The spirit of punk rock remains vibrant as the CBGB Festival officially unveils its 2026 lineup. This year’s event, which honors the legacy of the iconic New York City venue that birthed the original punk movement, is set to feature a formidable roster of headliners including Morrissey, Patti Smith, and Interpol.
Scheduled to take place on September 26 at its current location, Under The K Bridge in Brooklyn, the festival continues its tradition of bridging the gap between legendary pioneers and contemporary torchbearers. Joining the top-billed acts are the Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, alongside Buzzcocks, Bikini Kill, and Mannequin Pussy.
The extensive bill also highlights the current strength of the genre with appearances by Militarie Gun, Circle Jerks, High Vis, Violet Grohl, Agnostic Front, Bad Nerves, Upchuck, Jackie & Judy, and Haywire. Tickets for the event are slated for pre-sale beginning April 23 at 10 a.m. local time. Organizers have noted that attendees under the age of 25 are eligible for a discount.
The 2026 iteration follows a successful previous year that saw performances from Iggy Pop, Jack White, Johnny Marr, and The Damned. This year’s headliners arrive amidst significant career milestones. Morrissey recently released his latest studio effort, Make-Up Is A Lie, and is preparing for a comprehensive European tour. Meanwhile, Interpol has been teasing their upcoming record, recently debuting the track "Wings On Fire" during their live sets. The band’s appearance comes as they continue to reflect on their legacy, including the 20th anniversary of their landmark album Antics.
Patti Smith also remains a central figure in the celebration, having recently marked the 50th anniversary of her seminal album, Horses, with a special re-release and the debut of the previously unreleased track "Snowball." The festival serves as a poignant reminder of the original CBGB's impact, which operated from 1973 to 2006 before its brand was revitalized through annual events and a themed restaurant at Newark Liberty International Airport.