CBGB Festival Announces Lineup, Including Morrissey, Patti Smith, and Sex Pistols

This year’s CBGB Festival lineup has been announced. The lineup includes Morrissey, Patti Smith, Sex Pistols, Bikini Kill, Buzzcocks, Mannequin Pussy, Militarie Gun, Circle Jerks, and Interpol. Additionally, Sleater-Kinney and Fred Armisen will perform as a Ramones tribute. The pairing has played multiple shows this year under the name The Return of Jackie and Judy, and will bring the tribute to New York. The festival takes place on September 26 at Under The K Bridge Park in Brooklyn, New York.

CBGB & OMFUG was a well-known music venue in New York City, founded in 1973. The venue featured up-and-coming punk bands and became an iconic hub for the genre. Initially, the venue was set to feature country, bluegrass, and blues. Bands such as The Ramones, Blondie, Television, and Talking Heads got their start at the venue, turning the place into the iconic punk venue. CBGB’s is no longer there, as the original spot is now a clothing store. Still, the legacy of the venue continues with the CBGB Festival.

CBGB Festival Returns After Its Launch in 2025

On September 27, 2025, the CBGB Festival launched in Brooklyn in celebration of the venue’s 50th anniversary. The inaugural year included performances from Iggy Pop, Jack White, Sex Pistols, The Damned, and Cro Mags. Other bands who played the 2025 festival include Melvins, Gorilla Biscuits, Johnny Marr, and Marky Ramone.

For the 2026 festival, attendees will also see installations such as the original bar and stage from the club. Punk fans from all over the country are expected to attend, following the announcement of another stacked bill.

Dave Grohl’s daughter, Violet Grohl, has also been added to the festival lineup. Violet has set out to make a name for herself, despite negative public opinions of “nepo babies.” She’s been called one before and doesn’t seem to care.

In an interview with The Forty-Five, Violet Grohl shrugged off the label and stated, “Obviously, doors are open for me because of my last name. It’s not something I’m ever going to hide behind or say, ‘No, I worked so hard for this! You guys shouldn’t say that! That hurts my feelings.’ I don’t care, I really don’t.” With that kind of punk attitude, Violet is a great addition to the festival’s lineup for 2026.