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Global Music Festivals Heat Up for 2026: Lineups, Trends, and Festival Radio Highlights

by Festival Radio ShowJamFest

As 2026 approaches, the worldwide music festival scene is buzzing with excitement, from epic multi-day mega-events to innovative music cruises that double as international vacations. Fans are already marking calendars, booking trips, and anticipating some of the most exciting lineups and immersive experiences in recent memory. Whether you’re a loyal festival-goer or new to the scene, the upcoming year promises unforgettable performances across genres, continents, and stages.

Major Worldwide Festival Lineups for 2026

Across Europe and the United States, festival organizers are unveiling the first waves of their 2026 lineups, generating plenty of buzz among fans. Lollapalooza Berlin is kicking off the new year with a diverse roster featuring Pitbull, Lewis Capaldi, and Lorde, blending pop, electronic, and crossover appeal to attract audiences from across the globe. Meanwhile, Zermatt Unplugged in Switzerland is embracing a more intimate acoustic vibe, with Placebo, Tom Odell, and Emeli Sandé leading a lineup designed for stunning alpine performances that combine music and scenic beauty.

In the United States, Floydfest in Virginia continues its eclectic tradition with Andy Frasco & The U.N., Railroad Earth, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band gracing the stages for an unforgettable 2026 run. Movement Detroit, the iconic electronic festival, teased its lineup with Carl Cox, Anna, and 999999999, offering electronic enthusiasts another reason to descend on the Motor City. Back on the East Coast, HiJinx Festival in Philadelphia will light up late December 2025 with GRiZ, Gryffin, and Illenium headlining a weekend of electronic bliss.

Festival Trends Shaping 2026

Beyond lineups, the industry is seeing several trends redefining the festival experience. The rise of mega-events continues, with stadium-sized productions and multi-day experiences dominating the calendar. Music tourism is on the rise as fans combine festivals with travel, transforming the industry into a global cultural journey.

Specialized music cruises remain a hot-ticket trend, with ShipRocked 2026 for rock lovers and Groove Cruise Miami 2026 for electronic aficionados scheduled early in the year, offering fans a full “festival at sea” experience. Dance and electronic music continue to dominate festival culture, with a staggering 45% of the Coachella 2026 lineup dedicated to DJs and electronic acts.

Technology and sustainability are also key focuses for festival organizers. Cashless systems like RFID wristbands, personalized schedules, and eco-conscious initiatives are increasingly standard, enhancing the fan experience while reducing environmental impact.

Festival Radio: Your Weekly JamFest Connection

For fans who can’t attend every festival in person, JamFest brings the festival spirit directly to your speakers with the Festival Radio Show. Every Thursday night, listeners are treated to over eight hours of non-stop live music exclusively from iconic festivals around the world. From the sets you danced to last summer to legendary festival performances you’ve always wanted to experience, Festival Radio delivers the excitement and energy of the live festival scene straight to your home. Tonight’s show promises another curated journey through the world’s most unforgettable stages, keeping the festival magic alive all year long.

Whether it’s Berlin, Zermatt, Detroit, or Philadelphia, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for global music festivals. From groundbreaking lineups to cutting-edge fan experiences, festival-goers can expect bigger stages, bigger sounds, and unforgettable moments. With Festival Radio keeping the beats going, the energy of the festival never has to end—even if you’re miles away from the front row.

For full coverage of upcoming festivals, trends, and live Festival Radio streaming, check out Festival Radio and stay connected to the pulse of the music world.

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JamFest Tonight: NewGrass Radio Takes Over Monday Nights — But First, NPR’s All Things Considered Live Sets the Stage

by All Things Considered LiveJamFestNewGrass Radio

Monday nights on JamFest are quickly becoming THE definitive destination for live music lovers — from historic folk festival performances to boundary-pushing bluegrass innovators redefining tradition for a new generation. And tonight is no exception, with a powerful one-two musical punch:
All Things Considered Live at 7PM EST, followed immediately by NewGrass Radio, our weekly celebration of “Music Without Rules!”

It’s the perfect blend of folk legacy, boundary-breaking artistry, and deep-rooted bluegrass tradition — all in one unforgettable night of programming.

7PM EST — All Things Considered Live Radio Show

“Dive into the vibrant world of NPR-driven artists, showcases, and festival stages across America.”

Each Monday at 7PM, All Things Considered Live takes listeners on a journey through the defining performances of American music. The show highlights exclusive NPR Music recordings from the Newport Folk Festival, SXSW, the 9:30 Club, and countless other genre-shaping stages.

It’s the ideal warm-up for the night — a rich, immersive hour that sets the mood with historic recordings, deep-cut gems, and one-of-a-kind festival sets.

Upcoming ATC Live Events on JamFest

December 1 — Pete Seeger Live at Newport
A riveting collection of performances from Seeger’s 1993 live album, capturing the power, spirit, and social depth of America’s folk troubadour.

December 8 — Peter, Paul & Mary: Newport 1963–65
A showcase of the trio’s most iconic festival performances, including era-defining renditions of “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “If I Had a Hammer.”

December 15 — Diana Krall at Newport Jazz Festival (1999)
A spellbinding full concert from one of modern jazz’s most elegant voices.

December 22 — Janis Joplin w/ Big Brother & The Holding Co. (1968)
A ferocious, soul-baring performance that captures Janis at her peak.

December 29 — Newport Folk Festival 1963 (The Evening Concerts, Vol. 2)
Featuring Theodore Bikel, Judy Collins, Pete Seeger, Dave Van Ronk, Jean Redpath, the Georgia Sea Island Singers, and a finale of “This Land.”

Every week brings something different — a musical time capsule delivered directly to your speakers.

9PM EST — NewGrass Radio Show

“A show for all ages, celebrating traditional roots and the new generation of artists forging the future of bluegrass — Music Without Rules!”

Immediately following All Things Considered Live, NewGrass Radio takes over with an energy entirely its own. This weekly broadcast highlights the innovators who broke open bluegrass in the 1970s and the new wave of artists carrying that revolution forward today.

The Formation of New Grass Revival — Where Modern Bluegrass Took Flight

In the early 1970s, a handful of forward-thinking musicians dared to expand bluegrass beyond its traditional boundaries. That daring spirit resulted in the formation of New Grass Revival, the groundbreaking group whose members included:

  • Sam Bush
  • Courtney Johnson
  • Ebo Walker
  • Curtis Burch
  • Butch Robins
  • John Cowan
  • Béla Fleck
  • Pat Flynn

Their fusion of bluegrass, rock, jazz, folk, soul, and jam-band improvisation created an entirely new musical language — and established the foundation for what we now call NewGrass or progressive bluegrass.

NewGrass Radio keeps that legacy alive every week, blending tradition with evolution, heritage with daring innovation.

Current Bluegrass News — December 1, 2025

Trey Hensley Tops the Charts

Trey Hensley scores the #1 Bluegrass Today airplay chart position for all of November with “Can’t Outrun The Blues.” His flatpicking fire and soulful vocals continue to set him apart as one of the genre’s premier rising stars.

Grand Ole Opry Celebrates 100 Years

The Grand Ole Opry marks a century since its first broadcast — a monumental milestone for the world’s longest-running radio show. A celebratory event spanning country, Americana, gospel, and bluegrass honored the artists who shaped the Opry’s unmistakable sound.

Molly Tuttle Hits the Road

Grammy-winner Molly Tuttle is currently touring her new album So Long Little Miss Sunshine. She brings her virtuosic guitar work and signature songwriting to the Arlington Theatre on Sunday, December 7.

Bluegrass Christmas Tours Kick Off

Seasonal tours are already underway, including the iconic “Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas” tour — a festive showcase of holiday favorites delivered with world-class musicianship.

Local Holiday Bluegrass Releases

A local group has dropped two brand-new holiday offerings — a seasonal treat for fans craving new acoustic Christmas sounds.

Upcoming Historic & Notable Dates

December 12 — International Bluegrass Music Appreciation Day

Created by banjo player Lee Marcus, this annual celebration honors a genre that began in the Appalachian region in the 1940s and continues to thrive across the globe.

December 14 — Monroe Crossing 25th Anniversary Concert

The beloved group Monroe Crossing celebrates 25 years with their special Bluegrass Christmas concert, honoring the legacy of Bill Monroe.

Special Consensus Marks 50 Years

The legendary band Special Consensus celebrates five decades of blending traditional bluegrass with contemporary flair — half a century of influence, excellence, and innovation.

A Monday Night Designed for Bluegrass, Folk, Jazz & Everything In Between

JamFest’s Monday programming delivers a full spectrum of American roots music — honoring the history, celebrating the present, and spotlighting the next generation.

At 7PM: All Things Considered Live brings you the timeless voices of Newport, SXSW, the 9:30 Club, and beyond.
At 9PM: NewGrass Radio explodes with boundary-breaking energy and genre-defying artists.

It’s live music. It’s history. It’s innovation.
It’s Monday night at JamFest.

Tune in, turn it up, and be part of the movement — Music Without Rules.

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Sunday Spunday & Club Night Radio Show — Nonstop Weekend Party Energy on JamFest

by Club NightJamFestSunday Spunday

When the weekend hits, JamFest turns up the volume like no one else. From the biggest EDM festival hits to the freshest in-studio remixes, our programming is built for music lovers who live for the night—and the morning after.

Every Saturday, our Club Night Radio Show takes over with in-studio DJ sets that span all types of EDM: from hard-hitting festival anthems and trance classics to deep house, techno, and mind-blowing remixes from the best music festivals on the planet. It’s a nonstop musical journey, curated for dancers, dreamers, and festival fanatics alike.

And the energy doesn’t stop there. When the clock hits 2AM EST, the party continues with Sunday Spunday—our legendary all-night celebration that runs until around 9AM EST. No matter your age, this is your chance to keep the weekend alive, riding the wave of beats, drops, and euphoric rhythms as the sun rises.

Club Night Radio Show — The Ultimate EDM Experience

Every Saturday night, JamFest’s studio transforms into a full-scale festival stage. Our DJs spin live, delivering:

  • Exclusive remixes from global EDM icons
  • High-energy festival tracks from events like Tomorrowland, Ultra, and EDC
  • Deep cuts and underground hits for the true music connoisseur
  • Genre-spanning sets covering house, trance, techno, dubstep, and more

Whether you’re in your living room, on the dance floor, or on a late-night road trip, Club Night immerses you in the energy of the world’s top festivals—all without leaving home.

Sunday Spunday — Keep the Party Going

The party doesn’t end when Saturday night does. Sunday Spunday is JamFest’s ultimate after-hours experience:

  • Start Time: 2AM EST
  • End Time: 9AM EST
  • Age Group: All

It’s the perfect soundtrack for night owls, festival veterans, or anyone who refuses to let the weekend fade. Expect:

  • Smooth transitions from late-night dance to sunrise vibes
  • Sets that blend high-energy EDM with chilled, atmospheric tracks
  • Live DJ interactions, special remixes, and surprises from the weekend’s hottest festivals

By the time Sunday morning rolls around, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled the world of electronic music without leaving your space.

Why JamFest’s Weekend Programming Stands Out

At JamFest, we don’t just play music—we create experiences. Club Night and Sunday Spunday capture the essence of live EDM, combining:

  • Expertly curated playlists with global festival hits
  • In-studio energy that mirrors the thrill of a live set
  • Nonstop all-night vibes that keep listeners moving and engaged

It’s more than a radio show—it’s a weekend ritual for music lovers, bringing together fans of all ages for hours of unforgettable beats.

Join the Movement

This weekend, don’t just listen—experience the energy. Tune in for Club Night Radio Show on Saturday and ride it straight through Sunday Spunday. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or just discovering EDM, JamFest delivers nonstop music, remixes, and pure weekend joy.

Your weekend. Your music. Your JamFest.

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New Orleans Turns Up the Heat With Bayou Classic Sounds, Fresh Releases, and a Full Night of NOLA-Style Music all night long on JamFest Every Friday Night into Saturday AM

by Gospel LunchJamFestWhat is Hip?!

New Orleans never takes a night off, but this weekend the city feels especially alive. On this final Friday of November, the birthplace of jazz is vibrating with the unmistakable pulse that has defined its culture for generations. From the high-stakes showmanship of the Bayou Classic’s “Battle of the Bands” to packed clubs along Frenchmen Street and a brand-new blues release from a homegrown artist, the Crescent City is putting on one of the most musically charged nights of the season.

And for our JamFest readers tuning in from beyond Louisiana: don’t miss tonight’s What is Hip?! Radio Show — NOLA Style Music Every Friday Night! Whether you’re miles away or right in the French Quarter, it’s the perfect soundtrack for a night fueled by brass, rhythm, and the unfiltered soul of the city.

Bayou Classic Weekend Ignites the Superdome

The 52nd Annual Bayou Classic is more than a football tradition—it’s a cultural cornerstone, and tonight’s “Battle of the Bands & Greek Show” at the Caesars Superdome is the centerpiece. Southern University’s Human Jukebox and Grambling State University’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band aren’t just competing; they’re commanding the stage with precision, athleticism, and the kind of musical swagger that only New Orleans can inspire.

For longtime locals, the Battle of the Bands isn’t just a prelude to game day—it’s the heartbeat of Bayou Classic weekend, a celebration of HBCU heritage and the city’s deep musical identity.

A Fresh Take on Blues: Frenchie Moe Drops Hi Class

Adding to the buzz, New Orleans blues artist Frenchie Moe released his new record today, Hi Class — A Modern New Orleans Blues Statement. The album puts a polished, contemporary spin on the city’s classic blues textures, blending soulful vocals with tight rhythms and electrifying guitar lines. It’s equal parts homage and evolution, spotlighting modern-day New Orleans musicianship while keeping its roots unmistakably local.

For blues fans and NOLA purists alike, Hi Class is already being hailed as one of the standout releases of the year.

Live Music Tonight: A City Overflowing With Sound

In true New Orleans fashion, everywhere you go tonight, music spills into the streets. Venues across the city—from Uptown to the French Quarter—are stacked with A-list talent and iconic local performers.

A few of the can’t-miss sets happening tonight:

• Jon Cleary bringing his groove-heavy, piano-driven soul to the Maple Leaf Bar
• Multi-Grammy winner PJ Morton taking over the Orpheum Theater with his signature blend of R&B and New Orleans warmth
• The Washboard Chaz Blues Trio delivering stripped-down, rootsy blues at Buffa’s
• The Leroy Marshall Band keeping traditional jazz alive at Maison Bourbon
• Lost Bayou Ramblers electrifying the room at Tipitina’s with Cajun-punk fire
• Nayo Jones singing smooth, classic jazz at The Jazz Playhouse

And that’s just the beginning. Many of the city’s legendary rooms—Preservation Hall, The Spotted Cat, and Blue Nile—have full rosters of performers ready to keep the night going long after midnight. This is New Orleans at its finest: improvisational, overflowing with artistic energy, and always pushing its musical traditions forward.

A Growing Movement in Tremé

While tonight is heavy on performances, there’s also a renewed push to bring travelers and locals deeper into the city’s cultural core. Immersive programs in the Tremé neighborhood—America’s oldest African American neighborhood and the cradle of brass band culture—are gaining traction. Visitors can explore the foundations of second-line traditions, meet local musicians, and experience the history that gave birth to both jazz and the city’s unmistakable musical identity.

Tune In, Turn Up, and Celebrate NOLA’s Soundtrack

With performers lighting up every corner of the city, a powerful HBCU musical showdown in the Superdome, and a standout blues release adding to the city’s growing discography, New Orleans proves once again that it remains the epicenter of American music.

And wherever you are tonight, JamFest invites you to sync your speakers to the heartbeat of the Crescent City with the What is Hip?! Radio Show NOLA Style Music Every Friday Night! It’s the perfect companion to a night that celebrates everything New Orleans does best—soul, rhythm, swagger, and the joy of live music.