Festivals
HOT 97 Summer Jam 2026 – Recap & Photos
The Prudential Center was absolutely buzzing as it hosted the much-anticipated HOT 97 Summer Jam 2026, a classic highlight of New York’s summer music scene. This event is all about bringing together the best of the best in hip hop, rap, and R&B, creating a stage where both rising stars and seasoned veterans can shine.
This year’s lineup was stacked, featuring big names like French Montana, Max B, DaBaby, and G Herbo, promising to be “the biggest party ever to hit an arena.” To keep the party jumping, Hot 97 enlisted the help of legendary on-air personalities Funkmaster Flex, Nessa, and the Mornings with Mero team. As anticipated, the lineup drew a packed house, completely selling out the venue.
Hip Hop heads can go all the way back to the 90s to see just why something like this matters so much to the culture. Over the years, HOT 97 Summer Jam has given us unforgettable moments, from sparking epic rap feuds to reuniting legendary groups. This year was no different, packed with standout highlights. It’s not false advertising to say something iconic will happen on a Summer Jam stage – it’s expected.
One of the biggest moments of the night was Fetty Wap‘s homecoming. The crowd went wild for hits like “679” and “My Way,” though he had to cut his set short because of time limits. As the show rolled on, Yung Miami brought the energy with her summer banger “Spend Dat,” even tossing stacks of cash into the audience, causing a frenzy with everyone trying to stuff their pockets. Emerging artists were also front and center, like Zeddy Will, who energized the crowd from the upper bowl. DaBaby also brought his infectious energy to the crowd as he ran through his catalog, connecting with the fans in a unique way that really elevated the atmosphere.
On a sultry R&B vibe, Mariah the Scientist performed hits like “Is It a Crime” and “Burning Blue,” showcasing her killer stage presence and stunning vocals. The night wrapped up with French Montana, who brought out Max B and Remy Ma to help perform nostalgic Coke Boys favorites like “Unforgettable,” “Stay Schemin,” and “Ever Since You Left Me.” Despite their busy schedules with tours and new music releases, it’s great to see these artists giving back to the culture. They provided fans with a taste of their musical talents while solidifying their place in Summer Jam history. The surprise guests who were not listed on the lineup truly made this showcase unforgettable. We had the chance to see Lola Brooke, Fat Joe, and the entire cast of Zeus Network’s hit show, The Baddies. It truly was the hottest ticket of the weekend.
I just wished we could have partied a little longer. Some acts were unable to hit the stage for the final curtain, but on all accounts, the Hot 97 team delivered a show they can be proud of. HOT 97 Summer Jam 2026 left everyone hyped. Funkmaster Flex hosted the night flawlessly, keeping the energy high and the transitions smooth between acts. You can bet that the fans are already hyped for what next year has in store, eagerly locked into Hot 97 on the radio for the next Summer Jam lineup. I’ll be looking out for that announcement too; I know they are already cooking for 2027.
Check out our favorite photos of the day below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
All Photo Credit: @GALLERYBYTM | Anthony Grant Photography
Festivals
All Things Go DC Adds Remi Wolf, Underscores, Sierra Ferrell to the lineup + All Things Go NY Adds Ethel Cain
All Things Go Festival 2026 has added more names to its 12th annual DC-area edition, bringing back festival favourite Remi Wolf alongside new additions Sierra Ferrell and underscores.
The expanded lineup joins previously announced headliners Hayley Williams, Brandi Carlile and Zara Larsson, along with All Things Go alumni Mitski, MUNA, Lola Young and Ethel Cain. The three-day festival returns to Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, from September 25 to 27, with artists performing across two stages.
The festival has sold out for five consecutive years and has built a reputation for its carefully curated, fan-first lineups. This year, that approach extends beyond music, with comedian Robby Hoffman joining Friday’s DC lineup.
Ethel Cain is getting double duty at All Things Go this year. Last week, she was announced as a co-headliner for the festival’s third New York City edition at Forest Hills Stadium, marking her final show of 2026 on the Willoughby Tucker Forever Tour.
The New York lineup features Zara Larsson, who will perform her first-ever headlining festival set, alongside Brandi Carlile, MUNA, Lola Young and Carly Rae Jepsen. The three-day event will feature a mix of established acts and emerging artists, including The Beaches, Rebecca Black, Cara Delevingne, CMAT, Jensen McRae and Hemlocke Springs. Comedian Meg Stalter joins the NYC lineup, marking the first time the festival has added a comedian to its New York edition.
Lola Young is returning to the festival after previously appearing at All Things Go.
“All Things Go, we have unfinished business. I feel blessed and ready to take it to the next level. Thank you for having me back.”
The festival’s reputation extends beyond its lineups. All Things Go has developed a strong sense of community among its audience, with its inclusive atmosphere earning affectionate nicknames such as “Gay-chella,” “All Things Gay” and “Lesbopalooza.”
That spirit was summed up by Lorde during her appearance at the All Things Go Toronto stage earlier this year.
“This is my second All Things Go! I’m trying to catch them all. It’s a Pokémon situation for me. This is, without a doubt, the coolest festival in North America. It’s the girls, the gays and the theys.”
The Toronto edition took place June 6 and 7 at RBC Amphitheatre, with Lorde, Kesha, The Beaches and Wet Leg among the headliners.
Tickets for the New York festival are already sold out for all three days, September 25 through 27. Remaining single-day tickets and two-day combinations are available, along with three-day tickets for the DC festival, through the official All Things Go website.
All Things Go at Merriweather Post Pavilion
Friday, September 25, 2026
Mitski
Ethel Cain
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Magdalena Bay
Slayyyter
Stella Lefty
Ninajirachi
underscores
Balu Brigada
Robby Hoffman
Rico Nasty
SYML
Gates open at 3 p.m.
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Hayley Williams
MUNA
Zara Larsson
Suki Waterhouse
Del Water Gap
She & Him
The Beaches
The Beths
Rebecca Black
Naika
Hemlocke Springs
Haute & Freddy
Grace Ives
Zolita
Love Spells
Susannah Joffe
Glom
Kevin Atwater
Gates open at 11 a.m.
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Brandi Carlile
Lola Young
Remi Wolf
Father John Misty
Sierra Ferrell
Tinashe
Flipturn
Wolf Alice
CMAT
Jensen McRae
Ryan Beatty
Rochelle Jordan
Tiny Habits
Trousdale
Violet Grohl
Natalie Jinju
googly eyes
Jake Minch
Wes Parker
Gates open at 11 a.m.
All Things Go at Forest Hills Stadium
Friday, September 25
Zara Larsson
Lola Young
Rebecca Black
Cara Delevingne
Blu DeTiger
Chloe Qisha
Gates open at 2 p.m.
Saturday, September 26
Brandi Carlile
Ethel Cain
CMAT
Jensen McRae
Meg Stalter
Natali Jinju
Gates open at 2 p.m.
Sunday, September 27
MUNA
Carly Rae Jepsen
The Beaches
Hemlocke Springs
Grace Ives
Cherry Bomb
Gates open at 2 p.m.
Festivals
PNE Summer Night Concerts – Pierce The Veil
By the time Pierce The Veil took the stage at Vancouver’s Freedom Mobile Arch on September 5, the place was packed and the anticipation was impossible to miss. As part of the PNE Summer Night Concerts, the San Diego post-hardcore veterans delivered a set that mixed nostalgia and chaos.
The show opened with “May These Noises Startle You in Your Sleep Tonight” and “Hell Above.” From there, the night barely let up. “Bulls in the Bronx” got the crowd going, followed by “Circles” and “I’m Low on Gas and You Need a Jacket.”
There was plenty for longtime fans, too. “I’d Rather Die Than Be Famous,” “Yeah Boy and Doll Face” and “Floral & Fading” reached back into the band’s catalog, while their cover of the Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind?” provided one of the evening’s fun surprises.
Visually, Pierce The Veil made the most of the outdoor stage. Tony Perry and Jaime Preciado were constantly moving, throwing themselves around the stage with guitars in hand, while drummer Loniel Robinson provided the thunder behind them. At the centre was Vic Fuentes, whose voice still carries the emotional weight that has defined the band since its early days.
The emotional high point came with “Hold On Till May,” a song that has become deeply personal for many fans as phones went into the air and voices rose across the venue. Predictably, the place lost its mind when they ended with “King for a Day.”
After nearly 20 years, Pierce The Veil still know exactly what their music means to their fans. On this night, Vancouver gave that love right back.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
PIERCE THE VEIL
All Photo Credit: Kelli Rothwell