Festivals
10 Artists We’re Hyped to See at Summer Smash 2024
June 14–16 | SeatGeek Stadium, Chicago, IL
Summer Smash is shaping up to be wild this year. The three-day hip-hop party is taking over SeatGeek Stadium from June 14–16 with a lineup that somehow feels nostalgic, fresh, and chaotic all at once—in the best way possible. You’ve got big returns (Chief Keef), a full-on Cactus Jack takeover (Travis and the whole crew), and a bunch of fast-rising acts worth pulling up early for.
We combed through the lineup and picked 10 artists we’re most excited to see hit the stage. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just showing up for the vibes, these sets are worth circling on the schedule.
Chief Keef
Chief Keef back in Illinois is history. It’s been over ten years since he’s performed in his home state, so this set feels way bigger than just a festival slot. He is Chicago hip-hop. Hearing “Love Sosa” or “I Don’t Like” live, in the city that made him, is gonna shake the ground.
Beyond the legacy, Sosa’s still got it. His newer music keeps that raw edge but feels more refined. Whether you’re day-one or just tapping in now, this is the type of set you’ll tell people you saw in 10 years.
Cactus Jack Collective (Travis Scott, Don Toliver, SoFaygo, Sheck Wes, Chase B, Luxury Tax, WondaGurl)
This isn’t just a set, it’s an entire Cactus Jack summit. Travis headlining would be enough, but having Don Toliver, SoFaygo, Sheck Wes, and the rest of the crew on stage together will be chaos in the best way. Expect energy through the roof and probably a mosh pit or five.
Travis knows how to put on a show—from pyro to stage design to surprise guests. Add Don’s smooth vocals, Sheck Wes screaming “Mo Bamba,” and SoFaygo’s melodic trap into the mix, and you’ve got a stacked performance that’ll probably blow up your IG feed.
Flo Milli
Flo Milli brings confidence like it’s on tap. Her music is playful, sharp, and perfect for screaming with your friends in a crowd. Songs like “Conceited” and “Beef FloMix” go crazy live, and her delivery hits hard every time.
She’s carved out her own space in the rap scene—part Southern charm, part boss energy. Flo’s set is going to be a fun one. Expect bright outfits, hilarious banter, and a whole lot of quotable lines.
Denzel Curry
Denzel is a livewire on stage. His shows are all-out workouts, with mosh pits and yelling and a whole lot of sweat. But don’t get it twisted—he’s technical too. The guy can rap. Fast, precise, and with purpose.
What’s great about a Denzel set is that it’s unpredictable. He might throw in a throwback, flip the vibe into something emotional, or just go full Super Saiyan. Either way, it’s gonna slap.
JID
JID doesn’t waste a syllable. His flow is nuts, and the way he flips words over beats is something you really have to see live to appreciate. He brings that same energy to the stage without losing breath, which is wild.
He’s got songs that hit different live—“Off Deez,” “Surround Sound,” and his features with Dreamville always go off. Expect a thoughtful, high-energy set that hits your head and your chest.
That Mexican OT
If you’re not already tuned into That Mexican OT, fix that now. He’s bringing Texas heat and charisma to Summer Smash, and his flow is just fun. Bouncy, quick, a little country, a little cartel. He doesn’t sound like anyone else on the lineup.
He’s got bars but doesn’t take himself too seriously. The crowd’s gonna love him. Don’t be surprised if his set turns into a party with boots stomping and people two-stepping in the pit.
Ken Carson
Ken Carson makes music that makes you want to throw your phone and start a circle pit. He’s part of the Opium crew (Playboi Carti’s label), and his sound fits the aesthetic—dark, chaotic, and loud.
Live, it’s all about the vibe. His set’s gonna be fast-paced and probably kinda violent in the pit. If you’re into rage beats, distorted vocals, and full-throttle energy, don’t miss it.
Mick Jenkins
Mick’s the calm in the storm of the festival—but don’t confuse that with boring. His wordplay is sharp, and his beats hit deep. He’s a Chicago native too, so this is another hometown set that’ll probably get a warm welcome.
His music touches on everything from politics to personal growth, and he manages to sound cool doing it. Expect a thoughtful set with just enough edge to keep you locked in.
BIA
BIA has serious stage presence. Her songs are sleek, icy, and built for flexing. Whether it’s “WHOLE LOTTA MONEY” or “London,” her delivery feels effortless but still hits hard.
She’s got that it-girl energy and knows how to control a crowd. You’ll want to be front row for this one—part fashion show, part rap clinic, all cool.
BabyTron
BabyTron’s bars are fast, punchy, and packed with jokes. He raps over the weirdest samples and somehow makes it all work. It’s smart, it’s funny, and his fans know every word.
His set will probably feel like a giant meme come to life—in the best way. If you want something a little offbeat but still high-energy, BabyTron’s your guy.
Festivals
VANS Warped Tour Announces 2026 Full Line-Up!
Vans Warped Tour, one of the most iconic, successful, and longest-running music festivals in history is bringing its celebrated community-driven experience north of the border with a highly anticipated stop in Montréal, Canada. Set for August 21 + 22, the Montréal edition will take over the expansive grounds of Parc Jean-Drapeau, the city’s premiere outdoor festival destination located along the St. Lawrence River.
Just minutes from downtown and easily accessible by metro, Parc Jean-Drapeau offers sweeping skyline views and a vibrant summer atmosphere. Festivalgoers can explore nearby neighborhoods such as Old Montréal, the Plateau, and the Quartier des Spectacles, making the weekend an immersive cultural experience both on and off the festival grounds.
Keeping with tradition, the full line-up listed alphabetically, which keeps the focus on the collective experience rather than headliners, the stacked bill spans generations of alternative and punk music, from genre-defining favorites like Simple Plan and Bowling For Soup to pop-rock staples such as Taking Back Sunday, Yellowcard, and Mayday Parade, alongside rising voices including Jutes and LØLØ. Additionally, the 2026 Vans Warped Tour in Montreal features a mix of international and regional talent, including Montreal-based deathcore band Despised Icon and punk outfit The Anti-Queens.
In partnership with Insomniac, the two-day festival will feature over 100 artists spanning rock, pop punk, alternative, emo, hip-hop, ska and beyond, alongside appearances from world-class skateboarders and elite action-sports athletes. This latest iteration builds on Vans Warped Tour’s legacy while embracing a broader, more global future for one of music and skate culture’s most enduring live platforms. With its scenic waterfront setting, rich musical heritage, and reputation as one of North America’s top festival cities, Montréal provides the perfect backdrop for Vans Warped Tour’s signature blend of nostalgia, discovery, and community—uniting fans across generations for an unforgettable summer weekend.
Furthering their mission of artist discovery and fan-first ideology, last month Vans Warped Tour launched the first look at the artists performing this year with multiple artists being announced daily over the past 30-ish days exclusively on Vans Warped Tour social platforms.
In addition to Montreal, Canada, Vans Warped Tour is expanding its footprint and cultural impact after last year’s three sold-out U.S dates, as the tour will deliver five two-day festivals returning to Washington, DC, Long Beach, CA, and Orlando, FL, including the launch of two all-new international editions in both Montreal, Canada and also Mexico City, Mexico, marking a powerful global expansion.
Founded by Kevin Lyman in 1995, Vans Warped Tour built a singular legacy as the definitive summer festival for rock and alternative music fans, shaping generations of artists and audiences alike. Founded in 1995, Vans Warped Tour was never just a concert series; it was a proving ground, cultural crossroads, and community-driven platform where established acts shared stages with emerging talent, often at pivotal moments in their careers.
Throughout the years, Vans Warped Tour helped introduce and elevate artists who would go on to define modern music, with past performers including Blink-182, No Doubt, Sublime, Beck, Katy Perry, NOFX, Limp Bizkit, Black Eyed Peas, Green Day, Eminem, Yellowcard, Bad Religion, and countless others.
What set Vans Warped Tour apart was its accessibility and ethos. Affordable tickets, all-day festivals, genre-fluid lineups, and an environment where fans could discover new artists, connect directly with performers, and experience music alongside skate culture, activism, and community engagement. That spirit of openness and discovery became central to Vans Warped Tour’s identity, cementing its place as one of the most influential live music platforms in modern music history. Vans Warped Tour remains committed to accessible pricing, with weekend passes that started at an all-inclusive price of $237.00 (processing fees included) and are currently available for purchase at https://www.vanswarpedtour.com/tickets.
Festivals
Dave Matthews Band, Twenty One Pilots, Mumford & Sons To Headline Oceans Calling 2026
Dave Matthews Band, Twenty One Pilots, and Mumford & Sons will headline the 2026 edition of Oceans Calling Festival on September 25-27 at the Ocean City, Maryland Boardwalk. The festival returns to Ocean City Inlet Beach with more than 40 artists performing across 3 stages including Ludacris, O.A.R., Yellowcard, Shaggy, Liz Phair, and more on Friday along with Goo Goo Dolls, Third Eye Blind, All Time Low, 311, Dashboard Confessional, Violent Femmes, and more on Saturday, with Caamp, My Morning Jacket, The Head and The Heart, Hanson, OK Go, Susan Hoffs, Jet, and more performing Sunday. View the entire lineup by-day here.
Pre-sale Tickets will be available this Thursday, March 5, from 10 AM–11 AM ET, offering guaranteed lowest priced GA and 1-Day Tickets for one hour only.
Beyond the stages, Oceans Calling highlights the best of East Coast flavor with fan-favorite local food vendors and Boardwalk staples complemented by live culinary demos from renowned chefs Robert Irvine, Antonia Lofaso, and more celebrating the region’s vibrant food scene; all hosted by Jason Biggs.
Festival goers will also have access to the Ocean City Boardwalk and its businesses in residence as well as the iconic Jolly Roger at the Pier amusement park, both located inside the festival grounds, as admission will be included with the purchase of an Oceans Calling Festival ticket.
Oceans Calling Festival ticket types include 1-Day and 3-Day, General Admission, GA+, VIP, and Platinum tickets, and layaway payment plans start at $20 down. GA+ offers fans unlimited access to a private lounge with seating, air-conditioned restrooms, complimentary water, private bar with drinks for purchase, and a dedicated on-site hospitality team. VIP delivers an exclusive seated viewing platform at the Main Stage, as well as prime viewing areas at all stages, VIP Lounge at Main Stage with air-conditioned restrooms, private bar with drinks for purchase and complimentary water, lockers, and mobile charging units for rent, and more. Platinum includes front-of-stage viewing at all stages, complimentary all-day dining and full-service bars, access to two Platinum Lounges with relaxed seating, air-conditioned restrooms, complimentary lockers and mobile charging, dedicated festival entrance, plus all the amenities of VIP, GA+, and GA, and more.
New this year, the 3-Day Bungalow Package offers an elevated, private festival experience for up to 12 guests per day at Oceans Calling. Guests enjoy unlimited access to a dedicated shaded bungalow with sweeping views of the Sea Bright Stage and festival grounds, plus private bars with complimentary all-day beverages, grab-and-go snacks, air-conditioned restrooms, Wi-Fi, merchandise concierge service, and dedicated on-site hospitality staff, all while maintaining full access to VIP and GA amenities for the complete festival experience. For the full list of ticket amenities, and to purchase 1-Day or 3-Day Tickets, visit www.oceanscallingfestival.com/tickets.