The 2026 edition of the CBGB Festival is poised to honor the enduring legacy of the legendary New York punk club, bringing together a vibrant mix of classic and contemporary punk and new wave acts. Scheduled for September 26, the festival will take place at Under the K Bridge Park in Brooklyn, a fitting setting to pay homage to the venue that, starting in 1973, served as the seminal launching pad for the first wave of American punk icons, including the Ramones, Patti Smith, Television, Blondie, and the Talking Heads, among many others.

This year’s stellar lineup features former Smiths singer and solo performer Morrissey and the revered punk godmother Patti Smith, who will headline the event. They will be joined by Interpol and the iconic Sex Pistols, with charter members guitarist Steve Jones, bassist Glen Matlock, and drummer Paul Cook, and singer Frank Carter stepping in for original vocalist Johnny Rotten/John Lydon. The festival also proudly presents classic acts such as Bikini Kill, Agnostic Front, Buzzcocks, Circle Jerks, and Haywire, ensuring a powerful showcase of punk’s influential history.

Beyond the established legends, the 2026 CBGB Festival will also shine a spotlight on contemporary acts who are actively carrying the torch for punk and alternative music. This includes energetic performances by Upchuck, Militarie Gun, High Vis, Bad Nerves, and Panic Shack. Unique special appearances are also planned, with Violet Grohl, daughter of Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, set to perform songs from her forthcoming debut album, “Be Sweet to Me,” which is slated for release on May 29. Adding to the excitement, “The Return of Jackie and Judy,” a Ramones tribute band featuring Sleater-Kinney and Saturday Night Live veteran drummer Fred Armisen, will also take the stage.

Phil Sandhaus of CBGB's emphasized the festival’s commitment to an enhanced fan experience. In a statement, Sandhaus noted, “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.”

Reflecting on previous successes, last year’s festival featured prominent headliners like Iggy Pop and Jack White, alongside former Smiths guitarist and solo performer Johnny Marr, former Ramones drummer Marky Ramone, The Damned, Melvins, Gorilla Biscuits, Murphy’s Law, Cro-Mags, The Linda Lindas, and Lambrini Girls.

Attendees can now register for presale access to tickets. Presale tickets will become available on Thursday, April 23, at 10 a.m. ET, with the public on sale commencing on Friday, April 24, at 10 a.m. ET. Further details, including the official festival poster, are available online.