Contributing Writer17 – 19 July | 19:00 – 01:30
Rowing Canal, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
In summer 2026, Plovdiv will host PhillGood, a new three-day music festival that continues to place Bulgaria firmly on the European festival map. Taking place from 17 to 19 July at the city’s iconic Rowing Canal, PhillGood joins the Fest Team family and arrives with bold intentions that combine legendary artists with some of the most relevant contemporary voices in global music and high-spec production.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Plovdiv’s seven hills, PhillGood will transform the city into the Balkans’ newest large-scale music destination. Known as The City of Seven Hills, this is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, blending Roman ruins, Ottoman heritage and a thriving contemporary arts scene. PhillGood embraces this unique setting, placing music within a landscape shaped by centuries of culture and creativity.
This first edition comes at a pivotal moment for Bulgaria. With the country officially joining the Eurozone, introducing a digital nomad visa and rapidly emerging as one of Europe’s fastest-growing cultural and festival destinations, PhillGood reflects Bulgaria’s expanding presence on the global music and tourism stage. Easily accessible from across Europe and beyond, the festival makes Plovdiv a vital new meeting point for international music lovers.
The opening night of PhillGood is headlined by The Cure, one of the most influential bands of the last five decades, performing in Bulgaria for the first time after more than 1,800 shows worldwide. They are joined by Wolf Alice with their expansive alternative sound alongside Irish dream-rock outfit Just Mustard and French producer Perturbator, whose dark, dystopian electronics are sure to thrill.
On Saturday 18 July, Gorillaz take over the Rowing Canal with their futuristic blend of music, visuals and storytelling. The day also features cult Belfast hip-hop trio and activists Kneecap, known for their confrontational energy and cultural commentary, and Sleaford Mods, whose stripped-back electro-punk continues to cut sharply through modern life.
On Sunday 19 July, the festival concludes with Moby, whose varied work as an artist, producer and activist has shaped electronic music for decades.
Beyond the main stage, PHILLGOOD will feature two additional stages, each with its own distinct atmosphere and musical direction reinforcing the festival’s commitment to true musical range and exciting discovery.
Three-day, single-day, VIP and camping tickets are on sale now at https://phillgood.ink.
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THE CURE・GORILLAZ・MOBY・WOLF ALICE・KNEECAP・SUEDE・