NEOPOP celebrates 20 years with ANTIPOP theme for 2026
Nodding to its early years under the name ANTIPOP, the Portuguese festival reclaims its roots this summer
Portugal’s NEOPOP Festival has revealed its theme for 2026, ANTIPOP, a nod to its early years under the same name, as it gears up for its 20th anniversary celebrations.
NEOPOP is set to return to the Forte de Santiago da Barra in Viana do Castelo, northern Portugal, from August 6 - 8, enlisting more than 100 names across its bill.
This year marks NEOPOP’s 20th anniversary, a milestone year for the festival and a promise to be its most "ambitious" yet with an array of unique and never-before-seen b2b performances.
Those already announced to perform this year include FJAAK b2b KiNK, DJ Gigola, Ivan Smagghe, Helena Hauff b2b IMOGEN, Ellen Allien, Goldie, Héctor Oaks b2b Partiboi69 and many more.
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With its newly announced ANTIPOP theme, the festival says that it "makes sense to pause, look back, and remember where it all began," with an ode to its fledgling years.
"The celebration of NEOPOP’s 20 years is not only about commemorating our trajectory, it’s a moment that allows us to reflect on the future and growth of this project," says Gustavo Pereira, a member of the NEOPOP organisation.
"When we started, we were part of a niche, the counterculture of counterculture. Today, electronic music has evolved from something avant-garde, unknown, and underground into a global phenomenon."
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It comes alongside a slew of changes for this year’s edition, including a transformation of the main stage and the introduction of another named Back Stage, an "ironic" take on VIP culture and "everything the festival stands against".
New additions to the bill include The Martinez Brothers, Indira Paganotto, Dubfire, and a very special show from Richie Hawtin, who will bring his "fully immersive" live show, DEX EFX X0X, to the festival.
Find out more about NEOPOP and grab your tickets here.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Associate Digital Editor, follow her on X