Ekko Astral announces ‘Liberation Weekend II’ w/ Laura Jane Grace, Illuminati Hotties, Snowing, Gladie, more

Ekko Astral (photo by Amanda Hatfield)

Ekko Astral have announced Liberation Weekend II, a sequel to last year’s Washington DC festival benefitting Gender Liberation Movement and No More Dysphoria, a mutual aid organization that provides financial assistance to help trans people through their transitions.

“We cannot rely on institutions to save us. We can only rely on ourselves and the community we have to fight for trans America — and that now includes throwing a badass 3-day benefit music festival,” said Jael Holzman of Ekko Astral. “Let this incredible lineup be seen as a way of using art as a cultural battering ram against the people trying to erase us.”

“To be a recipient this year feels like a special honor, alongside Gender Liberation Movement, and I am so ecstatic to be able to perform with my band Hit Like a Girl,” said Nic Maroulis, founder of No More Dysphoria (and also a member of Hit Like a Girl). “What the Ekko Astral team and the DC community are doing here is really powerful, and I hope inspires more mobilization in other cities and communities.”

This year’s festival happens April 24-26 at The Black Cat with day parties and afterparties at Transmission. Passes are on sale.

Friday, April 24 is headlined by Laura Jane Grace with Snowing, Gladie, Spring Silver, thisdogllhunt, and Eevie Echoes & The Locations also playing.

Saturday, April 25 is headlined by Ekko Astral & Friends, with Pissed Jeans, Bambara, Ragana, MX LONELY, and Adult Human Females also performing. The day party has Crush Fund, Cryptid Summer, and more.

Sunday, April 26 is headlined by Illuminati Hotties (playing Free I.H.), with Ezra Furman, Pool Kids, Pom Pom Squad, Pretty Bitter, and Pinky Lemon also on the bill. The day party has Peach Rings, Hit Like A Girl, Jade Weapon and more.

Check out the full lineup posters for Liberation Weekend II below.

LIBERATION WEEKEND II
A FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER FOR TRANS LIBERATION & MUTUAL AID
At THE BLACK CAT & TRANSMISSION | WASHINGTON, DC
FRIDAY, APRIL 24TH-SUNDAY, APRIL 26TH, 2026

FRIDAY APRIL 24TH:
MAIN STAGE @ BLACK CAT
Laura Jane Grace
Snowing
Gladie
Spring Silver
thisdogllhunt
Eevie Echoes & The Locations

AFTERPARTY @ TRANSMISSION
Artists TBA

SATURDAY APRIL 25TH:
MAIN STAGE @ BLACK CAT
Ekko Astral & Friends
Pissed Jeans
Bambara
Ragana
MX LONELY
Adult Human Females

DAY PARTY @ TRANSMISSION
Crush Fund
Cryptid Summer
Ultra Deluxe
Soul Meets Body
Ok Cuddle
Somebody’s Daughter

AFTERPARTY @ TRANSMISSION
Artists TBA

SUNDAY APRIL 26TH:
MAIN STAGE @ BLACK CAT
Illuminati Hotties plays FREE IH
Ezra Furman
Pool Kids
Pom Pom Squad
Pretty Bitter
Pinky Lemon

DAY PARTY @ TRANSMISSION
Peach Rings
Hit Like A Girl
Jade Weapon
Motocrossed
Latchkey Kids
Tripper