San Luis Obispo’s premier music, arts, and community festival, Shabang, announces its return to California’s stunning Central Coast on May 2nd & 3rd, 2026, for its most ambitious edition yet. Now entering its 12th year, the beloved gathering will once again transform Dairy Creek Golf Course into a vibrant weekend escape – featuring an expanded artist lineup, upgraded stage production, immersive art, wellness programming, and curated local food and beverage experiences. Tickets go on sale February 24th at 11 AM PT, offering fans access to one of California’s most unique boutique festival experiences set among the rolling hills of the Central Coast.
Leading the 2026 lineup is GRAMMY-nominated house music maestro Chris Lake, whose chart-topping productions and electrifying sets have made him one of the most influential figures in modern dance music. He is joined by indie rock favorites The Backseat Lovers, who have become modern staples of the alternative scene, and synth-pop innovators Magdalena Bay. The lineup also features viral club crossover star INJI, beloved dream-pop outfit TOPS, and the soulful folk-pop songwriter Natalie Bergman, and a very special guest act – delivering one of Shabang’s most dynamic and versatile headliner rosters to date.
The festival will continue its tradition of championing next-generation artists across genres into its 2026 roster. On the indie side, Shabang enlists indie newcomers Annie DiRusso and Frances Whitney, Norwegian-Swedish rock trio The Thing, psychedelic indie-pop rising star Chezile, American live-electronic act Fcukers, and the LA-based surf rock outfit Mexican Slum Rats. The bill also highlights a strong wave of buzzing dance music talent, including festival fixture Jackie Hollander, TikTok’s fan-favorite DJ Mandy, Irish producer Fallon, indie dance mainstay Broken Hill, Obsessions labelhead Dillon Nathaniel, Brazilian-born WELKER, and Filipino-American DJ Soraya – who will be making her Coachella debut the month before. Together, this new class of artists reflects Shabang’s ongoing role as a launchpad for emerging talent and a platform for the sounds shaping the future of live and electronic music.
For 2026, Shabang introduces several exciting upgrades and changes designed to elevate the overall fan experience. A brand-new stage will debut in place of the festival’s former Silent Disco, with its lineup to be revealed in a future announcement, while both the beloved Funk Safari Stage and Laguna Lake Stage will receive major production enhancements – expanding in both size and technical capabilities to deliver more immersive performances than ever before. The festival also shifts to a Saturday – Sunday format, running Saturday, May 2nd, from 2 PM – 11 PM and Sunday, May 3rd, from 2 PM – 11 PM. Additionally, Shabang will no longer offer on-site camping, allowing organizers to focus resources on expanded programming and production while also offering lower ticket pricing for attendees.
Rooted in humble beginnings as a small, DIY college gathering among friends, Shabang Music & Arts has grown into one of California’s most beloved independent festivals, heading into its 12th edition. Over the years, the event has built a reputation for thoughtfully blending discovery with globally recognized talent, previously hosting artists such as Jungle, Peach Pit, Briston Maroney, Wallows, Goth Babe, Thundercat, Odd Mob, Aluna, and more.
Beyond the music, Shabang remains dedicated to its signature blend of creativity and community. Festival-goers can expect interactive art installations, wellness offerings such as yoga and workshops, and a curated selection of local food vendors, wineries, and breweries celebrating the Central Coast’s rich culinary culture. With its largest lineup yet and major new upgrades, the 2026 edition promises another unforgettable weekend of music, art, and community under the open skies of San Luis Obispo.
