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The wait is over: the 2026 XPoNential Music Festival is finally here!

All weekend, we’re hosting national artists such as Portugal. The Man, Dawes, Little Feat, Sierra Hull, Ratboys, and Leif Vollebekk. We’re also welcoming stellar local acts: Langhorne Slim, Devon Gilfillian, Mackenzie Johnson, and The Flying Vees (our 2026 24 Hour Song Challenge winners), to name a few.

You can still buy festival passes online here

Full lineup and recaps below

Sunday

Sept 20 · Gates open 12:00pm

They really do save the best for last. Day 3 of XPNFest kicked off with Fat Mezz and had all the energy. The rock n’ roll group originated on the Jersey Shore and infused blues, soul, and psychedelic influences into their set. They took the ‘Mezz’ from Milton Mezzrow, famed midcentury jazz saxophonist. “Three Years & a Day,” sung by bassist Dom Levy, filled the Marina Stage with energy and got people on their feet. The band members, all vocalists, took turns as lead singer, with Corey Chodes singing “Sure to Start,” guitarist Billy Thoden taking on “Lucky” and “Sleepin’ With the Fish,” and guitarist Kurt Foster singing “Guilty Dawn.” Between guitar solos and fun vocals, Fat Mezz delivered on a set that got us hype and showed off that spirit of brotherly love.  

— Maeve Zeleniak

Backed by a tight five-piece band, Tyler Ballgame gave one of the most expressive vocal performances of the weekend. His slightly vintage songwriting shone on the title track of his debut project For the First Time, Again, which came out in January, also containing the infectious radio fav “I Believe In Love. The crowd’s energy spiked each time the singer performed the track’s familiarly bouncy chorus. “We’ve been like a family out on the road for the past few years,” Ballgame explained; the group came through NON-COMM back in May and introduced themselves to the XPN crowd. Later this fall, they’ll be leading a headlining tour across the U.S. 

— Atticus Deeny

To listen to Sierra Hull live is nothing short of a full-body experience. The pulse of the drums and standup bass in the chest, the harmonies making hairs stand on end, the mandolin firing at machine-gun speed all make you question of Hull is truly human or some otherworldly being sent to get you rootin’, tootin’, and levitatin’. In short, Hull is a beast—nominated for a Grammy twice, voted Mandolin Player of the Year six times, and continuing to make Americana and folk just plain fun. She hit the crowed with originals such as “Wings of the Dawn,” a cover of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World,” and impossibly fast mandolin riffing alongside the fiddle, guitar and bass. And after hearing her latest single, “Feelin’ Good Again,” we’re feeling pretty good, as well. 

— Maeve Zeleniak

The rain continued to hold off as the Chicago-based Ratboys took the River Stage. They came out incredibly strong, quickly rattling off three of the most popular tracks from their February 2026 album, Singin’ to an Empty Chair (of which the band just dropped an extended version Friday). Will Hendriksen of Florry made a guest appearance on fiddle for their fourth track, filling out the band’s already solid sound, complete with two electric guitars, pedal steel, and bass. Ratboys’ lead singer Julia Steiner rocked two uniquely fly guitars, and praised our wonderful city: “We told our booking agent it’s not a good year unless we play Philly at least 3 times!” The band also took part in the Make The World Better weekend event back in July, delivering some of the most upbeat pop-rock you’ll hear this year, with wildly catchy hooks and some tastefully lengthy compositions.

— Atticus Deeny

Langhorne Slim knows how to work a crowd. The Bucks County native came home from Tennessee pumped to be on the Marina Stage. at XPoNential Music Festival; and, man, did he deliver. Onstage, Slim killed it with raw vocals and an energy that led him everywhere—both on the drummer’s stage and back through the grass at the Marina. From pulsing amp-you-up numbers such as opener “Dream Come True” to gentle ballads like “Song for Silver,” Slim made anyone who wasn’t already a fan fall for him hard. Ending on throwback “Past Lives,” Slim was fully immersed in the crowd, literally. Oh, and the Birds won halfway through Slim’s set. Coincidence or a lucky charm? My guess is yours. 

— Maeve Zeleniak

Rebirth Brass Band is serving up their funky-jazzy tunes Sunday afternoon to bring a little bit of New Orleans flair to Camden.

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Madison Cunningham will show off her guitar mastery and lyrical prowess on our Marina Stage.

Classic rock icons Little Feat have been at it for nearly 60 years, and we’re lucky to have them closing out our 2026 XPoNential Music Festival.

Saturday

Sept 19 · Gates open 12:00pm

Luscious vocal harmonies opened the second day of XPoNential Music Festival 2026. This year’s 24 Hour Song Challenge winners The Flying Vees shined on the River Stage, beginning with an impressive a cappella round, and continuing into some bluesy folk tunes. The all-female quartet featured three vocalists, keys, electric guitar, and some fun hand percussion. Following their contest-winning track “Workman’s Song #1,” the group commanded the attention of the crowd with an extremely moving original song condemning the predatory harassment of women by powerful men. The Vees closed with an equally political—yet very humorous—song declaring their distaste for the billionaires of the world.

— Atticus Deeny

Philadelphia’s Zoe Lemon took on day two of XPoNential Music Fest with a full band behind her. Last time she played at WXPN, there was just violin and keys and a much more reserved atmosphere. In this set she was much freer, interacting with the crowd, dancing, and making costume changes. She took a second in between vocals to turn on her bubble machine. That led to the feeling she created her own little world of whimsical, carefree music and invited us all to take a peek in. At times, she played her violin like a guitar in tandem with the twinkly sound of Donald McGrath’s own guitar. On keys and drums were Manu Gajanan and Matt Jernigan, respectively.

— Danielle  Ciampaglia

“It’s about to get witchy up in here,” Mackenzie Johnson said, as she continued the folk theme for the day two River Stage performances. Accompanied by four others (bass, electric guitar, drums, vocals), Johnson’s acoustic guitar-based sound was a great fit for the breezy afternoon. In between originals, Johnson and the band snuck in an appropriate cover of ELO’s “Strange Magic.” With two straight finals appearances in the 24-Hour Song Challenge, it was only a matter of time before the Bucks County singer appeared at the festival.

“I wrote the saddest summer song I could,” she said as she introduced her final track, which had been written for the 2024 challenge.

The onset of chillier fall weather doesn’t have to bring sorrow, but when it’s captured in such a beautiful way, it’s only right to feel the sadness for a second. 

— Atticus Deeny

Producer and instrumentalist Grace Gardner is just one of Philadelphia’s heavy hitters at this year’s XPoNential Music Festival. When going to the song “Something You’re Proud Of,” Gardner talked about people who have unhealthy and uncomfortable relationships to power. The song, they said, was an attempt to reclaim power in a music industry that can make artists feel small and replaceable. In the last half of the set, Gardner and guitarist Lonnie Davis shared vocals to cover Lady A’s 2009 hit “Need You Now,” which is a funny choice until you hear how epic the cover is. Gardner and their band have an obviously fun time on stage, and their crowd interactions are so endearing that it’s impossible not to leave charmed.

— Danielle Ciampaglia

The River Stage performances took a darker turn as Kentucky-based rocker S.G. Goodman began her set. Dressed in black overalls and a camo t-shirt, Goodman’s attire reflected her “Work Until I Die” opener, along with her later lyrics that told stories of hardworking family life. Her band’s guitars were crunchy, warm, and twangy, creating the basis of her southern rock sound. With bass, keys, drums, and plenty of reverb, the set was atmospheric and full. The storytelling of “Snapping Turtle” stood out; apparently the song had been nominated for Song of the Year at the 2025 Americana Awards, but lost to Brandi Carlisle, which the singer jokingly pouted about on stage. Goodman and crew finished with a cover of “Pepper” by Butthole Surfers, which actually appears on her extended album (Re) Planting by the Signs, which was released in May. 

— Atticus Deeny

Couch is a band oozing with musicianship. Hailing from Boston, they drove through Philly this morning to come play the Marina Stage at XPoNential Music Festival. They’re a proponent of something I believe we need more of: bass solos. Bassist Will Griffin was a driving force behind a set that already is filled with talented and charismatic musicians. For trumpet player Eric Tarlin, it actually was his first time playing with Couch. Vocalist Tema Siegel was singing with her whole chest, running around without ever slowing down, showing a true feat of athleticism. With every song she seemed to get more and more hyped with a crowd who couldn’t get enough of her. Their performance had a respect to it that was palpable: with each solo, the other band members moved to the sides, often still playing their instruments but still giving the soloist the space and reverie they deserve. 

— Danielle Ciampaglia

XPoNential knew they were in for a show when seven suited, shades-wearing gentlemen walked onto the River Stage, followed by St. Paul (Janeway) himself, draped in a gold-sequined robe and sparkling spiked loafers to match. The band automatically brought the energy, thanks in part to the trumpet, trombone, and baritone sax. Their frontman had majestic stage presence and a slight, soulful rasp to his voice (think white Cee-Lo Green without the tweets). Jokes aside, it was a commanding performance with great emotional dynamics and personality, which also lured a massive crowd to the front of the lawn to dance. Couch back-to-back with St. Paul and the Broken Bones is likely to be the most electric sequence of XPoNential 2026. Standout solos were provided by Browan Lollar on electric guitar and Amari Ansari on sax, while Janeway capped the epic set by entering the crowd and climbing a ladder to sing “Sanctify.”

— Atticus Deeny

Canadian pianist, singer, songwriter, and mediocre surfer Lief Vollebekk closed out the Marina Stage for night two of XPoNential Music Festival. His confessional style songwriting reminds me a bit of Bleachers’ Jack Antonoff, rhythmic in a way that’s on the more poetic side of musical. Halfway through his set, he played the track “Surfer’s Journal” off his 2024 album Revolation. With his drummer behind him rolling around an ocean drum, he explained how a failed attempt at surfing sent him to a place that allowed for some good songwriting: the bottom of the ocean. With the river behind him and the sound of ocean waves around us, Vollebekk took us somewhere, somehow, more serene than New Jersey.

— Danielle Ciampaglia

By far the most distorted entrance of day two, Portugal. The Man absolutely rocked the River Stage as the sun set behind the Philly skyline. The six-piece Alaska-born group’s chaotic fun was emphasized by a wild light show, which was in full effect as dusk set in. After kicking off the set with three tracks from their most recent album SHISH, the band pulled out some older tracks. Who’s “So American” is better: theirs or The 1975? Peak 2000’s-2010’s indie rock had returned. 

Since appearing on World Cafe in 2013 and 2017, PTM have been in the WXPN radio rotation for years, and they jam-packed the setlist with radio essentials: “Dummy,” “Purple Yellow Red and Blue,” “Live In The Moment,” “What, Me Worry?” Group background vocals added depth to their performance, as many songs had five of the six musicians singing behind frontman John Gourley. His static position, front and center, created a cool visual as the guitarist, bassist, and backing vocalist made the most of the stage’s space. After bringing awareness to a few foundations the band has started regarding indigenous land and DHDDS respectively, PTM had to save their massive hit “Feel It Still” for last, when Gourley invited all the kids in the crowd to come up and dance.

— Atticus Deeny

Friday

Sept 18 · Gates open 4:30pm

Local to Philly, but more local to Jersey, Te Vista kicked off XPoNential Festival 2026. But what is South Jersey if not an extension of Philadelphia? They’re a stylish bunch, with guitarist Niko Berardo in head-to-toe denim. Their rock sound is pretty retro, heavy drums and deep bass playing foil to delicate harmonies concocted by Berardo and fellow guitarist Ricky Hardin. The harmonies especially shone during “Made From You,” when bassist Grace Halter joined in on vocals, too. After playing a well-received Free At Noon and getting a bit of a standing ovation at today’s set, Te Vista is slowly becoming a local darling. 

— Danielle Ciampaglia

The instrumental brilliance of Daniel Villarreal and his trio kicked off the River Stage performances for XPoNential Music Festival 2026, creating complex soundscapes through vibraphone (Victor Vieira-Branco), upright bass (Matt Engle), and drums. Originally from Panama City, the percussionist and band leader spent time in Chicago before forming his current group in Philly. It was easy to be swept away by the magical tones of the vibraphone, and Villarreal’s rhythms moved the band through dynamic ups and downs. Aside from the normal drums, his kit included a small gong-like cymbal, ride cymbal beads, and a separate string of shaker-like bells, adding unique texture to his performance.

— Atticus Deeny

Devon Gilfillian is grateful. He’s grateful to have so much family in the audience at today’s XPoNential Festival. Among them was his father, who a few years ago suffered a heart attack. That was a reminder for him of the harsh reality of our mortality, and now he takes this gratitude to the stage. Gllfillian reminded the crowd to hold onto the people close to you because you never know how long you have. He had a coolness about him that was infectious, and had the crowd up and dancing despite the late-summer heat.

— Danielle Ciampaglia

 

As the sun set behind the Philly skyline, the Dead rose. Led by Cyril Neville, the six-piece band paid tribute to the Grateful Dead—amongst others—with a handful of tunes, automatically drawing a large crowd to the stage with “Touch of Grey.” Cyril began performing in New Orleans with his late brother Art during the late ‘60s and ‘70s as The Meters, and recently embarked on a Dead-inspired tour, a concept which translated quite well in the festival setting. “These are the best young musicians New Orleans has right now,” Neville declared, regarding his band. The mix of southern blues and classic rock had tons of people dancing—surely the greats would’ve been pleased by their soulful renditions. Shoutout to the eight-string guitar, five-string bass, and six-keyboard setup as well.

— Atticus Deeny

The ever funky Budos Band took its nine members onstage at XPoNential Music Festival to treat the crowd with almost an hour of horns, thrumming bass, and three types of percussion. There’s no words to their songs, but when they did speak, they called themselves “a cobra without fangs.” They might look dangerous, but ultimately they’re just sweethearts. Three fourths of the way through their set, a fireworks show started in the river in a sort of overwhelming amount of noise from both directions. Despite some technical difficulties and a surprise noisy competitor, the Staten Island funk outfit said they had the best night of their life.

— Danielle Ciampaglia

Night one of the 2026 XPoNential Music Festival closed with a performance from one of the most beloved acts in XPN history—California’s brother band Dawes. Despite this being their sixth appearance at the festival (2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019, and now 2026), the River Stage crowd was on their feet as the group played their smooth, organ-laden brand of pop-rock. In between anthemic choruses and occasionally humorous lyrics, the band had soaring instrumental moments, a few featuring lead singer Taylor Goldsmith on guitar. The audience held their own as the band cut out for them to sing the last chorus of “When My Time Comes.” Midway through, they debuted a mostly spoken song called “The Cliff,” and revealed that they have a new album recorded.

In a very transparent moment, Taylor acknowledged the few recent years when the band had to unfortunately pull out of XPoNential, including when he found out that his child was due in the same month of the 2024 fest. Luckily, everything went according to plan in 2026, and Dawes was able to deliver an impeccable set on a perfect September night. 

Before the band performed their last song, “All Your Favorite Bands,” Goldsmith gave the crowd a parting message: “we’ll keep showing up if y’all keep showing up.”

— Atticus Deeny

All set times are subject to change

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