Maria Chaos’s 10 Best Festivals of 2026

Concert ReviewCommentary
Written By Maria Chaos

We asked Maria Chaos, founder and head cat in jammers of Dollfest, to share her top 10 must-attend music festivals from around the globe for 2026.

Maria at home drinking Buckfast from her official In Spite Magazine Piglet Mug. It’s not just for tea—photo. Maria Chaos #selfie

Let’s face it, those of us reading ISM are, out of spite, getting “older,” as they say. Therefore, going to an event that ends after 10pm can be cumbersome. Inevitably, you have two choices: one, don’t go and suffer extreme FOMO; or two, start doing yoga 20 minutes a day, buy some insoles or a pair of HOKAS (no judgment), and have a damn good time.

The spirit of a music festival is more than just ignoring your back pain and making sure you have enough hangover remedies. It’s about the overall experience, the bonding with strangers over your love of a band, the adventure of going somewhere new, eating late-night food you can only get at that one location, and best of all, a plethora of music you don’t always get at your local event.

#10 KOB FEST

Put on by the talented couple from Los Fastidios in beautiful Verona, Italy, and celebrating 30 years of KOB Records. Looking at the poster alone, you know you’re in friendly company, pure punk and ska vibes. This music-cultivated culture is truly embodied by the two who put the festival together. I’ll never forget Enrico standing proudly on stage, belting into the mic that there needed to be more women and more queers on stage. I hope one day to attend and maybe even cover this hidden gem of an event. And what a travesty it would be to travel across the world for fun and delicious food. So shine off your loafers and get your skank on with a beer in hand.
Downside? It’s only one day—but sometimes you only need one day to party hardy.

Elisa and Enrico of Los Fastidios—photo ©dickslaughter.com

#9 POUZZA

Oh Canada… we love a good party, and Pouzza is just that. Located in beautiful Montreal—which could easily be mistaken for a European city—punks, rejects, ska kids, and everyone in between fly in ready to have a great time. Pouzza is a move-from-venue-to-venue event where you make endless friends. They’re also known for picking bands that don’t require 150k Instagram followers. Submissions are open, and band choices are based on good music, a decision more festivals should take note of. They also feature yoga, wrestling, soccer, and other community-building activities.
Downside? Traveling into Canada isn’t always easy, but that’s something we can all navigate.

#8 RIOT FEST

Riot Fest is a fun, mixed bag of genres, from punk and emo to hip hop, Weird Al, and everything in between. Located in Chicago, one of the coolest cities in the U.S., known for its rich food culture (not just pizza), writing, and music history in the Midwest and home to some of the nicest people on the continent. So why isn’t Riot Fest higher on the list? It’s big. Almost too big. You’ll get your steps in, bring a blanket, picnic with friends, and enjoy how generally pleasant everyone is.
Downside? The weather is a gamble, and summoning demons would be easier than getting a Lyft after the festival ends.

#7 CAMP PUNKSYLVANIA

Who doesn’t love punk rock, camping, and supporting a femme-owned festival? With the bands already announced, it’s shaping up to be a smashing good time. Known for its down-to-earth vibes and nicknamed Punk Rock Summer Camp, it includes fun activities like yoga, a vendor market, and more. It’s easily one of the top East Coast events for 2026. I may be biased; I love camping, but it brings a relaxed, sip-a-beer-and-don’t-check-your-watch vibe.
Downside? It’s not easy to get to. Determination is key. And if you hate camping, this may not be for you—but try it. All the cool kids are doing it.

#6 DOLL FEST VOLUME II: OAKLAND

I couldn’t be too biased and put either Doll Fest at the very top; I’m a realist. Many folks still haven’t heard of this event, but we’re determined to keep talking about it because it’s more than a festival; it’s a movement. A built-in safe space to have fun and simply be yourself. Open to anyone who isn’t an asshole and wants to celebrate femininity, Doll Fest welcomes you into the family. It’s dedicated to uplifting marginalized voices and celebrating those society often pushes aside. Located in the heart of the East Bay music scene, we hope this becomes a weekend people look forward to every year.
Downside? One stage, all indoors, for now. The goal is to change that. Wink.

Bad Cop Bad Cop—photo ©dickslaughter.com

#5 DOLL FEST VOLUME III: MEXICO CITY

Yep—Doll Fest is already expanding internationally after just one event. Mexico City is a hub of progressive thinking and rich music culture across every genre. Making this event happen felt almost effortless. With a stellar lineup, this will likely be the event of the year just south of the border. It also coincides with International Women’s Day on March 8, when the city hosts an annual feminist protest. Doll Fest focuses on femmes and anyone who has had the female experience, and the more this mission is shared, the more people want to join, even internationally. That’s pretty damn special.
Downside? You have to hop on a plane if you’re not local. Oh no, travel, culture, food, and lovely people. Tragic.

#4 PUNK ROCK HOLIDAY

Possibly the last—or second-to-last—chance to attend this festival. Picture floating on a beautiful blue lake on a float you crammed into your luggage, partying until the sun goes down. Punk Rock Holiday famously sold out on presales alone without announcing a single band. How is that possible? Because it’s essentially a massive camping trip with friends you haven’t met yet. You’ll leave happy, hungover, and full of memories.
Downside? It may be one of the final editions, so plan for the next one, too.

#3 REBELLION

What better way to celebrate rebelliousness than attending a festival named after it? Rebellion is special. It was my first international festival, and I’ve attended every other year since. Imagine a giant mall with eight stages where you bounce from room to room meeting friends from all over the world. This is their 30th anniversary, and they’re the largest independently run music festival in Europe, possibly the world. Keep supporting non-corporate festivals. Skip Live Nation. Buy the ticket. Also: best meals ever. Mashed potatoes and gravy, at least one per day.
Downside? Small hotel rooms and just-okay accommodations, but some of us adapt.

Editor’s note Someone should cover this; we don’t have photos of the headlining bands

#2 FEST

I’ve been attending festivals since before I needed insoles. Fest 2025 became my favorite festival I’ve ever attended. Were most of the headliners older white men? Yes. Did I see a diverse crowd? Absolutely. Did I make new friends? Yes. Could I strike up a natural conversation with strangers nearby? Fuck yeah. That’s the essence of community building. Their phrase “Fest Friends Forever” truly reflects what they’ve built. I’m counting down the days until Fest 2026.
Downside? You’re giving money to a deeply phobic state—but Gainesville remains a rainbow oasis worth supporting.

#1 MOSSWOOD MELTDOWN

Hosted by the host with the most, the queen of queers, John Waters. I’m usually not big on MCs at festivals, but Waters makes it. The King of Filth delivers riveting, vivacious introductions for each band. Known for its eclectic and consistently great lineups, Mosswood did not disappoint with recent announcements including Bikini Kill, The Dead Milkmen, and the Godfather himself, Iggy Pop.
Downside? Thanks to global warming, it gets pretty toasty—but that’s not Mosswood’s fault.

Honorable Mention

Any event supported or produced by

Punk Rock Saves Lives.

Support them. Get swabbed. Grab Narcan, condoms, tampons, mental-health resources—whatever they’re giving away for free. They’re a nonprofit that actually cares, run by Tina and Rob, who could easily win Cutest Couple of the Year.

Too poor or cheap to buy a T-shirt? We get it.
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Maria Chaos
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Signposts Underground: January 2026