Welcome back, Moon Fvm, to our Launch Guide for Experts Only 2026, specially prepared to help everyone make the most of their trip this weekend. There’s a lot to cover because this is the Big Apple and festivals here can be a little different from the norm. Let’s make sure we are all on the same page so the weekend goes off without any issues.
The Lineup + Set Times
Experts Only released the official set times this past Tuesday, so let’s take a look at what’s on offer each day.
As a result of the unfortunate cancelation of Prospa, fans can expect extended sets at Main Stage from Omri., Adam Ten b2b Max Styler, and the main man John Summit playing two-and-a-half hours to go from sunset to close. Mirror Field features bass artists all day, with DnB and dubstep dominating the stage. Over at the Pwemium Lounge, Airrica, Gabbs, Stello, and rSun all play 90-minute sets on Saturday.
Sunday features more impressive b2b sets, including Innellea b2b Korolova for over an hour, then a special Subjohnics set (Subtronics b2b John Summit) for 90 minutes at the end of Sunday night. The saxophone-playing, bass-producing, magic-making GRiZ takes over Main Stage after the sun sets on Sunday for a special 90-minute set. This will be his first return to Randall’s Island since that special b2b set he played with Zeds Dead to close out the last Electric Zoo in 2023.
Big shoutout to the Experts Only team for putting together such a fun, diverse lineup for New York City to enjoy. The set times also give the artists plenty of time to breathe, offering 90-minute sets to many of the artists playing, which gives them more time to fully develop the flow of their sets.
Maps & Transportation
Take a peek at the Experts Only map so you’ll know how to get around once you get to Randall’s Island.
Let’s be very clear about one thing particular to events here at Randall’s Island in New York City: NO ON-SITE PARKING. There are bridges one can walk over from three different boroughs, depending on where you are coming from, but beware: these are not quick walks. The walk over the Triborough Bridge (aka Robert F. Kennedy Bridge) from Queens is the longest, while the trip from the Upper East Side of Manhattan is a bit shorter. Finally, while less accessible by subway than the Queens or Manhattan bridges, the walk over the low-land bridge from The Bronx is definitely the shortest and easiest walk.
My recommendation would be to utilize a car-ride service to get to the island or for the full NYC experience, buy a round-trip pass on the Experts Only ferry service, which will get you to the island while also providing city skyline views from the East River. Whichever mode of transportation you decide, be sure to give yourself adequate time to get to the Island and through security so you don’t find yourself missing an artist you planned to see.
While You’re Here
As the mecca of the East Coast, there is plenty to do in New York City leading up to and after each day of the festival. The weekend gets started with a pre-party at one of Manhattan’s coolest new venues, The Marquee Skydeck Edge at Hudson Yards. Towering above the city skyline, one can see Mishell and Max Styler play over 70 stories in the sky on Friday, September 19 from 11pm.
On Saturday and Sunday, legendary club brand Pacha welcomes festivalgoers to its new home in Brooklyn with stacked lineups for the afters each night. Starting from 10pm and typically running until 4am, Pacha promises a night of house music all night Saturday and bass music all night Sunday. Believe me when I remind you that New York City is truly the city that never sleeps, so just know these afters are primed to pop off as Pacha keeps the party going.
Besides the music, Experts Only has also partnered with several NYC stores to provide fans with opportunities to gear up with EO merch and festival swag while you’re out at the island. Check out the flyer below to see if there’s a Summit Street Market shop you want to scope out this weekend.
What To Bring
Always check the rules to make sure you have only the correct items with you when you get to the security checkpoint. Since there’s no parking at the festival, there’s also no good place to leave something that you are prohibited from bringing into the festival.
I’m not going to go over all the fine print, but please be aware that if you want to bring gum, lip gloss, hygiene/cosmetic products, or sunscreen, it must be in a factory-sealed package, or it will not be allowed. Hydration packs are OK, but they must be empty and have only two pockets. Other bags must be clear and follow the posted size restrictions.
Finally, it is up to everyone to bring their best vibes to Randall’s Island. We are excited to be back for year two of Experts Only Festival, and the festival can only be as fun as we make it. I’m looking forward to two full days of dancing to some of the best producers in the game and celebrating the artistic vision of John Summit and his Experts Only team. Let’s also give a shout to the official partners of Experts Only Festival who help to make all the magic happen. Give ’em a try while you’re out there!
