INGLEWOOD, CA — HARD Events has officially announced the high-octane lineup for its 2026 flagship festival, set to take over Hollywood Park at SoFi Stadium on August 1–2, 2026. This year’s edition marks a significant evolution for the brand, featuring a world-exclusive "next-gen meets superstar" collaboration between Knock2 and Zedd, alongside a dedicated takeover from Berlin’s most provocative underground collectives.
A Collision of Eras and Genres
The 2026 lineup is headlined by a rare collaborative set: Knock2 B2B Zedd. This performance represents a passing of the torch, pairing the legendary precision of Zedd with the explosive energy of Knock2, one of the most successful breakout stars of the mid-2020s. Joining them at the top of the bill are Grammy-winning visionary Kali Uchis and a special hip-hop set from French hitmaker DJ Snake.
Techno and Underground Focus
In response to the global "hard techno" surge, HARD Summer 2026 will feature its most robust underground billing to date. Belgian powerhouses Charlotte de Witte and Amelie Lens are set to headline the main stages, while a dedicated Live From Earth stage takeover will bring the raw, internet-native energy of Berlin to Los Angeles. This takeover will feature genre-fluid artists like 2hollis and the synth-punk duo Snow Strippers, bridging the gap between rave culture and online subcultures.
Venue Upgrades and Immersive Experience
Returning to the expansive Hollywood Park complex adjacent to SoFi Stadium, the festival will debut a refreshed layout designed to streamline movement between stages. The "Green Stage" area has been significantly expanded to accommodate larger crowds for house music favorites like Mau P and the Latin-influenced duo Vintage Culture.
Global Expansion: EDC Hits Colombia
While HARD Summer dominates West Coast news, festival giant Insomniac also confirmed this week that EDC Colombia will make its historic debut in Medellín on October 10–11, 2026. This expansion further solidifies South America as the next major frontier for the "Electric Sky," following the massive success of EDC Mexico earlier this month.
Sources
- SoFi Stadium Official News: sofistadium.com(Lineup & Venue Details)
- EDMNOMAD: edmnomad.com(Industry Analysis and Stage Takeovers)
- Colombia One: colombiaone.com(EDC Colombia Debut Announcement)
- DJ LIFE Magazine: djlifemag.com(Artist Nominations and Collaboration News)