Experts Only Festival Returns to Randall's Island This September

John Summit's acclaimed electronic music event promises another immersive weekend in NYC.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:40pm

An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged shapes in red and white, capturing the high-energy, escapist spirit of an electronic music festival.The Experts Only Festival's vibrant return to Randall's Island promises another immersive weekend of electronic music, community, and shared euphoria.NYC Today

After a successful debut in 2025, the Experts Only Festival, curated by DJ John Summit, is returning to New York City's Randall's Island Park for a second year on September 19-20, 2026. The two-day electronic music event will feature a lineup including Summit, GRiZ, Prospa, and other top acts, continuing to establish the festival as a major fixture in the city's vibrant music scene.

Why it matters

As electronic music's popularity continues to grow in New York, the return of Experts Only Festival signals a significant cultural moment that blends music, community, and the shared experience of live performance into a single weekend destination.

The details

Following last year's sold-out success, the 2026 Experts Only Festival will once again transform Randall's Island into one of the city's largest dance music destinations. Headliner John Summit is not only performing but also curating the entire weekend lineup, ensuring a cohesive vision that reflects his signature high-energy sound and growing influence in the global electronic music community. The festival's theme of 'escape, connection, and collective energy' is expected to be central to the overall experience.

  • The 2026 Experts Only Festival is scheduled for September 19-20, 2026.
  • Tickets for the festival go on sale on Friday, April 3, 2026, with presale access beginning at 10:00 a.m. EST and general on-sale at 12:00 p.m. EST.

The players

John Summit

A DJ and electronic music producer who is the curator and headliner of the Experts Only Festival.

Experts Only Festival

A two-day electronic music event held annually at Randall's Island Park in New York City, founded and curated by DJ John Summit.

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What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Experts Only Festival go on sale on Friday, April 3, 2026, with presale access beginning at 10:00 a.m. EST and general on-sale at 12:00 p.m. EST. Given the rapid sell-out of last year's event, fans are encouraged to register early to secure their spot.

The takeaway

The return of the Experts Only Festival to Randall's Island highlights the growing prominence of electronic music in New York City's cultural landscape, as the event continues to attract top talent and build a loyal following among dance music fans in the region.