Freaks of Nature has confirmed its long awaited return to Saudi Arabia in 2026, unveiling the first phase of artists set to perform at its seventh edition, Freakyard. Across two weekends in February, the boutique electronic music and arts festival will once again transform the MDLBEAST Soundstorm site in Banban, Riyadh, into a multi layered immersive playground for dance music fans from around the world.
Taking place on Thursday and Friday, 5th-6th and 12th-13th February 2026, Freakyard 2026 will feature international heavyweights Alan Walker, Alesso, Amelie Lens, ARTBAT, Meduza and Morten, alongside a special live concept titled The Freaks (Live). The announcement marks the first glimpse of a lineup that will eventually expand to more than 100 artists, spanning global headliners, emerging international names and a strong representation of regional talent.
Since its inception, Freaks of Nature has steadily grown into one of the Middle East’s most recognisable electronic music brands. Born in Saudi Arabia, the festival has positioned itself as a globally exportable entertainment concept, combining large scale production with the intimacy and creative freedom of a boutique event. Freakyard has become known not just for its music programming, but for its ability to blur the boundaries between club culture, visual art and performance, creating a fully immersive environment that places the audience at the centre of the experience.
The 2026 edition is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors per day across the two weekends. Organisers will once again utilise the expansive MDLBEAST Soundstorm site, reshaping it into an industrial inspired yet visually striking universe. Over four nights, audiences will move between three distinct stages, each offering its own sonic identity and atmosphere.
The Mainstage will anchor the festival with a bold artistic design and a program built around euphoric dance anthems. Enhanced by custom lighting, large scale visuals and signature special effects, it is designed to deliver peak time moments that resonate across the site. Running in parallel, the Underground stage will focus on immersive club culture, pairing pulsating Techno with advanced 3D mapping and holographic visuals to create a fully enveloping audio visual journey. The House of Freaks stage, operating as an indoor venue, will bring a more flamboyant energy to the festival, with confetti charged moments and late night House selections keeping the dancefloor alive well into the early hours.
Among the most distinctive elements of the first announcement is The Freaks (Live), an immersive sound, light and visual performance presented as a b2b2b set by Yunite, Toby Romeo and Yaz. Designed specifically for Freakyard, the concept reflects the festival’s commitment to experimentation and collaboration, moving beyond traditional DJ sets into live, multi sensory performance territory.
Beyond the stages, Freakyard 2026 will feature an entertainment village built around the Freak Bazar, offering dedicated chill out zones, food and beverage options, gaming experiences and interactive activations. Local brands, designers and creators will be embedded throughout the site, reinforcing the festival’s role as a cultural platform as much as a music event.
At its core, Freakyard is built around the idea of freedom and self expression. The festival invites attendees to disconnect from everyday pressures and reconnect with music, movement and community. The concept of the “Freak” is central to this ethos, celebrating individuality, creativity and unapologetic fun. For 2026, organisers have also flagged a new merchandise range, a DJ competition and additional experiential activities, alongside immersive art installations and roaming characters that bring the festival grounds to life.
Chief Freak Yazeed Al Hashim says the first lineup announcement is only the beginning of what is planned for Freakyard 2026. He notes that the coming weeks will reveal further artists and experiences that reflect the scale and ambition of the next edition, reinforcing Freakyard as an event designed to unfold gradually rather than reveal everything at once.
As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its presence on the global entertainment stage, Freaks of Nature remains a key player in positioning the Kingdom as a destination for world class music festivals. By fostering cultural exchange and championing both international and local talent, Freakyard has carved out a distinctive identity that resonates far beyond the region.
With early bird tickets already on sale and further announcements imminent, Freakyard 2026 is shaping up as one of the most anticipated electronic music events on the international calendar.
Phase 1 Lineup
Alan Walker
Alesso
Amelie Lens
Artbat
Meduza
Morten
The Freaks (Live)
Alaa Jazari
Bjones
Brooks
Dubvision
Giu
Hannah
Hntr
Igniter
Justin Mylo
Kream
Linska
Marten Lou
Matt Pridgyn
Max Styler
Moontalk
Onfaya
Rdj
Sam Collins
Son Of Son
Stasi Sanlin
Third Party
Toby Romeo
Yaz
Zamna Soundsystem
Aeres
Ahmed Zainal
Allen Hulsey
Ammar
Aspyer
B Hydra B2b Rdlf
Basicz
Bastian
Blackcode
Brq
Burnr
Chris
Crüpo
David Allen
Dujak
Ethan English
Eva Kim
Gazi
Ghaderz
Ghost
Haffs
Isek
Jeme
K Led
Kimberly
Labi Ramaj
Largo
Majid
Mbp
Midway
Nha
Prince
Rag
Rscl
Space Gurrl
Viva
Wedamnz
Weltron
Wooka
Yunite
Dates and Location
Freaks of Nature Festival 2026
5th-6th February 2026
12th-13th February 2026
MDLBEAST Soundstorm Site, Banban, Riyadh
Full programming details will be announced over the coming weeks.
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