It’s currently mid-August and annual Southeastern Pennsylvania hardcore festival This Is Hardcore would normally have taken place by now. This year, however, it’s been radio silence regarding the 20th anniversary of the event – until today, that is.

The 2026 installment of This Is Hardcore will indeed take place, only it will not occur this summer (obviously), and it will not be held in Philadelphia.

Instead, TIH 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20 in Reading, PA at Club Reverb, an independent venue owned by Chris Mahmood, who was a member of Mushmouth and Boxcutter, among others. 

The line-up has yet to be revealed, but organizers have issued the following:

Instead, TIH 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20 in Reading, PA at Club Reverb, owned by Chris Mahmood, who was a member of Mushmouth and Boxcutter, among others. The line-up has yet to be revealed, but organizers have issued the following:

We appreciate the interest of what is going on with This Is Hardcore 2026, especially with a Hellfest on each coast, several fantastic fests all slated across the country and calendar.

It makes sense for TIHC at the 20 year mark to continue to have fun doing the fest for the real fans, young and old and to give a proper lineup at a great space, while not trying to lose the script of where we started off. 2006 TIHC was put on to bring back a truly DIY approach to fests, showcasing fan favorites, up and coming bands and keep things hardcore focused.

This Is Hardcore 2026 will take place at Club Reverb in Reading, PA. Years of doing shows and Keystone HC Holiday Jam have proven that the room is perfect for us to celebrate 20 years in the right way. Owned and operated for nearly 20 years by a lifelong hardcore kid, Chris has been constantly on the list of best privately owned music venues in the country.

Truly hope to see you all in December. We will have more information soon and hope to see you all to celebrate 20 years of This Is Hardcore in December.

Tuesday we will go live on Instagram at 7pm EST on @thisishardcorefest feed!