CORE Los Angeles 2026: The Artists You Need on Your Radar

CORE is making its way to Los Angeles this May, and it’s bringing a lineup that feels intentional from top to bottom. This isn’t one of those festivals where you show up for one or two names and coast through the rest. CORE is built around discovery, flow, and moments that happen in between the sets you planned for.

Across two days, the lineup blends global heavyweights with underground talent, giving you plenty of reasons to move between stages and stay present in the experience.

Saturday: From Groove to Late-Night Chaos

Saturday builds gradually, starting with deeper, more minimal sounds before opening up into high-energy house and techno as the day unfolds. As the sun starts to dip, the energy shifts in a noticeable way.

Artists like TSHA bring a lighter, melodic feel that works perfectly in that golden hour window, while Dino Lenny leans darker with driving, European-style techno. It’s the kind of progression that sets the tone for what’s coming next.

As the night approaches, the CORE stage really locks in. Honey Dijon delivers a blend of classic house influence with modern edge, creating a set that feels both rooted and forward-thinking. From there, Dixon takes things deeper, pulling the crowd into a hypnotic groove that builds slowly and intentionally.

Closing out the night, Four Tet brings something completely different. His sets tend to blur the lines between genres, moving from ambient textures into unexpected, high-energy moments that keep the crowd guessing.

If you’re looking for something more raw and high-BPM, the side stages deliver just as much. Mall Grab brings a gritty, fast-paced energy that contrasts perfectly with the more melodic sounds on the main stage, while X Club. continues to build momentum as one of the most exciting rising acts in the underground scene.

Saturday isn’t about staying in one place. It’s about following the energy wherever it takes you.

Sunday: Melodic Builds and Big Moments

Sunday leans more into melodic and emotional territory, but still keeps that underground edge that defines CORE.

The later part of the day is stacked with artists who know how to create big, cinematic moments. Kevin de Vries sets the tone with darker melodic techno, leading into ARTBAT, who are known for delivering massive, emotionally charged sets that feel tailor-made for a sunset crowd.

Closing things out, Eric Prydz brings a level of production and storytelling that few artists can match. His sets are less about individual tracks and more about the journey, making him the kind of artist you build your night around.

There are also some standout moments that break away from the typical DJ format. Oscar and the Wolf offers a live performance that adds a completely different layer to the weekend, bringing a more emotional and atmospheric feel into the mix. Meanwhile, Krystal Klear keeps things playful with disco-infused house that feels effortless and fun.

On the heavier side, Nina Kraviz delivers one of the most unpredictable sets of the weekend. Her style doesn’t follow a formula, which is exactly why people show up. Hannah Laing brings a faster, high-energy sound that pulls from trance and hard dance, giving the crowd a completely different pace heading into the night.

The Real Experience

What makes CORE stand out isn’t just the lineup. It’s how the lineup is designed to be experienced.

You’re not meant to map out every minute. The best moments usually come from wandering into a set you didn’t plan on seeing, catching a vibe, and staying longer than expected. One stage might pull you in with deep, hypnotic techno, while another offers something brighter and more melodic just a few minutes away.

That contrast is where CORE really shines.

Final Thoughts

CORE Los Angeles 2026 feels like one of those events where everything is curated with intention. You’ve got globally recognized artists like Eric Prydz and Four Tet, underground staples like Dixon and Nina Kraviz, and a wave of rising talent that keeps things fresh.

If you approach it the right way, it’s not just about the artists you already know. It’s about the ones you discover along the way.