Festivals
BST Hyde Park 2025 Announces First Headliner: Jeff Lynne’s ELO
The legendary Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) has been announced as the first headliner for British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park 2025, taking the spotlight on the iconic Great Oak Stage on Sunday, July 13. Tickets will be available to the general public starting at 9 a.m. BST on Friday, October 25.
This performance marks the band’s final farewell to fans, decades after their beginnings in Birmingham, where their groundbreaking fusion of rock, pop, and classical music redefined the soundscape. Having captivated audiences on their U.S. farewell tour, Over and Out, the group is now preparing to bid their European fans a poignant goodbye in one of London’s most celebrated venues.
Jeff Lynne reflected on the significance of this moment, saying, “My return to touring began at Hyde Park in 2014. It seems like the perfect place to do our final show. We couldn’t be more excited to share this special night in London with our UK fans. As the song goes, ‘we’re gonna do it One More Time!'”
Widely regarded as one of the most influential bands in music history, Jeff Lynne’s ELO has delivered a legacy of unforgettable performances and chart-topping hits. Their recent achievements include a critically acclaimed album and a sold-out run of concerts across the UK and Europe. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, while Lynne himself entered the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023.
Known for their groundbreaking live shows, ELO has mesmerized millions with their innovative stage productions, featuring their signature UFO stage prop, cutting-edge visuals, and lush orchestral arrangements. Songs like “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Don’t Bring Me Down,” “Evil Woman,” and “Livin’ Thing” have become timeless classics, contributing to their more than 50 million records sold worldwide and securing over 20 Top 40 hits in the US and UK.
Beyond his work with ELO, Jeff Lynne’s illustrious career includes co-founding the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys alongside legends like George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty. He has also collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and Bryan Adams.
Jim King, CEO of European Festivals at AEG Presents, shared his excitement about the upcoming show: “Jeff Lynne’s ELO are loved the world over. The live shows are nothing short of extraordinary and a testament to the incredible catalogue of hits we’ve enjoyed for over 50 years. Hosting their final performance at BST Hyde Park is a true honour, especially 30 years after their first festival show in the same park. We’re excited to be part of this special moment in music history.”
BST Hyde Park has become a cornerstone of the UK’s summer music scene, hosting an eclectic mix of artists in 2024, including SZA, Kings of Leon, Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Stevie Nicks, and Stray Kids. With ELO leading the 2025 lineup, fans can anticipate more exciting announcements in the months to come for what promises to be another unforgettable edition of the festival.
More info on BST Hyde Park’s website.
Festivals
Riot Fest 2026 Brings Tool, Alanis Morissette, Morrissey, and Twenty One Pilots to Chicago
Chicago’s beloved punk and alternative festival, Riot Fest, is back with another stacked lineup for 2026. The three-day event returns to Douglass Park from September 18-20, bringing together more than 100 artists across punk, rock, indie, metal, and alternative music.
Leading this year’s lineup are Tool, Alanis Morissette, Morrissey, Twenty One Pilots, and Pierce the Veil. The festival continues its tradition of mixing legendary names with newer acts and cult favorites.
Other major artists on the bill include Patti Smith and her band, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Santigold, Pixies, Rise Against, Bad Religion, Taking Back Sunday, Social Distortion, The All-American Rejects, and Bright Eyes.
Fans of heavier and more chaotic sets will have plenty to look forward to with appearances from GWAR, Chat Pile, Melt-Banana, and Insane Clown Posse. Riot Fest is also bringing together punk history with performances from Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter and Public Image Ltd.
The festival’s deep lineup stretches far beyond the headliners, with artists such as Pennywise, Descendents, Iggy Pop, Mom Jeans, The Format, Twin Peaks, Algernon Cadwallader, This Is Lorelei, and Jejune set to perform throughout the weekend.
Last year’s edition marked Riot Fest’s 20th anniversary, featuring returning favorites such as Green Day, Blink-182, and Weezer. This year’s lineup keeps that same mix of nostalgia, chaos, and genre-spanning energy that has made Riot Fest one of North America’s most recognizable alternative festivals.
Three-day passes are on sale now, including general admission, VIP, and deluxe ticket packages. Payment plan options are available for fans looking to spread out the cost of the weekend.
More information at riotfest.org.
Festivals
Zara Larsson, Robyn and Swedish House Mafia Lead Portola Festival 2026 Lineup
San Francisco’s Portola Music Festival is coming back to Pier 80 this fall with one of its biggest lineups yet, packed with dance music heavyweights, rare performances and a strong wave of Swedish pop and electronic talent.
Festival organizers Goldenvoice revealed the full 2026 lineup on Thursday, confirming that Zara Larsson, Robyn and Swedish House Mafia will headline the two-day event taking place Sept. 26 and 27 at San Francisco’s Pier 80.
Saturday night will feature a rare double-headliner setup led by Robyn and Dog Blood, the collaborative project between Skrillex and Boys Noize. The performance marks Dog Blood’s first show since 2019 and their only scheduled appearance of 2026. Robyn’s set is currently billed as her only festival performance of the year.
Sunday’s lineup will close with Swedish House Mafia, one of only two currently announced U.S. performances from the trio this year. Zara Larsson joins the second-day bill as one of the festival’s top acts, continuing what has already been a huge run for the Swedish pop star.
The 2026 lineup leans heavily into electronic and dance music, staying true to the festival’s identity since launching in 2022. Other names on the bill include Tove Lo, Tiësto, Four Tet, Fatboy Slim, Skepta, Soulwax, Channel Tres, Parcels and Melanie C, who is set to perform a DJ set during the festival.
Portola will once again host Despacio, the cult-favorite club concept created by Soulwax and James Murphy. Festivalgoers can expect another weekend of massive warehouse-style production, club-focused stages and late-night dance sets along San Francisco’s waterfront.
This year introduces a new premium experience called the Captain’s Club. The package includes VIP perks, access to a private two-level viewing deck and lounge at the Pier Stage, hosted bar service, dedicated merchandise support and on-stage access within the Warehouse stage area.
Tickets go on sale following a presale for returning attendees beginning June 1 at noon local time, with the general public sale launching June 2. One-day general admission passes start at $250, with two-day GA passes priced at $380. VIP passes begin at $440 for single-day access and $700 for the full weekend. Captain’s Club packages start at $1,600.
Goldenvoice senior vice president of talent and Portola founder Danny Bell recently told Billboard that building the festival lineup involves months of conversations and collaboration with artists to create standout moments unique to Portola.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has continued to support the festival’s growth, praising Portola and other Goldenvoice events for bringing tourism, nightlife and energy back to the city’s downtown core.
Last year’s festival featured headline performances from The Prodigy, Moby, LCD Soundsystem, The Chemical Brothers and Christina Aguilera.
Head to portolamusicfestival.com for more information.
Portola Festival 2026 Lineup:
ADÉLA
Airwolf Paradise
Azzecca
Baby J
Bassvictim
Beltran b2b Ben Sterling
Ben UFO
Brunello
Channel Tres
Chloé Caillet
Clearcast
Daphni
Dean Turnley
DESPACIO
DJ Shadow
DOG BLOOD (Skrillex & Boys Noize)
ear
erika b2b sfcowboy
Fatboy Slim
Fcukers
Felly Fell
Four Tet
Gelli Haha
Groove Armada
horsegiirL
jigitz
JT
Jyoty
Kelela
KETTAMA
Marlon Hoffstadt
Max Styler
Melanie C (DJ Set)
MGNA Crrrta
Mike D 5D
Mind Enterprises
Mochakk
nate sib
nimino
Ninajirachi
oskar med k
Overmono
Parcels
Prospa
Ranger Trucco b2b Alisha
riria
Robyn
Sam Alfred
Silva Bumpa
SG Lewis
Six Sex
Skepta
Soulwax
Swedish House Mafia
Tiësto
Tove Lo
Torren Foot
Tricky
underscores
VTSS
Zara Larsson
ZULAN