2026 ‘C.Y. Fest’ Canceled Following Allegations, Artist Boycotts & Promoter Shakeups

The 2026 edition of ‘C.Y. Fest’ has officially been canceled after weeks of mounting controversy that saw allegations emerge against the festival’s founder, multiple artist withdrawals, and several changes in leadership behind the event.

Trouble began when festival founder Ignacio “Nacho Corrupted” Rodriguera faced multiple allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct. As the accusations circulated online, a growing number of scheduled performers publicly distanced themselves from the event and began dropping off the lineup. Rodriguera denied the claims, calling them “false” and “misinformation,” and stated he intended to address the matter through legal channels.

Amid the escalating backlash, Rodriguera stepped down from organizing duties following discussions with Tankcrimes owner Scotty Heath, who attempted to step in and salvage the festival for the benefit of fans and participating artists. Heath stated he had no prior relationship with Rodriguera and had reached out independently in hopes of stabilizing the situation.

However, less than two days after announcing his involvement, Heath also withdrew from the role, explaining that the rapidly evolving situation left too many unanswered questions for him to responsibly continue. In a statement addressing his exit, he said:

“…There’s just too many questions came in from you guys that I don’t have the answers for, so I just felt like I was in over my head. I really… I did make a solid attempt, but I think I rushed the announcement. It was less than 30 hours after I’d done it, and everything happened pretty spontaneously, and I was just trying to get out there so quick, because the fest is coming up so soon, so I have bowed out of that, and I’ve the venues are still running the fest.

They have very competent staff and in-house people that will be doing that. But because there’s so many unanswered questions that I don’t have the answers for. I can’t do it.”

Following Heath’s departure on March 18th, organizers confirmed today that the festival itself would no longer move forward. A message shared via the event’s Instagram story announced:

“C.Y. FEST 2026 IS CANCEL ALL TICKETS HAVE BEEN REFUNDED AUTOMATICALLY TO YOUR BANK ACCOUNT. IT WILL TAKE 24–48 HOURS TO HIT YOUR ACCOUNT

VENDORS DM FOR REIMBURSEMENT

PRESHOWS WILL HAVE MORE INFO SOON!”

The festival had been scheduled for March 28th at The Belasco in Los Angeles, CA, with acts including Subhumans, Eyehategod, Pig Destroyer, Ghoul, and others originally booked. In the days leading up to the cancellation, at least 13 artists — among them Subhumans, Ghoul, Dropdead, and Weekend Nachos — withdrew or joined a boycott tied to the controversy.

The cancellation marks another setback for the event, which had already faced delays. The 2025 edition of ‘C.Y. Fest’ was previously postponed due to what organizers described at the time as unavoidable work commitments with the city of Los Angeles. Tickets purchased for that postponed event were rolled over to the now-canceled 2026 festival, leaving some attendees facing a second disruption despite automatic refunds now being issued.

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