The Hinterland Music Festival 2026 has officially announced its most ambitious lineup yet, expanding to four days for the first time in the festival’s 11-year history. Taking place from Thursday, July 30 through Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in St. Charles, Iowa, the festival promises to deliver an unprecedented musical experience in the heart of the Midwest.
The 2026 lineup features headliners KATSEYE, Lorde, Mumford & Sons, and Kali Uchis, representing a diverse mix of genres from global K-pop sensations to established indie folk legends . The lineup includes Grammy-nominated global girl group KATSEYE, New Zealand hitmaker Lorde, British folk-pop superstars Mumford & Sons, and Latin-tinged R&B songstress Kali Uchis , marking a strategic expansion of the festival’s musical scope.
Historic Expansion Reflects Festival’s Growing Stature
Previously held over three days, Hinterland will expand to a four-day run in 2026, scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 30, and run through Sunday, August 2 . This marks a significant milestone for the festival, which has grown from a modest 14,000 attendees in its inaugural year to becoming one of the Midwest’s most anticipated music events.
Around 35,000 showed up each day in 2025 for a lineup that included Tyler, the Creator, Lana Del Rey and Kacey Musgraves . The festival’s growth trajectory reflects its increasing national recognition, with industry publications taking notice of its unique positioning in the music festival landscape.
Hinterland has earned acclaim from publications such as Pitchfork, which called the festival “an underrated gem in the Midwest” . The Minnesota Star Tribune raved that “Hinterland competed with Coachella for Instagram-worthy moments,” while Business Insider’s Mo Mitchell wrote, “I skipped Lollapalooza for a smaller, cheaper Midwest music festival with some of the same big names” .
Daily Lineup Breakdown Showcases Genre Diversity
Thursday, July 30 features KATSEYE, beabadoobee, Ashnikko, Audrey Nuna, Jane Remover, Frost Children, and Porch Light . The opening day sets the tone with a blend of emerging artists and established acts, providing festivalgoers with an opportunity to discover new sounds.
Friday, July 31 will be headlined by Lorde, with supporting acts including MUNA, Snow Strippers, Paris Paloma, Sofia Isella, and Saint Avangeline . The Friday lineup emphasizes pop and electronic influences, creating a cohesive sonic experience for attendees.
Saturday, August 1 brings Mumford & Sons to headline alongside Jessie Murph, The Format, Santigold, CMAT, Waylon Wyatt, Amble, and Julia Wolf . The Saturday programming reflects the festival’s folk and indie rock roots while incorporating contemporary pop elements.
Sunday, August 2 concludes the festival with Kali Uchis headlining, supported by Young Miko, Geese, Wet Leg, Suki Waterhouse, Audrey Hobert, and Samia . The final day celebrates Latin influences and alternative rock, providing a diverse closing to the extended weekend.
Ticket Information and Revolutionary Refund Policy
Presale for 2026 tickets starts at 11 a.m. CT Thursday, November 20, with general sales beginning Friday, November 21 at 11 a.m. CT . Ticket options include 4-Day General Admission, General Admission+, VIP, and VIP+, along with a variety of camping choices including tent, car, and RV options .
Four-day passes are priced at $365 for general admission, $520 for GA+ and $910 for VIP, with camping sites ranging from $145 to $1,010 . Payment plans start at $25, and camping will be sold on a per-tent or campsite basis, not per person .
The festival continues its innovative “90 Degree Guarantee,” a unique refund policy that demonstrates organizers’ commitment to attendee safety and climate awareness. If the weather forecast on Monday, July 27, at 10:00 a.m. CT predicts temperatures of 90° or higher for any festival day in the 50240 zip code, ticket purchasers can request a refund of their festival admission ticket for that specific day .
Local Economic Impact and Community Integration
For Hinterland weekend, the population of the small town of St. Charles increases by about 4,000%, bringing significant economic benefits to local businesses on Main Street . Tiger Lily Cafe owner Joe Nelson reported serving about 2,300 people over the course of the weekend, which is about two and a half times as big as the town’s current population .
Wayward Saints Gift Shop owner Ben Baringer noted his boutique typically sees about 20% more sales than a normal weekend during Hinterland . The festival’s economic impact extends beyond the immediate weekend, with local businesses preparing months in advance to accommodate the influx of visitors.
The town of St. Charles, with a population of just 648 residents, transforms during festival weekend into a bustling hub of activity. Business owners have learned to adapt their operations, with Tiger Lily Cafe bringing on three employees specifically to handle the crowds after being overwhelmed in previous years .
Climate Commitment and Sustainable Practices
Festival organizers have made climate awareness a central component of their mission, incorporating environmental consciousness into both their policies and programming. As stated in their official communications, “The 10 hottest years on record have all occurred in the past decade. At Hinterland, we are committed to raising awareness about climate change and its impact on our daily lives. We will continue to strive for sustainable choices, both this year and in the years ahead” .
The 90 Degree Guarantee serves as both a practical safety measure and a symbolic commitment to addressing climate change impacts on outdoor events. This policy recognizes the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and provides attendees with financial protection against potentially dangerous conditions.
Artist Recognition and Industry Praise
The festival has earned recognition from both critics and performers for its unique atmosphere and professional execution. Last year’s marquee acts applauded the event, with Jack Antonoff remarking, “Glastonbury, take note,” and Clairo describing it as “one of my favorite crowds ever” .
The single stage setup creates a feeling of community and gives a much more relaxed atmosphere than some larger festivals, with no running between stages, giving festivalgoers the opportunity to grab a spot and enjoy the music all day without the worry of missing out on their favorite artist .
The festival’s growth has been particularly notable since 2023, when country megastar Zach Bryan descended onto the small town of Saint Charles, effectively putting the city and Hinterland Music Festival on the map . This breakthrough moment helped establish Hinterland as a destination festival capable of attracting major touring acts.
Looking Ahead: Festival’s Future Vision
The expansion to four days represents more than just additional programming; it signals the festival’s evolution into a major regional cultural event. Founded in 2015, Hinterland has grown into a celebrated Midwest staple, offering a curated blend of music, camping, art, and community .
The 2026 lineup demonstrates the festival’s ability to balance emerging artists with established headliners, creating opportunities for discovery while ensuring strong attendance. The inclusion of KATSEYE reflects the festival’s recognition of global music trends, while maintaining its foundation in folk, indie, and alternative genres.
Festival organizers have also indicated their commitment to technological innovation, with the 2025 edition introducing Hinterland Uncharted, a new mobile game and immersive digital layer that allowed attendees to explore the festival in new ways . This forward-thinking approach suggests continued evolution in the festival experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Hinterland Music Festival 2026 take place?
Hinterland Music Festival 2026 runs for four days from Thursday, July 30 through Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in St. Charles, Iowa.
Who are the 2026 headliners?
The 2026 headliners are KATSEYE, Lorde, Mumford & Sons, and Kali Uchis, representing diverse genres including K-pop, indie pop, folk rock, and Latin R&B.
When do tickets go on sale for Hinterland Music Festival 2026?
Presale tickets become available Thursday, November 20 at 11 a.m. CT for fans who sign up for presale access. General public sales begin Friday, November 21 at 11 a.m. CT.
What is the 90 Degree Guarantee?
The 90 Degree Guarantee allows ticket holders to request a refund for any day predicted to reach 90° or higher. If the weather forecast on July 27 shows temperatures of 90° or higher for any festival day, attendees can request refunds for those specific days.
Where is Hinterland Music Festival located?
The festival takes place at the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in St. Charles, Iowa, approximately 30 minutes south of Des Moines and easily accessible from Interstate 35.
What ticket options are available for 2026?
Ticket options include 4-Day General Admission ($365), General Admission+ ($520), VIP ($910), and VIP+ packages, with various camping options ranging from $145 to $1,010. Payment plans start at $25.
How has the festival grown over the years?
Since its 2015 inception with 14,000 attendees, Hinterland has grown to approximately 35,000 daily attendees in 2025. The 2026 edition marks the first four-day expansion in the festival’s history.
What makes Hinterland different from other music festivals?
Hinterland features a single-stage format in a naturally formed amphitheater, creating an intimate community atmosphere. The festival combines major touring acts with emerging artists in a rural Iowa setting, offering camping and a unique Midwestern festival experience.