This Is Hardcore will officially return in 2026, though the longtime hardcore festival will be taking place much later in the year than usual.
The festival has confirmed that its 2026 edition will run December 19th-20th at Club Reverb in Reading, PA, marking a significant departure from its traditional summer timeframe.
The announcement also comes as This Is Hardcore prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Organizers explained that the decision to move the festival into December allows them to maintain the event’s DIY roots while avoiding an increasingly crowded summer festival calendar.
“We appreciate the interest of what is going on with This Is Hardcore 2026, especially with a Hellfest on each coast, several fantastic fests all slated across the country and calendar.
It makes sense for TIHC at the 20 year mark to continue to have fun doing the fest for the real fans, young and old and to give a proper lineup at a great space, while not trying to lose the script of where we started off. 2006 TIHC was put on to bring back a truly DIY approach to fests, showcasing fan favorites, up and coming bands and keep things hardcore focused.”
The organizers also highlighted Club Reverb as a major factor in the decision, pointing to the venue’s history of hosting hardcore shows and its connection to the local scene.
“This Is Hardcore 2026 will take place at Club Reverb in Reading, PA. Years of doing shows and Keystone HC Holiday Jam have proven that the room is perfect for us to celebrate 20 years in the right way. Owned and operated for nearly 20 years by a lifelong hardcore kid, Chris has been constantly on the list of best privately owned music venues in the country.”
Further details, including the 2026 lineup, are still pending.
The festival organizers are also set to host an Instagram livestream on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. EST through the official This Is Hardcore account, where additional information is expected to be shared.
“Truly hope to see you all in December. We will have more information soon and hope to see you all to celebrate 20 years of This Is Hardcore in December.”
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