The eagerly awaited Dweller Festival has finally announced its comprehensive artist roster for the 2026 event. This celebration of Black electronic music, which has garnered significant acclaim, is scheduled to run from February 17th to February 22nd, culminating in a special closing performance on February 27th. After a period of careful restructuring and financial groundwork, the festival is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience, highlighting both established and emerging talent within the electronic music scene.
Building on its successful evolution from a local series to a prominent multi-day cultural event, Dweller Festival is set to make a grand return in 2026. The organizers took a deliberate break to ensure the event's long-term viability and artistic integrity, focusing on sustainable growth and community engagement. This strategic pause has allowed them to refine their vision, secure robust funding, and curate an even more impactful program, promising a richer and more expansive celebration of Black electronic music culture.
Dweller's Grand Return: A Focus on Sustainability and Expanded Vision
The Dweller Festival, a prominent platform dedicated to Black electronic music, has officially unveiled the artist lineup for its much-anticipated 2026 edition. Slated to take place from February 17th to February 22nd, with an additional closing event on February 27th, the festival's return marks a significant moment for New York City's music scene. After a temporary hiatus in 2024, the organizers emphasized their commitment to sustainability and longevity, taking the necessary time to refine their approach, secure essential funding, and foster new systems to prevent artist and organizer burnout. This strategic pause underlines the festival's dedication to creating a more robust and enduring platform for showcasing diverse electronic music talent.
The decision to put the festival on hold until 2026 was a deliberate move aimed at ensuring its long-term health and continued intentionality. As stated in an official announcement, the Dweller team utilized this period to comprehensively process past experiences, align on future goals, conceive innovative operational systems, and secure the financial resources critical for sustained success. This proactive approach not only aims to prevent exhaustion among its dedicated team but also to strengthen the festival's foundation, allowing it to continue expanding its reach and impact. The 2026 festival, therefore, is not just a return but a re-emergence, promising a meticulously planned and passionately executed celebration of Black electronic music, built on principles of resilience and artistic integrity.
Diverse Lineup and Multiple Venues Across New York City
The 2026 Dweller Festival boasts an impressive and eclectic lineup, featuring a blend of local sensations and acclaimed international artists. Notable acts such as Junglepussy, Introspekt, keiyaA, Juliana Huxtable, Kevin Aviance, and Ge-ology are set to grace the stages, alongside other celebrated performers like Zack Fox, Oli XL, A Guy Called Gerald, and Dj Travella. This carefully curated roster reflects Dweller's commitment to showcasing the rich tapestry of Black electronic music. The festival will unfold across several iconic New York City venues, including Paragon, Nowadays, Public Records, Bossa Nova Civic Club, Pioneer Works, and Basement, providing diverse settings for attendees to experience the vibrant sounds and electrifying performances.
The expansion of Dweller from a five-night series in 2019 to a multi-day, multi-venue event demonstrates its growing influence and ambition within the electronic music landscape. By utilizing a variety of nightlife spaces across New York, the festival creates an immersive and dynamic experience for attendees, allowing them to explore different facets of the city's vibrant cultural scene. The inclusion of both established and rising stars, with a strong emphasis on local talent, underscores Dweller's role as a vital incubator and platform for electronic music artists. This geographical and artistic expansion ensures that the 2026 festival will be a comprehensive celebration, offering a wide array of musical styles and experiences to a broad audience, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of the global electronic music calendar.