Excitement is already building for next summer as Electric Castle has revealed its first major acts for the 2026 edition. Legendary British band The Cure and genre-defying duo Twenty One Pilots will headline the festival, which returns to the stunning grounds of Castelul Banffy in Bonțida from 16 to 19 July 2026.
This marks the beginning of what promises to be one of the most anticipated editions of Electric Castle to date.
A legendary return for The Cure
Few bands have shaped the sound of alternative music quite like The Cure. Formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1978, they rose to prominence with their distinctive blend of post-punk, gothic and new wave influences. Their catalogue includes timeless anthems such as “Friday I’m in Love”, “Pictures of You” and “Just Like Heaven”. Robert Smith’s instantly recognisable voice, paired with the band’s melancholic yet melodic sound, has influenced generations of musicians and remains deeply relevant today.
Their upcoming appearance at Electric Castle follows the release of their 2024 album Songs of a Lost World, which has been widely praised for combining classic Cure textures with fresh, introspective themes. This will be their first concert in Romania in six years, and their return is already sparking excitement among fans old and new.
Twenty One Pilots set for a high-energy return
Twenty One Pilots bring a completely different energy to the line-up. Known for their seamless fusion of alternative rock, hip-hop, pop and electronic elements, their live performances are famous for unpredictable moments, strong visual production and intense crowd interaction.
Their previous appearance at Electric Castle in 2022 is still regarded as one of the standout performances in the festival’s history. In a special collaboration with Netflix, the duo delivered a live mash-up of their hit “Heathens” with the theme from Stranger Things. The moment quickly went viral and set a new standard for live festival experiences. Their 2026 headline slot is expected to be equally impressive and will take place shortly before they conclude their European tour.
Ticket sales and festival details
Early-bird tickets are now available at special launch prices, valid until 16 October 2025:
- Standard 4-day pass: €159 + taxes
- VIP pass: €279 + taxes
- Youth pass (up to 21 years): €139 + taxes
Electric Castle is known for more than just its impressive line-ups. The festival has become a cultural landmark in Romania, bringing together live music, technology, visual art, fashion and food culture. The setting of Bánffy Castle adds a fairytale backdrop that makes the event one of the most distinctive festivals in Eastern Europe.
The Cure and Twenty One Pilots are the first major names to be revealed, and more acts will be announced in the months ahead. The line-up is expected to cover a broad range of genres including rock, indie, electronic and hip-hop.
A summer to remember
With the return of one of Britain’s most influential bands and one of the most dynamic live acts of the modern era, Electric Castle 2026 is already shaping up to be a highlight of the summer festival season. Whether it is The Cure’s atmospheric soundscapes or Twenty One Pilots’ electrifying energy, festival-goers can look forward to an unforgettable four days of music and shared experiences.
Tickets and further details are available at www.electriccastle.ro
