Summer Smash, the largest and most well-known rap festival in Chicago, has announced its 2026 lineup. Started in 2018 as a one-day hip-hop festival, it has since grown to one of the largest festivals within the genre. It now welcomes over 100,000 attendees per year across three full days of music.
For the first time in the festival’s history, it has expanded to other genres. World-renowned DJ and producer Skrillex is headlining on Saturday night. Skrillex is known for his unique take on dubstep and electronic music that took over the early 2010s. He produced the Grammy-winning album Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites and received another nomination for his latest album F*ck U Skrillex You Think Ur Andy Warhol but Ur Not!! <3. Known for high-energy performances and unpredictable sets, his presence marks a major shift in Summer Smash’s identity and its expansion into other genres.
Also performing Saturday night are ISOxo and Whethan. ISOxo is known for his upbeat bass music and hit songs such as “SMACK TALK” and “THRASH (PARTY STARTER)”. He is also the co-founder of the San Diego festival Niteharts alongside DJ and producer Knock2. Hyper pop artist 2Hollis is also included on the lineup. This diverse lineup shows how Summer Smash is pushing boundaries by blending multiple styles of music together.
These electronic artists will be performing alongside major hip-hop headliners Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, and Chief Keef. This mix of genres creates an amazing experience for fans and highlights how the lines between rap and electronic music continue to blur, especially in festival settings.
Every year Summer Smash takes place in Bridgeview, Illinois, at SeatGeek Stadium. This year, the three-day festival will take place from June 12-14th. Tickets start at $399, grab yours using the link below before they sell out!
