Two of Northern California’s most celebrated independent festivals, Dirtybird Campout and Northern Nights Music Festival just unveiled the phase one lineup for their highly anticipated 2026 return. Taking place July 17-19 at Cook’s Valley Campground along the Humboldt/Mendocino County line, the festival will once again transform the towering Redwoods and Eel River into an intimate, fully immersive playground for music, art, nature, and community.

Returning after a sold-out 2025 debut collaboration, Dirtybird Campout x Northern Nights’ partnership continues to evolve with a sharpened focus on independence, curation, and connection. This year’s Phase One lineup features over 40 artists, with asecond wave still to come.

A Star-Studded Lineup

Leading the 2026 Phase One announcement is internationally acclaimed French artist and fan favorite Northern Nights alumni CloZee, who will also headline a special Road to Dirtybird Campout x Northern Nights show at the Napa Valley Ruins on 5/30, alongside in-demand fan favorite Tape B, who channels the nostalgic sound of old-school dubstep through a contemporary bass and hip-hop lens. They’re joined by Justin Martin, a pioneering figure of the Dirtybird sound revered for his playful and innovative approach to house music, as well as FEMME HOUSE founder LP Giobbi, a dynamic force in piano-driven electronic performance and dance music inclusivity.

Genre fluidity remains a defining thread throughout Dirtybird Campout x Northern Nights’ musical programming. From the commanding presence of UK grime icon Flowdan to the experimental textures of Dimond Saints, the euphoric soundscapes of Daniel Allan, the global house rhythms of Brazil’s Bruno Furlan and DJ Glen, and the timeless grooves of Todd Edwards, the lineup reflects a thoughtfully curated blend of sounds built for discovery.

Live and hybrid performances further expand the festival’s sonic palette, from GoldFish’s electronic-meets-jazz instrumentation and High Step Society’s brass-fueled dance energy to the soul-driven vocals of Kaleena Zanders, the psychedelic funk textures of Shaded (Live), and the groove-rich stylings of Life on Planets.

Dirtybird Campout devotees will flock to a standout roster of label affiliates and longtime favorites. This includes the irreverent, groove-heavy sounds of Sacha Robotti, fresh off the release of his debut album I, ROBOTTI, house and techno mainstay Will Clarke, Chicago stalwart Gene Farris, boundary-pushing selector Mz Worthy, and UK bass innovators Ivy Lab, who bring their farewell tour to the Redwoods. Returning Dirtybird favorites including Christian Martin, Born Dirty, and J.Phlip further anchor a deep and well-rounded bill.

True to the ethos of both brands, the Dirtybird Campout x Northern Nights lineup leans into rising and next-wave talent – artists shaping what’s next in dance music. Breakout names like Bristol linchpin Sam Binga, bass innovator Nitepunk, alternative electronic act Mindchatter (DJ Set), and fast riser DJ Susan reflect this forward-looking approach. Elsewhere, artists including Port London, Know Good, ero808, and underscore the festival’s continued investment in emerging voices.

A Festival Among The Trees

Nestled in the heart of the Emerald Triangle, Cook’s Valley Campground sets the stage with towering Redwoods, riverfront hideaways, and Northern California’s rugged natural beauty, all just 190 miles north of San Francisco. Across the grounds, programming spills out over multiple stages, including the Main Stage, River Stage, Bird Bath Stage, Grove Stage, and late-night Bunker, each carving out its own sonic universe, from sun-drenched grooves along the river to after-hours sessions that stretch deep into sunrise beneath the trees.

Beyond the Music

Dirtybird Campout x Northern Nights leans fully into its free-spirited participatory ethos. Fans can expect a weekend of camp games, artist-led antics, and spontaneous moments that blur the line between performer and crowd, hallmarks of the Dirtybird Campout legacy, set against Northern Nights’ nature-forward, creatively charged backdrop. Whether it’s daytime mischief, late night wanderings, or stumbling upon unexpected back to back sets, it’s less about following a schedule and more about seeing where the weekend takes you.

Dirtybird Campout x Northern Nights expands its ‘Co-Creators’ program, inviting attendees to jump in as volunteers and collaborators, further reinforcing the idea that this isn’t just something you show up to, but something you help build. It’s an open call to bring your own flavor into the mix and leave your mark somewhere between the river and the Redwoods.

New For 2026

This year, Dirtybird Campout x Northern Nights introduces a series of updates designed to enhance the overall experience, including the option for all ticket holders to arrive early with expanded Thursday entry following last year’s pilot program. Fans who purchase passes before June 25 will also have the option to receive wristbands by mail within the U.S., streamlining arrival to the Redwoods. This year’s partners include Cake and Papa’s Herb, alongside Neau Tropics, with additional activations to be revealed on site. The festival will also feature a live screening of the FIFA World Cup 2026, accompanied by a limited run of custom festival jerseys available exclusively on-site.

Snag Your Tickets

With demand already surging, ticket inventory is limited, with various camping options already sold out. Tickets are on sale now via the official Dirtybird Campout x Northern Nights website, including GA and VIP passes, along with a limited selection of remaining camping accommodations. Additional lineup announcements and programming details will be revealed in the coming weeks.