Electric Castle has unveiled the first wave of artists for its 2026 edition, announcing two of the most influential acts in modern music: The Cure and Twenty One Pilots. The festival returns to the spectacular Banffy Castle domain in Bonțida, Transylvania, between July 16–19, 2026.

Now in its 14th edition, Electric Castle has earned a global reputation for its boundary pushing mix of music, technology, and immersive art installations. Each year, more than 200,000 festival-goers from over 50 countries gather to experience its one-of-a-kind atmosphere, where history, creativity, and sound collide.
The Cure: Post-Punk Icons and Pioneers of Alternative Music
One of the most influential bands in the history of alternative rock, The Cure have shaped generations of artists and listeners since their debut in the late 1970s. Led by the unmistakable Robert Smith, the band redefined melancholy through haunting melodies and poetic introspection, turning emotional vulnerability into timeless art.
From anthems like “Boys Don’t Cry”, “Just Like Heaven”, and “Lovesong”, to cult classics such as “A Forest” and “Pictures of You”, The Cure’s sound has transcended decades and genres influencing artists ranging from The Smashing Pumpkins and Interpol to Billie Eilish.
Their most recent album, “Songs of a Lost World” (2024), was hailed by critics as a triumphant return to form melancholic, atmospheric, and beautifully raw. With 14 studio albums, millions of records sold, and countless festival headlining performances across the globe, The Cure’s return to Romania promises to be one of the most anticipated live moments of 2026.
Twenty One Pilots: The Genre-Defying Duo That Redefined Modern Pop
Few bands in the past decade have blended styles and broken barriers quite like Twenty One Pilots. Formed in Columbus, Ohio, the duo Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun combine alternative rock, hip-hop, pop, and electronic music with bold storytelling and theatrical live performances.
Their breakthrough album “Blurryface” (2015) became a global phenomenon, driven by hits like “Stressed Out” and “Ride”, followed by “Heathens”, featured on the Suicide Squad soundtrack. They became the first group in history to have every track on two albums “Vessel” and “Blurryface” certified Gold by the RIAA, a Guinness World Record.
Winners of a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, along with multiple AMA, Billboard, and MTV awards, Twenty One Pilots have built one of the most devoted fan communities in modern music. Their return to Electric Castle after their explosive 2022 performance is set to be a highlight of the summer festival circuit.
Tickets and Pass Information
To celebrate the headliner announcement, Electric Castle is offering special early-bird prices until October 16 (midnight):
- 4-Day General Access Pass: €159 + fees
- VIP Pass: €279 + fees
- Youth Pass (ages 16–21): €139 + fees
Festival passes grant access to all performances, immersive art installations, interactive areas, and the full Electric Castle experience a fusion of music, camping, tech, and creativity in the heart of Transylvania.
About Electric Castle
Electric Castle is more than a music festival it’s a cultural phenomenon. Hosted on the 15th-century Banffy Castle estate near Cluj-Napoca, the event merges historical heritage with cutting-edge sound and visual production. The festival’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and artistic experimentation has earned it recognition from European Festival Awards and BBC Music, often being named among Europe’s top 10 festivals worth traveling for.
For more information and tickets, visit: www.electriccastle.ro

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