electronic, avant-garde pop, and experimental music.
The 2026 edition of C2C Festival is expected to be even more expansive and immersive than its inaugural year. With a lineup that includes highly celebrated acts such as Los Thuthanaka, Nourished by Time, and Arca, the festival promises to provide attendees with unique musical experiences that challenge conventional norms and celebrate artistic innovation. Arca, known for her experimental approach to electronic music and her genre-defying performances, will undoubtedly be one of the festival’s main attractions. The festival’s inclusion of Los Thuthanaka and Nourished by Time further emphasizes its commitment to bringing emerging artists into the spotlight, providing a platform for voices that are reshaping the landscape of modern music.
The 2026 C2C Festival will expand on the format of the previous year, with three distinct stages that are designed to cater to the diverse range of performances and immersive experiences that festivalgoers will enjoy. These stages will be spread out across both indoor and outdoor spaces, offering an expanded scope for the festival and allowing it to accommodate a larger audience. This setup also introduces new opportunities for creative stage designs and interactive elements, ensuring that attendees are fully immersed in the music and the environment. This growth highlights the festival’s commitment to providing a dynamic space for experimentation and discovery, where attendees can move between performances and fully explore the sounds and visuals that define the festival’s ethos.
Alongside the headliners, the festival will also feature a diverse roster of talent that includes Aya, Elias Rønnenfelt, Malibu, and YHWH Nailgun. Each of these artists brings something distinct to the festival, from Aya’s forward-thinking approach to experimental electronic music to Elias Rønnenfelt’s dynamic blend of post-punk and avant-garde sounds. Malibu’s genre-bending music, coupled with YHWH Nailgun’s boundary-pushing experimental set, adds to the festival’s diverse offerings, ensuring that the event will be a truly one-of-a-kind experience for all music lovers.
One of the most anticipated aspects of the 2026 edition is the special showcase hosted by The Lot Radio, a Brooklyn-based platform that has become synonymous with underground and experimental music. The showcase will feature a curated selection of performances, further emphasizing C2C’s dedication to supporting the underground music scene and fostering a sense of community among artists and audiences alike. The collaboration with The Lot Radio underscores the festival’s commitment to staying rooted in the vibrant, ever-evolving culture of New York’s independent music scene.
With tickets going on sale through the Dice platform, early interest in the festival has been overwhelming, signaling that the 2026 edition will likely build on C2C’s growing reputation as a gathering point for forward-thinking music lovers and creators. As the festival continues to evolve, it’s clear that it is becoming a vital part of the New York music scene, offering an essential platform for experimental artists to share their work with a passionate and engaged audience.
C2C Festival’s return to New York is more than just a music event—it is an exploration of sound, creativity, and innovation, offering a rare opportunity to experience the cutting edge of contemporary music in a space that fosters collaboration and experimentation. As the festival grows in stature, it is poised to further solidify its place as one of the most exciting and forward-looking events in the global music calendar, attracting music enthusiasts and creators who are eager to explore the boundaries of artistic expression. The 2026 edition promises to be an unforgettable celebration of innovation, with performances that will undoubtedly challenge, inspire, and excite all who attend.
