Festival Line-Up Season Begins: What to Watch For in the 2027 Announcements

The leaves are falling, but festival season is already on the horizon. Over the coming months, festivals large and small will start revealing their 2027 line-ups – and early-bird tickets often sell out fast.

Early birds and payment plans

Many festivals now release a first tier of cheaper tickets before a single act is announced, along with payment plans that spread the cost. If you already know you're going, signing up for newsletters is the best way to catch them.

Look further down the bill

The headliners grab the headlines, but the real treasure is often in the smaller print. Festival stages for new and independent talent are where tomorrow's big names are found. Make a list of the acts you don't know and give them a listen before the weekend.

The rise of boutique festivals

Smaller, independent festivals continue to grow in popularity, offering carefully curated line-ups, shorter queues and a friendlier atmosphere. Many champion local artists and genres you won't hear on the main stages elsewhere.

Artists: start planning now

Many festivals open applications for emerging artists over the winter. Keep your live videos, photos and press coverage up to date so you're ready to apply when slots open.

We'll be keeping an eye on the announcements – and on the new names worth discovering – right here.