History, people and progress form the foundation of Stone Techno Festival 26
The Ruhr Area has always been shaped by more than just industry – it was built on solidarity. Once defined by coal, steel and smoke, it wasn’t the machinery or output that left the deepest mark, but the companionship of those who worked side by side. A spirit of unity and mutual support grew underground and carried through generations, long after the chimneys went cold, leading to a place where the past quietly informs the future. At the intersection of history and progress, and deeply inspired by the area’s people, its landscape, and its ongoing cultural evolution, Stone Techno Festival continues to grow from this foundation.
Once again taking place at the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein, the festival enters a new phase in 2026. While staying true to the values that shaped the project, promoting contributors and highlighting the region, this year’s edition opens up new spaces – physically, sonically and creatively.
The Third Room’s Curation Series: Redefining what a techno festival can be
At the core of this transformation is the Curation Series by The Third Room – a multidisciplinary project that wants to redefine what a techno festival can be. Six influential and uncompromising voices in contemporary club culture — Oscar Mulero, D. Dan, Verraco, Freddy K, Alarico and GiGi FM — were invited to curate a dual experience: a 12” various artists vinyl release and a 12-hour line-up on one of the festival’s stages.
Each artist brings their vision to life through sound, selection and spatial storytelling. Released in parallel with the festival, the records will be available for pre-order via ticket bundles and exclusively on site. The series draws inspiration from the concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk – the “total work of art” – where music, architecture, visuals and curation merge into one unified experience.
An Evolving Line-Up Within an Industrial Landscape
Alongside the Curation Series, the striking industrial surroundings will once again accommodate a diverse line-up that invites both established pioneers and emerging innovators in electronic music. Here, artists who substantially give something back to the culture they arose from take priority, strengthening the festival’s mission year after year.
Expanded Festival Experience
Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore a Pop Up Vinyl Store run by Clone Records from Rotterdam, offering a physical way to dig, discover and connect with music. Attendees can also expect further improvements to sound and light to set a new bar for club atmosphere at an open-air festival. And just beneath the floors, the sound systems and architecture lie the deep, geological memory of the region. In collaboration with geologist Dr. Achim G. Reisdorf, the festival continues to explore the stones and minerals that once fueled local wealth and are now symbols of time, endurance and change.
A New Fifth Stage Dedicated to Ambient and Experimental Listening
Stone Techno Festival 2026 will introduce a fifth stage dedicated to ambient and experimental listening. Located at the Kokerei, reimagined as a circular amphitheater, the concept emphasizes deep listening and sensory awareness, offering space for moments of slowness. It is a quiet expansion of the festival’s landscape, inviting a different kind of intensity.
Line-Up Highlights
STF26 Line-Up:
.Vril, 1morning, Abs8lute, Afra, Ahmet Sisman, Akua, Alarico, Amoral, Amotik, Andrey Pushkarev, Andy Martin, Anthony Linell, Anthony Naples, Barker, Bashkka, Benjamin Damage, Call Super, Carlos Valdes, Carrier, Colin Benders, Connor Wall, Convextion, D-Leria, D.Dan, Dasha Rush, Decoder, DJ MARIA., DVS1, Efdemin, Ehua, Emily Jeanne, Felix Fleer, Fergus Sweetland, Fireground, Freddy K, Function, Gabrielle Kwarteng, GiGi FM, Grand River, Heiko Laux, Henning Baer, Isabel Soto, Jin Synth, Jonas Landwehr, Kangding Ray, Lady Starlight, Lea Occhi, Legowelt, Leon Vynehall, Luigi Tozzi, Luna Ludmila, Magda, Marcal, Mari Sakurai, Martinou, Martyn, Nadia Struiwigh, Nastia Reigel, Neel, Ness, Ogazón, OK Williams, Oscar Mulero, Out Of Place Artefacts, Philippa Pacho, PLO Man, Powder, Quelza, Regal86, Rene Wise, ROD, Roman Flügel, Satoshi Tomiie, Scion Versions, Sedef Adasi, Serge, Skee Mask, Sons of Hidden, Sunju Hargun, Tauceti, The Lady Machine, Tikiman & Richard Akingbehin, Toobris, Toru Ikemoto, Upsammy, Vera Logdanidi, Verraco, Vladimir Ivkovic, Yanamaste
Night Events:
Alarico, Alba Heidari, Amoral, Barker, Colin Benders, D-Leria, D.Dan, Dasha Rush, DNS, DVS1, Efdemin, Freddy K, Function, GiGi FM, James Newmarch, Leniart, Metrapha, Mola Mola, Nadia Struiwigh, Namesti, Nastia Reigel, Ogazón, Philippa Pacho, Proletarian, Pötter, Quelza, Rene Wise, Rødhåd, The Lady Machine, V.Dietz, VNNN., Voicedrone, Yanamaste
Stone Techno Website
The Third Room
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