Shabang Music & Arts, San Luis Obispo’s premier music, arts, and community festival, will return to California’s Central Coast on May 2nd and 3rd, 2026, for its most expansive edition to date. Now entering its 12th year, the independently run boutique festival will once again transform Dairy Creek Golf Course into a vibrant weekend destination, complete with an expanded artist lineup, upgraded stage production, immersive art installations, wellness programming, and curated local food and beverage experiences. Tickets go on sale February 24th at 11 AM PT, offering early access to one of California’s most distinctive festival experiences set against the rolling hills of the Central Coast.
Leading the 2026 lineup is GRAMMY-nominated house heavyweight Chris Lake, whose chart-topping productions and commanding DJ sets have cemented his place as one of modern dance music’s most influential figures. He is joined by indie rock favorites The Backseat Lovers, synth-pop innovators Magdalena Bay, viral club crossover star INJI, dream-pop outfit TOPS, and soulful folk-pop songwriter Natalie Bergman, alongside a soon-to-be-announced special guest. Together, they form one of the most dynamic and genre-spanning headliner rosters in the festival’s history.
As always, Shabang Music & Arts continues its commitment to spotlighting emerging artists shaping the future of live and electronic music. On the indie front, the 2026 lineup features rising names including Annie DiRusso, Frances Whitney, Norwegian-Swedish trio The Thing, psychedelic indie-pop artist Chezile, live-electronic act Fcukers, and Los Angeles surf rock outfit Mexican Slum Rats. The electronic programming is equally forward-thinking, with appearances from festival favorite Jackie Hollander, viral DJ Mandy, Irish producer Fallon, indie dance mainstay Broken Hill, Obsessions labelhead Dillon Nathaniel, Brazilian-born WELKER, and Filipino-American DJ Soraya, who will make her Coachella debut just weeks prior. This next wave of talent underscores Shabang’s longstanding role as a launchpad for rising artists across genres.
For 2026, organizers are introducing a series of upgrades aimed at enhancing the overall fan experience. A brand-new stage will replace the festival’s former Silent Disco, with its lineup to be announced in a future reveal. Both the beloved Funk Safari Stage and Laguna Lake Stage will undergo major production expansions, increasing in both size and technical capabilities to deliver more immersive performances. The festival also shifts to a Saturday–Sunday format, running from 2 PM to 11 PM on both days, May 2nd and 3rd. In a notable operational change, on-site camping will no longer be offered, allowing organizers to redirect resources toward expanded programming and production while lowering ticket prices for attendees.
From its humble beginnings as a small, DIY college gathering among friends, Shabang Music & Arts has evolved into one of California’s most beloved independent festivals. Over the past decade, it has cultivated a reputation for blending discovery with established talent, previously hosting artists such as Jungle, Peach Pit, Briston Maroney, Wallows, Goth Babe, Thundercat, Odd Mob, and Aluna.
Beyond the lineup, the festival remains rooted in its signature balance of creativity and community. Attendees can expect interactive art installations, wellness offerings including yoga and workshops, and a curated selection of local food vendors, wineries, and breweries that highlight the Central Coast’s culinary culture. With its largest lineup to date and significant production enhancements, the 2026 edition of Shabang Music & Arts promises another immersive weekend under the open skies of San Luis Obispo.
Tickets go on sale February 24th at 11 AM PT. GA Weekend Passes start at $169, Single Day Passes at $99, VIP Weekend Passes at $329, and VIP Single Day Passes at $189. For more information, visit shabangslo.com.
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