Beneath the Surface: Paradise City 2026 Unveils Its First Wave of Artists

Belgium’s Paradise City Festival is already proving that 2026 will be anothersummer to remember. After a smooth start to ticket sales, the festival has just lifted the veil on the first names for its upcoming edition — and it’s a beautifully layered mix of pioneers, storytellers, and rising stars.

This year’s theme, Beneath the Surface, signals a deeper journey through sound and emotion. Beyond beats and basslines, the festival’s curators aim for something immersive — music that stirs the senses and pulls you further into its world.

Among the first 26 announced artists, techno icon Richie Hawtin and Berlin duo Modeselektor lead the charge. They’re joined by acts known for their hypnotic, narrative-driven sets — Jane Fitz & Marco Shuttle, Zip, CARISTA, Ogazon, Map.ache (live) en Lola Haro — each bringing a distinct sense of depth and patience to the decks.

For fans chasing pure euphoria, expect high-energy moments from DJ HEARTSTRING, Helena Lauwaert, Benwalen Malugi, while Job Jobse returns to the legendary Forest Stage — the scene of his unforgettable 2024 closing set.

The UK underground makes its mark too, with Palms Trax, Floating Pointsen Interplanetary Criminal representing the scene’s ever-evolving pulse. On the live performance front, sonic explorers such as Takuya Nakamura, Octo Octa, Steffi & Virginiaen Mind Enterprises promise warmth, unpredictability, and emotion in equal measure.

Looking to the future, Paradise City also welcomes avant-garde newcomers ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U en Aayna, alongside a special appearance from iconic Dutch band De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig — a coup for fans of Amsterdam’s vibrant electronic culture.

As always, the festival’s lush castle setting near Brussels, creative scenography, and sustainability-driven ethos promise more than just a weekend — it’s a full sensory escape. From sunlit afternoon grooves to intense late-night journeys, this year’s Paradise City is set to deliver another unforgettable start to summer.

Tickets Vanish in Record Time

It’s clear the Paradise community couldn’t wait to return. 3-Day, Camping, and Saturday Tickets are now completely sold out — and it happened faster than ever before. Last year, Saturday tickets disappeared a week before the festival; this time, they sold out in less than 24 hours, with camping gone in under 30 minutes, even before a single artist was announced.

The organizers expressed deep gratitude for this incredible vote of confidence: “That trust, that support, means more to us than we can put into words. Thank you.”

If you’ve missed out on the main passes, a limited number of Friday and Sunday tickets are still available — but likely not for long.

🎟 Get your remaining tickets here: Get Your Tickets
🌿 Discover the full first lineup: Who Plays When
💫 More info: Official Paradise City Website