GRIDLIFE Summer Apex 2026 Lineup: BUNT., T-Pain and More on the Raceway

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Watkins Glen International in Upstate New York will play host to the three-day GRIDLIFE Summer Apex festival in 2026.

Who would have thought race cars and EDM would go together so well? Indy 500 Snake Pit isn’t the only event brand capitalizing on the unlikely pairing, as GRIDLIFE has hosted similar gatherings since 2014. The latter brand has announced the 2026 lineup for its Summer Apex festival slated to run from July 24-26 at Watkins Glen International in Dix, New York.

BUNT. immediately stands out on the lineup graphic; the German folk-electronic fusion act has been on a tear ever since the pandemic drew to a close. And while DJ Diesel aka Shaquille O’Neal is best known as an NBA hall of famer, his second act as a dubstep DJ has cemented him as a fixture of the EDM landscape.

Speaking of pivots, R&B legend T-Pain is once again bringing his dubstep dabbling to the stage — this time under the name Teddy Pain. The versatile talent is also hosting a takeover for his new dubstep brand, Bassmint, billing bass music artists Kompany, Samplifire, Ivory, and Big Florida.

The GRIDLIFE Summer Apex 2026 lineup also includes Bangladesh-born, New York City-based pop-EDM crossover act Jai Wolf, French bass music maestro Samplifire, and a “Wholesome Riddim” set by Dutch DJ and producer San Holo.

Unlike Indy 500 Snake Pit, Summer Apex does not coincide with a racing event on the speedway where it takes place. But it nonetheless integrates race cars into the experience. For example, T-Pain will gear up to drift across the track prior to his performance.

“It’s amazing how far we’ve come,” said GRIDLIFE Cofounder Chris Stewart. “We’re taking over Watkins Glen with two massive nights of music, but we’re still doing it our way. Having BUNT. and Jai Wolf on the lineup is going to bring a perfect vibe after a long day of racing.”

He continued: “But handing the keys to Teddy Pain to bring his new Bassmint label out is going to be one for the books. He isn’t just taking over the stage, he’s literally getting out on track and drifting with us during the day. That’s what happens when you build something for this community, the artists are just as die-hard about the car culture as the fans.”

Weekend GA tickets to GRIDLIFE Summer Apex 2026 currently currently sell for $133 and can be purchased via Tixr.