Event Details
Welcome to Electric Castle Festival
The Electric Castle Festival returns for its twelfth edition from 16 to 19 July 2026 at the historic Bánffy Castle estate in Bonțida, Transylvania, roughly 50 kilometres from Cluj-Napoca. The 2026 lineup is headlined by The Cure, twenty one pilots and Teddy Swims, joined by more than 200 artists across ten stages, including Wet Leg, Nothing But Thieves, Kneecap, Chase & Status, Mochakk and the long-awaited Skream & Benga reunion. An unofficial warm-up sleepover party kicks off in EC Village a day early, on 15 July.
Highlights
- Four days and nights of continuous, round-the-clock programming
- Headliners: The Cure, twenty one pilots, Teddy Swims
- Electronic highlights: Chase & Status, Mochakk, Deep Dish, Kölsch, Solardo, Subtronics
- Over 200 artists performing across ten stages
- A performance from Dogstar, the band featuring actor Keanu Reeves
- Immersive art installations, stand-up comedy and workshops set in the historic castle grounds
- EC Village camping accommodating up to 18,000 guests
Program
Electric Castle opens its gates around noon each day and runs until the early morning hours, often as late as 6:00 AM. The Main Stage by the lake hosts the festival's biggest headline shows, the Forest Stage focuses on electronic music and drum & bass, and the Castle Stage offers acoustic and atmospheric sets within the historic estate. Across the four days, over 200 artists span genres from alternative rock to hip-hop and electronic music. Beyond the music, the festival includes art installations, fashion and food zones, and daytime activities such as castle tours.
Tickets
Tickets for Electric Castle 2026 are available directly via electriccastle.ro and authorised partners including Eventim, iaBilet and bilete.ro. The General Access Pass covering all four festival days costs €159 plus fees, the Youth Pass U21 (for attendees up to age 21) costs €139 plus fees, and the VIP Pass costs €279 plus fees. A mandatory 8% booking fee applies to every ticket. Tickets are non-transferable, printed with the holder's name and address, and can only be resold through the official Marketplace feature within a user's account. Camping is not included with the festival ticket and requires a separate Camping Pass.
Getting There & Where to Stay
- The nearest airport is Cluj-Napoca, about 30 km from the festival site.
- An official EC train runs several times daily from Gara Mică (Cluj-Napoca) to the festival for 35 RON.
- Round-the-clock shuttle buses connect Cluj-Napoca (Iulius Mall, Expo Transilvania) with the festival grounds.
- EC Village offers tent, car camping, RV and glamping areas for up to 18,000 guests.
- Organisers strongly discourage arriving by private car due to limited parking.
Visitor Tips
- Pack sturdy footwear, as parts of the castle grounds are unpaved and can get muddy in the rain.
- Bring warm layers for the nights, as temperatures can drop noticeably even in July.
- Ticket holder details must be submitted within seven days of purchase via the official account.
- Glass bottles, outside alcohol and drones are prohibited on the festival grounds.
- Arriving early on 16 July is recommended, since the camping area opens to guests the day before.
