Editorial
10 Artists to Watch at North Coast Music Festival 2026
Ahead of Labor Day weekend at Chicago’s SeatGeek Stadium, here are the ten artists to watch at North Coast Music Festival 2026.
Each year, over 100,000 ravers descend upon the birthplace of house music for one important mission: Labor Day weekend in Chicago. Now, North Coast Music Festival is back once again at SeatGeek Stadium to honor that cherished tradition. With EDM legends like Zedd, Deadmau5, ODESZA, and more having headlined the legendary Chicago festival, North Coast Music Festival is bringing the heat once again for its 2026 edition. Now, we’re taking a look at the biggest names to watch for at North Coast Music Festival 2026.
1. Richard Finger, Friday, The Vega
For bassheads everywhere, Richard Finger isn’t just another EDM DJ meme, they’re a dubstep movement. Making their claim to fame off 2024 SoundCloud IDs, the anonymous DJ duo has since taken the dubstep scene by storm, playing at some of the biggest festivals and venues the dance music scene has to offer. Now, Richard Finger brings their iconic act to NorthCoast’s “The Vega” stage on day one.
2. Jigitz, Friday, The Stadium
There may be no faster-growing genre in dance music right now than UK garage and speed house—part of that growing genre: the Brooklyn-based phenom known as Jigitz. With shows featuring live ballerinas and inflatable tube men any car wash would envy, Jigitz has paved his own creative and captivating brand in the UK garage scene. In fact, his energetic and one-of-a-kind live performances have quickly cemented Jigitz as one of EDMHouseNetwork’s rising stars to watch in dance music. Now, Jigitz brings his high-energy production and electric live show to North Coast Music Festival, ready to rock the main stage “Stadium” crowd.
3. Porter Robinson, Friday, The Shipyard
Ask anybody to list off the most visionary artists in dance music history, and nine times out of ten, Porter Robinson is near the top of that list. With genre-defining records like his 2012 progressive house hit “Language,” and his 2016 Madeon collaboration “Shelter,” Porter Robinson has cemented himself as one of EDM’s all-time great musical minds. Now, Porter Robinson brings his unique sound and die-hard fanbase to North Coast Music Festival 2026 – promising a show you just won’t forget.
4. Fisher, Friday, The Stadium
When Fisher steps onto “The Stadium” stage for day one of North Coast Music Festival 2026, he will instantly become one of the biggest names in dance music history to ever do so. Ever since the Australian pro surfer turned tech house legend released “Losing It” in 2018, it’s been off to the races. One hit after another complimented by one of the most infectious personalities in all of EDM, Fisher has cemented himself in the hearts of dance music fans everywhere. Now, Fisher will look to close out night one of Chicago’s biggest EDM weekend of the year, bringing the tech house heat to the house music capital of the world.
5. Marie Vaunt, Saturday, The Shipyard
Friday at North Coast Music Festival may be for the house heads, but Saturday is for the hardcore s***. Marie Vaunt is bringing the energy with nonstop acid techno … and that’s just the beginning. With techno legends like Charlotte De Witte spinning her tracks to close the Tomorrowland main stage, Marie Vaunt has taken over the techno scene. Now, Vaunt will look to bring the energy to North Coast Music Festival… taking Chicago into a heavenly nightmare of techno rhythm.
6. ALLEYCVT, Saturday, The Stadium
Continuing Saturday’s trend of electric female talent, ALLEYCVT takes over the North Coast main stage as one of bass music’s most meteoric rises. Fresh off the back of big-time performances at Electric Forest, the Las Vegas Sphere, and Tomorrowland: Belgium, now ALLEYCVT is set to take over North Coast Music Festival with a dubstep performance like no other.
7. Levity B2B Tape B, Saturday, The Vega
Levity and Tape B are two forces to be absolutely reckoned with in the dubstep genre… and now they’re joining forces for their Summer Program tour. Playing in venues all the way from Bonner, Montana, to Brooklyn, New York, the two iconic dubstep groups have taken the EDM scene by storm in 2026. Now, bassheads can rejoice in all their wook glory, as Levity and Tape B bring their electrifying back-to-back act to Chi City for North Coast 2026.
8. BUNT., Sunday, The Stadium
BUNT. has become synonymous with what it means for an EDM DJ to truly connect with their audience. Categorized by interactive 360 stages, emotional anthems thousands can all sing in unison, and the biggest venues in dance music, BUNT. has created a live experience you just have to be there to understand. Now, the German speed house sensation is back and taking over the North Coast main stage for the very first time.
9. Tchami, Sunday, The Vega
Born in Paris, France in 1985, Tchami has since spent his life single-handedly pioneering the future house genre in EDM. Tachmi first gained global attention in 2013 with his massive original single “Promesses,” before co-producing tracks for pop music queen Lady Gaga on two different albums. Tchami now makes his rounds to Chicago for Labor Day 2026, bringing all the grooves needed for the final day of North Coast Music Festival 2026.
10. Illenium B2B Slander, Sunday, The Stadium
What better way to close out North Coast Music Festival 2026 than with a bass music trio as classic as it is iconic. Illenium and Slander have both cemented themselves among the absolute pinnacle of melodic bass music, bringing a match made in heaven whenever they go back-to-back. It all started in 2019 when Slander released their iconic remix of Illenium’s “Good Things Fall Apart.” Ever since, the two have been inseparable, marked by iconic B2B sets and performances to never forget. Now, the Chicago-born melodic bass legend and Los Angeles duo are closing out North Coast Music Festival the only way they know how: in absolutely breathtaking B2B fashion.
With all the legendary acts set to be brought to North Coast for its 2026 edition, it’s worth wondering… who are you most itching to see?
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Editorial
Seven Stars 2026: 7 Most Anticipated Sets at GRiZ’s Cosmic Campout
As the second annual Valley of the Seven Stars approaches, bass music fans across the country are prepping their gear and locking in their set times. Taking over the Oak Ridge Estate in Arrington, Virginia from October 8–11, this gathering marks the long-awaited payoff of GRiZ’s two-year hiatus. The event has quickly earned a reputation as one of the bass community’s premier “homie” festivals, trading commercial refinement for deep curation and authentic energy. Whether you are hunting for ground-shaking low end or sunset grooves, here are the 7 most anticipated performances to highlight on your schedule:
7. Richard Finger
Set Time: Saturday, 4:50 PM – 5:50 PM
Operating entirely behind anonymous masks, Richard Finger has become one of bass music’s most intriguing underground phenomena. The mysterious duo popped onto the radar with relentless sound design and uncompromisingly heavy drops, rapidly earning a rotation in festival sets worldwide. While internet investigators continue trying to uncover their true identities, the project lets the sheer sound of low end rhythm do the talking. Catching them in the afternoon heat on Saturday is guaranteed to wake up the crowd.
6. Hedex
Set Time: Sunday, 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Hedex has been at the forefront of the modern drum and bass explosion. He has been taking jump-up rhythms out of underground UK clubs and pushing them onto major American festival stages. This performance serves as the official launch for his North American “Nu Era” tour. Known for quick double drops and explosive crowd control, his Sunday slot will deliver a shot of pure adrenaline just as festivalgoers enter the final night.
5. GRiZ (Chasing The Golden Hour)
Set Time: Saturday, 6:05 PM – 7:20 PM
GRiZ has always known how to curate a vibe, but his Chasing The Golden Hour (CTGH) concept holds a legendary place in the scene. It was originally conceived as a mixtape series built around vintage samples, mellow hip-hop beats, and live sax riffs. CTGH offers a soulful counterweight to his heavy dubstep headline sets. Following packed-out demand at past events, this sunset window is made for collective unwinding. It is the defining emotional anchor of the weekend, best experienced surrounded by friends on an open hill.

4. Mersiv
Set Time: Saturday, 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
DJ & producer Anderson Gallegos, known professionally as Mersiv, has carved out a dedicated subculture with his trademark “Pretty Dark Loud” sound design. Mersiv crafts sets that feel simultaneously meditative and heavy by combining hypnotic downtempo atmospheres with distortion-heavy basslines. Dropping into Saturday prime time, his set will steer the valley into its deepest, most psychedelic sonic territory.
3. Seth David (R&Bass)
Set Time: Friday, 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM (After Hours)
Returning to the Seven Stars lineup for a second run, Seth David brings his signature R&Bass sound to the Satellite Stage. The project fuses classic 90s and 2000s R&B vocals with sub-bass frequencies. This set gives night owls a refreshing alternative to the standard festival sound anding directly in the after-hours slot,
2. Distinct Motive
Set Time: Sunday, 6:50 PM – 7:50 PM
Hailing from Ontario, Distinct Motive has spearheaded the revival of pure 140 BPM sound system culture in North America. His productions emphasize sub-bass, surgical mixing, and deep roots in old-school UK dubstep. Since his anthem “Wait A Minute” dominated stages everywhere, his profile has skyrocketed. Sunday evening marks his debut on the mainstage, bringing chest-rattling low frequencies to the festival’s largest sound system.
1. Kaleena Zanders
Set Time: Thursday, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Revered as one of modern dance music’s most captivating vocal powerhouses, Kaleena Zanders channels gospel roots through classic house grooves. With major collaborative releases alongside fellow headliners, her live sets go far beyond ordinary DJ performances. Slotted into Thursday evening, she will set an uplifting, soulful tone for the entire cosmic campout before the heavier bass takes over.
With four days of music spread across The Valley, pacing is going to be everything. Set conflicts are inevitable when a lineup has this much variety. Be sure to leave room in your schedule to wander between stages and stumble onto artists outside your radar.
Grab the official festival app to stay updated on any last-minute schedule shifts and look out for your crew.
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Editorial
MiNT XL: Leeds’ Newest Nightclub Opens With A Bang
MiNT XL opens its doors in Leeds with a sold-out party for 2,500 ravers, as Craig Richards, Enzo Siragusa and Sonja Moonear launch the new nightclub
MiNT XL officially opened its doors on Friday, 25 September, with a sold-out opening party featuring names like Craig Richards, Enzo Siragusa and Sonja Moonear. 2,500 ravers gathered in the heart of Leeds city centre to experience the latest addition to the city’s rich rave culture, marking a memorable beginning for MiNT XL.
Taking over the former nightclub, PRYZM Leeds, MiNT set themselves the challenge of giving the venue a new identity through their own production and iconic signature. In an interview with EDM House Network earlier this year, MiNT marketing manager, Mikey McMahon said they wanted people to walk into MiNT XL and feel like they were part of something forward-thinking. There is no doubt they have achieved this, with the opening night already setting MiNT XL apart from other venues in Leeds.

Credit: David Dumitru
Exploring The Venue’s Layout
Arriving at the venue, you could feel the excitement in the air as people made their way into the club. Music was bumping through the walls and the night was just getting started. Walking inside, the dark environment immediately made it feel like a rave and not a regular nightclub.
Heading up the stairs from the entrance, we reached the main hall of the venue, which houses two of the three rooms at MiNT XL, as well as an open-air terrace. The ‘Clubroom’ was the first room people encountered on the floor, while the main room, also known as the ‘Ballroom’, sits to the left of the hall.
The second floor is a great extension of what the main floor has to offer, hosting the venue’s third room, ‘Cage’, as well as an additional bar with sofas and seating for those wanting a quick break from the dancefloor. The VIP area is also located on this floor, providing a comfortable chill-out space with its own bar and seating area.

Credit: David Dumitru
The Rooms at MiNT XL
1. Ballroom
The largest of the three rooms, the ‘Ballroom’ is a warehouse type of space hosting the headlining names on MiNT XL’s line-ups. Some of the lighting features that stood out as soon as we walked into the room included the large ring structure above the dancefloor, as well as the linear rigs placed horizontally across the ceiling, which rotate to create a wave-like effect through light.
Another standout piece of the room is the newly installed Funktion-One Vero sound system, delivering bass that pumps through your body and an overall premium sound quality. The same system can also be found in the other two rooms, where its impact is even greater due to their smaller capacities.

Credit: @elliotyoungphoto
2. Cage
Probably the most interesting room of the three, and our personal favourite, ‘Cage’ delivers an experience like no other. Its design feels unique and fresh out of the box, while still maintaining a lush feel. Throughout the opening night, the room was lit up with orange lighting, creating a somewhat comfortable atmosphere amid all the chaos going on.

Credit: David Dumitru
‘Cage’ also has a few sofas placed around the room, helping complete its luxurious feel. The cherry on top, however, is the fact that the space will often welcome DJs playing on vinyl. We had the chance to witness this live, and let me tell you, seeing the artists flip and swap records behind the decks totally elevates the experience.

Credit: David Dumitru
3. Clubroom
With a large light panel on the ceiling covering the centre of the dancefloor, ‘Clubroom’ is an ode to MiNT Warehouse, the brand’s second ever venue. Sharing similar characteristics, the room brings the MiNT Warehouse spirit to MiNT XL, carrying over the energetic vibes that have become a trademark of the brand.
While the room has a great design from a production perspective, the air conditioning isn’t felt as well in some corners, often making it a very hot space.

Credit: David Dumitru
4. Terrace
An open-air space with a nice view of some of Leeds city centre’s tallest buildings, the terrace is a well-arranged spot for those who want to unwind a little and take a breath of fresh air. Located close to the ‘Ballroom’, the path to the terrace can, however, become very busy at times.

Credit: David Dumitru
The Music at MiNT XL
The venue opened with the brand’s own event series, ‘system.’, taking over the decks. Across the three rooms, a well-curated line-up delivered the soundtrack to MiNT’s new beginning.
From the perspective of EDM House Network, our highlights were Foehn & Jerome at the ‘Cage’, Craig Richards B2B Francesco Del Garda at the ‘Ballroom’, and then back to the ‘Cage’ for a vinyl session with Fumiya Tanaka.

Credit: @elliotyoungphoto
Beyond the opening night, a wide range of renowned DJs are set to follow at MiNT XL, with the likes of Ewan McVicar, Riordan, Morgan Seatree and a Worried About Henry (WAH) takeover among those already announced. While so far only electronic music events make up the calendar, organisers have said they are excited to expand into new genres and live music.
Atmosphere Inside The Venue
MiNT XL operates a no-phones policy at all events, meaning attendees can fully immerse themselves into the music. Having experienced an event with such policy for the first time, it was impressive to see how big of a change it makes.
Seeing people living in the moment and having fun truly gave everyone a taste of what some mean when they say ‘raving was better in the 90s’. The no-phones policy genuinely made the night feel like a time machine that teleported us back to a time when people used to socialise and not chase Instagram clout at raves.

Credit: @elliotyoungphoto
With three state-of-the-art rooms, a 2,500-capacity venue, a sound system that blows the roof off and a no-phones policy, MiNT XL has real potential to become one of the best nightclubs in the entire UK. The opening party was not just the green light for a new venue in Leeds, but felt more like a statement that MiNT XL is here, and for good.
The club season is only just getting started, with a packed list of upcoming events already lined up at MiNT XL.
Friday 9 October – Marsolo Invites: Marsolo + more TBA
Saturday 10 October – Airspace: Notion, Kyle Starkey, Camille Doe + more
Saturday 17 October – Mint XL Presents: Cam Stockman b2b Tommy Phillips
Friday 30 October – Airspace: Riordan, Stef Davidse + more
Saturday 31 October – Ewan McVicar Presents: Halloween – Ewan McVicar, Special Request, Olive F
Saturday 7 November – Mint XL Presents: ALISHA, Robbie Doherty + more
Saturday 14 November – Mint XL Presents: Morgan Seatree + more TBA
Friday 20 November – Framework Presents: Ben UFO, Papa Nugs + more
Saturday 21 November – Jampacked Would Tour Leeds Edition: Jamback, Anil Aras, A For Alpha
Saturday 19 December – Framework x Mugpie Presents: Christian AB, Unai Trotti + more
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Amsterdam Music Festival News
EDM Festivals October 2026: Festivals We Can’t Miss
EDM Festivals October 2026: Festivals We Can’t Miss worldwide as major events fill the month across North America, Asia, Europe, and South America
October 2026 brings another busy month for the EDM festival calendar, with events taking place across North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. In the US, 808 Festival, Breakaway Utah, We Belong Here Central Park, Experts Only at the Gorge, Niteharts, Head Trip, III Points Miami, Escape Psycho Circus, BOO! Seattle, BOO! Arizona, and Hocus Pocus Miami fill the month. Meanwhile, EDC Korea and Chill O’posite Festival add major dates in Asia and Africa. No Art Lisbon and AMF represent Europe, while EDC Colombia and Ritvales bring two large weekends to South America. Here’s a full look at the EDM festivals taking place throughout October 2026.
808 Festival
Dates: October 2–3, 2026
Location: BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand
808 Festival returns to BITEC in Bangkok from October 2–3, 2026 for two days across two stages. The Phase Two lineup includes ILLENIUM, SLANDER B2B NGHTMRE, W&W, Argy, Ben Nicky, 999999999, Mesto, and KAAZE. Meanwhile, JUSTUS, RIVO, Dorian, Ian Asher, and Mary Droppinz are also confirmed. Several special performances are scheduled, including Adam Beyer B2B Chris Avantgarde and Nifra B2B Will Atkinson. Giorgia Angiuli will also perform live. More artists are still due to be announced before the festival returns to Bangkok in October.

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