Slam Dunk Festival is back for 2026, and this year’s edition feels extra special. The festival is once again hitting both Hatfield Park in Hertfordshire on Saturday 23 May and Temple Newsam Park in Leeds on Sunday 24 May over the late May bank holiday weekend. Organisers are marking a milestone with the 20th anniversary of the festival, so you can expect a full weekend of big names, new surprises, and plenty of party vibes.

The headliners this year are going to pull in some major crowds! Pop punk favourites Good Charlotte return for an exclusive UK performance that fans have been waiting a long time for, while Californian legends Sublime will be making their first ever UK appearance. Add in Taking Back Sunday celebrating two decades since one of their most iconic albums and it’s clear this year’s top billing mixes nostalgia and UK exclusives.

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Beyond the headliners, the lineup spans a wide range of alternative sounds. On the emo and pop punk side you’ve got acts like Dashboard Confessional, Motion City Soundtrack, Stand Atlantic and Cartel, all bringing singalong moments and high-energy sets. Ska and punk roots shine with bands like Goldfinger and The Suicide Machines, while rock and alt figures, including The Menzingers and Deaf Havana add even more depth to the bill.

A genuinely exciting new addition for 2026 is the festival’s heavy stage setup. To celebrate 20 years, Slam Dunk is introducing not just one but two dedicated heavy stages, running side by side with no set clashes. These will spotlight metalcore, hardcore and post-hardcore acts throughout the day and evening. Big names like Knocked Loose, Bury Tomorrow and Cancer Bats will headline these stages alongside a strong supporting cast including Malevolence, Dying Wish, Heriot and Static Dress. It gives fans of heavier music a proper space to dive in, and many punters will be planning to spend their day here seeing the best heavy live bands around.

With so many bands across multiple genres, there’s a lot to look forward to, whether you’re reliving favourites or discovering something new. A quick look at the official list reveals acts ranging from slick pop punk and heartfelt emo to heavier, harder-edged sounds. The mix embodies the festival’s spirit of variety, with something for nearly every taste in alternative music.

And the music doesn’t have to end when the final set does, the official after parties are already locked in. This year they will take place at The Forum in Hatfield, The Underworld in Camden, and The Key Club in Leeds. Each venue is well known for late nights and loud crowds, so if you are not ready to call it a day once the main stages close, there is plenty of opportunity to keep the party going well into the early hours.

All in all, Slam Dunk Festival 2026 looks set to be a memorable one. From big headliners and packed lineups to the brand new heavy stages and late-night celebrations in the city, there’s plenty to be excited about, whether you’re a veteran attendee or heading along for the first time.

Tickets and info on both dates of slam Dunk Fest 2026 are here:

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY LORNA LEAHY
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