CBGB Festival Returns to Brooklyn with Patti Smith, Morrissey, and More
The second annual festival honoring the iconic punk club will feature a lineup of influential artists at Brooklyn's Under The K Bridge Park.
The spirit of the legendary CBGB club continues to resonate with the second annual CBGB Festival, set to take place at Brooklyn's Under The K Bridge Park on Saturday, September 26. This year's event promises a robust lineup of influential alternative music acts, including headliners Patti Smith and Morrissey.
The festival, which aims to keep the legacy of founder Hilly Kristal's New York institution alive, will feature performances from The Sex Pistols, Interpol, and Bikini Kill, among others. The event is scheduled to run from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. with 17 acts slated to perform across the CBGB Stage and Hilly's Stage.
Other notable performers include Agnostic Front, Bad Nerves, Buzzcocks, Circle Jerks, Haywire, Mannequin Pussy, Upchuck, Militarie Gun, Panic Shock, and Violet Grohl. Sleater-Kinney and Fred Armisen's Ramones tribute band, The Return of Jackie and Judy, are also on the bill.
Last year's inaugural festival saw some initial skepticism about whether the event could live up to the legacy of CBGB, a venue known for fostering outsider artists and groundbreaking music. However, reports indicated that the festival successfully captured the essence of Kristal's vision, with Walter Schreifels of Gorilla Biscuits noting that Kristal "would have been psyched" by the event's celebration of music and community.
For those looking to attend, last-minute General Admission tickets are available starting at $125, including fees. VIP General Admission passes, offering perks such as main stage viewing, lounge access, and expedited entry, begin at $416, including fees. These prices were available as of September 22, 2026, and are subject to change.
Many of the artists performing at the CBGB Festival are also embarking on tours throughout 2026. Bands like Taking Back Sunday, Hawthorne Heights, Brand New, Senses Fail, and The Used are scheduled to perform across various locations. The traveling Warped Tour will also continue its North American dates through November.