Experts Only Festival Expands: Beyond the Randall’s Island Main Stage
The anticipation for John Summit’s Experts Only Festival in New York has reached a fever pitch. With the 2026 installment set to transform Randall’s Island into a sonic playground on September 19-20, organizers Relentless Beats, EMW Presents, and Medium Rare have curated a massive lineup. Attendees can look forward to double-header headlining sets from Summit himself, alongside heavy hitters like GRiZ and Subtronics-including the highly anticipated Subjohnics b2b set. The three-stage layout will also feature a diverse blend of house, techno, bass, and indie dance, with performances from Prospa, Taiki Nulight, and collaborative sets like Max Styler b2b Adam Ten and Innellea b2b Korolova.
However, the festival experience is no longer confined to the island. The organizers have confirmed that the momentum will carry over into the city’s nightlife scene, ensuring the energy remains high long after the final set on Randall’s Island concludes.
Elevated Beginnings: The Max Styler Pre-Party
The festivities officially kick off on September 18 with a high-altitude pre-party at the Marquee Skydeck, located at Edge at Hudson Yards.
This venue offers a unique vantage point, sitting over 1,100 feet above the Manhattan streets. With 360-degree open-air views of the skyline, it provides a sophisticated backdrop for the high-octane production synonymous with the Tao Group. Max Styler, who is already slated for a standout b2b performance with Adam Ten during the festival, will headline this opening event. Fans can expect a masterclass in house music, serving as the perfect atmospheric primer for the weekend ahead. Given the venue’s limited capacity and the growing demand for premium festival experiences, this event is expected to be a sell-out, mirroring the trend of “destination” pre-parties that have become staples in major electronic music hubs like Miami and Ibiza.
Late-Night Sessions at Pacha New York
For those looking to keep the rhythm going once the festival grounds clear, the official after-party will take place at the legendary Pacha New York. Known for its immersive sound systems and club-culture heritage, Pacha remains a cornerstone of the city’s nightlife, providing the ideal environment for the Experts Only brand to extend its reach into the early morning hours.
