Underground Music Showcase Announces 2026 Lineup for First Festival in the RiNo Art District

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Underground Music Showcase Announces 2026 Lineup for First Festival in the RiNo Art District

More than 200 performances and one of the festival’s largest local lineups to date will take over 12+ venues and creative spaces across RiNo July 24–26

DENVER — (May 14, 2026) — The Underground Music Showcase (UMS), Denver’s longest-running independent music festival, in partnership with the RiNo Business Improvement District (BID) and experiential agency Two Parts, today unveiled the lineup for its 2026 festival in the River North (RiNo) Art District July 24–26. The three-day festival brings together nationally touring artists, breakout acts, and one of the festival’s largest local lineups to date, featuring more than 200 performances across main stages, independent venues, and creative spaces throughout RiNo.

Headlining artists span a wide range of sounds, from 54 Ultra’s nostalgic blend of Latin soul, disco, and synth-driven rock to slenderbodies’ dreamy indie electronic textures and Goldie Boutilier’s cinematic mix of noir-pop, Americana, and alt-country storytelling. Other artists include Kaash Paige, Tommy Newport, Charlotte Sands, MAVI, Twin Shadow, King Mala, Deb Never, The Droptines, and BAD NERVES, alongside more than 160 local artists performing.

“This year’s lineup really reflects what UMS has always been about — putting local artists and nationally touring acts in conversation with each other,” said Keanan Stoner, UMS Festival Director. “We have artists coming through Denver appearing at festivals like Coachella, Outside Lands, and Lollapalooza this year, but what makes UMS special is getting to experience them in a more intimate, discovery-driven setting alongside the artists shaping Denver’s music scene. We’re excited to bring that experience into RiNo in a way that still feels unmistakably UMS.”

At this year’s UMS, fans can expect to hear a wide range of genres and sounds, ranging from moody alternative R&B, dreamy indie electronic, and synth-driven indie rock to jazz-influenced experimental hip-hop, cinematic alt-pop, modern Americana, and high-energy punk rock. Fans can explore the lineup through an interactive page where attendees can learn more about artists and “favorite” acts ahead of the scheduled release, making discovery part of the experience well before festival weekend.

RiNo’s dense, walkable layout allows festivalgoers to move easily between shows while exploring one of the nation’s top art districts. Home to more than 100 small businesses and 200 colorful murals from global and local artists, the neighborhood is filled with independent restaurants, bars, galleries, breweries, and creative spaces, making it easy for attendees to grab a meal, enjoy a beverage, or spend time exploring the district between sets.

“Discovering new artists and experiencing them in unexpected venues is central to the UMS experience, and RiNo creates the perfect environment for that spirit to keep growing,” said Terry Madeksza, Executive Director of the RiNo BID. “Throughout the weekend, music will spill out across venues, bars, galleries, creative studios, and other spaces, giving people new ways to explore RiNo, discover new artists, and support the more than 100 businesses that make the district so special. UMS is exactly the kind of district-wide experience RiNo was built for.”

With weekend passes starting at $95, UMS continues its commitment to accessibility through approachable pricing and community-centered programming that welcomes longtime attendees and first-time fans alike.

Additional programming details, venue announcements, and schedule information will be released in the coming weeks. Weekend passes are available at www.undergroundmusicshowcase.com.

About UMS

Founded in 2001, the Underground Music Showcase (UMS) is Denver’s longest-running independent music festival, built around music discovery and supporting the local community, shaping Denver’s music scene. Each summer, UMS brings together local artists, breakout acts, and nationally touring musicians across stages, independent venues, and unexpected creative spaces in Denver. UMS is committed to supporting artists at every level through fair compensation and creating spaces where their work can be heard, celebrated, and sustained. Through a new partnership with the RiNo Business Improvement District and experiential agency Two Parts, UMS remains locally owned and powered by RiNo businesses, helping reinvest in local artists and support venues while keeping the festival grounded in the community that shapes it. Learn more about UMS at www.undergroundmusicshowcase.com

About the RiNo Business Improvement District (BID)

Established in 2015, the RiNo Business Improvement District (BID) works to support a vibrant, inclusive, and economically strong River North community by championing local artists, creatives, and businesses. Funded by commercial property owners within the district, the RiNo BID invests in programs and services prioritized by the community to strengthen the creative economy, enhance the public realm, and support the long-term vitality of the district. For more information, please visit: www.rinoartdistrict.org/about/rino-bid/about

About Two Parts

Founded in 2012, Two Parts is a Denver-based experiential and creative agency specializing in the design and execution of festivals and events and the brands behind them. Drawing inspiration from art, design, entertainment, food, music, and culture, Two Parts brings bold ideas to life through strategic creativity, meticulous production, and collaborative partnerships. With end-to-end capabilities spanning creative strategy, event management, and experiential marketing, Two Parts creates memorable moments that foster engagement and build community. Learn more at www.twoparts.com.

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