St. Charles, Iowa, calls us back once more, to the hills and magic only Hinterland can summon. It’s a place where poetry rises from the fields and is carried by voices, guitars, and, for the first time, four full days of genre-blending sound. Last year’s festival rewrote the record books: a sold-out Sunday with 25,000 people gathering for Lana Del Rey, the first hip-hop headliner in Hinterland history with Tyler, The Creator, and a cascade of other milestones that reshaped what this festival can be. All of it leads to one question lingering in the air as we return: what new records are waiting to be broken in this new year?
Lineup
Thursday kicks off Hinterweekend with a stacked cast. Audrey Nuna, the artist behind the music for the award-winning Netflix original Kpop Demon Hunters, will take the stage midway through the day, bringing her sharp, genre-bending sound to the Iowa hills. Beabadoobee launches her 2026 summer concert season at Hinterland—a performance that promises to be both intimate and unique. Closing out the night, KATSEYE headlines day one. Their popularity stems not only from their music but from the sheer magic of their live performances. I can’t wait to watch their stage presence and true performance talent shine beneath the blazing orange Iowa sky.
Friday slows the tempo but deepens the emotion, offering a lineup of musical poets. Paris Paloma, a British songwriter whose tracks feel like drifting downstream through a dream, is one I’m especially eager to see. Then comes the goddess herself—Lorde. She’s been one of my most-played artists for years, and her 2025 album Virgin delivered chart-toppers like “What Was That” and “David.” A true veteran of the industry, Lorde’s set will undoubtedly be one of the most unforgettable moments of the weekend.
Saturday shifts genres again, paving the way for warm indie tones and heartfelt storytelling. The voices of Amble and Waylon Wyatt carry a homey resonance. It’s a lineup built for connection and culminates with Mumford and Sons as the day’s headliner. Their sound—shaped by collaborations with Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan—blends folk roots with indie energy, creating a fusion that feels timeless. There’s no better group to soundtrack this summer night under the stars.
The final day closes with an otherworldly/Woodstock feel. Suki Waterhouse and Geese in particular bring a cinematic edge to the afternoon, their sets highlighting the feeling of true nostalgia. As the sun dips low, Kali Uchis takes the stage to headline the festival’s finale. Weaving R&B, Latin pop, and psychedelic soul, she serves as the perfect closing act for Hinterland’s kaleidoscopic weekend.
Activities
Other than this highly anticipated lineup, the festival grounds hold other activities for all ticket holders! Miniland features a schedule of activities for both kids and adults all weekend long. Additionally, daily yoga at 9:00 AM will take place by the Campfire stage, where all levels are welcome, provided you bring your own mat or towel. Finally, over 14 different vendors (including multi-media body art, local clothing, hats, and so many more) and a variety of other merch from Hinterland and performing artists will be released closer to the festival date.
There’s a ton to look forward to this Hinterland season! Tickets for Hinterland are $155 for a one-day general admission ticket, or $390 for a four-day pass (with two or three-day passes also available), as well as VIP upgrades, on-site camping, and multiple shuttle options. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.hinterlandiowa.com. | Michael O’Connor
Stay tuned for coverage of Hinterland, right here on The Arts STL!
