The iconic Belgian festival brand Tomorrowland is set to bring its acclaimed CORE experience to the United States for the first time. In partnership with Insomniac, the renowned curator of dance music events, CORE Los Angeles will debut on May 2 and 3, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the brand's global expansion.
This collaboration follows the successful partnership between Tomorrowland and Insomniac on the UNITY shows at Sphere in Las Vegas, demonstrating the synergy between these two powerhouse organizations in creating immersive electronic music experiences. Their combined expertise promises to deliver a festival that merges music, storytelling, and cutting-edge production into a unified, living universe.
From Stage to Standalone Universe
CORE began its journey as one of Tomorrowland's most cherished stages, captivating festival-goers with its distinctive atmosphere and innovative design. Over the years, it has evolved far beyond its origins, transforming into a fully-fledged global brand with its own unique identity and dedicated following. The experience is characterized by its legendary face-shaped stage structure, which serves as both an architectural marvel and a symbolic gateway into a mythical realm where music transcends mere auditory sensation.
The musical philosophy of CORE centers on alternative house music, featuring refined soundscapes that push boundaries while maintaining an emotional depth. This carefully curated sonic journey is complemented by state-of-the-art visual production, creating an environment where every element works in harmony to transport attendees into an otherworldly dimension. The result is an experience where music is not just heard but physically felt, resonating through the crowd in waves of collective energy.
A Bold Vision for Los Angeles
For its inaugural American edition, CORE Los Angeles promises a lineup that reflects the brand's commitment to artistic depth and forward-thinking curation. The roster will feature a blend of influential pioneers who have shaped the electronic music landscape alongside contemporary artists who are pushing the genre into new territories. Each performer will bring their own interpretation of emotion and atmosphere, ensuring a diverse yet cohesive musical narrative throughout the weekend.
The choice of Los Angeles as the host city is particularly significant. Known as a creative epicenter and cultural melting pot, LA provides the perfect backdrop for CORE's American debut. The city's vibrant arts scene, diverse population, and status as a global entertainment capital make it an ideal location to introduce this European-born experience to US audiences. The festival will harness the city's dynamic energy while maintaining the authentic spirit that has made CORE a beloved brand worldwide.
An Open-Air Transformation
Unlike the enclosed stage environment of its Tomorrowland origins, CORE Los Angeles will be presented as an open-air experience, allowing the brand's essence to breathe and expand in new ways. This format will enable attendees to connect with both the music and the natural California landscape, creating a unique fusion of organic and digital elements. The production team is working to translate the intimate, immersive quality of the original CORE stage into a larger outdoor setting without losing the sense of wonder and connection that defines the experience.
The visual identity of CORE will be reimagined for this open-air context, with the iconic face stage serving as the centerpiece of a broader artistic landscape. Expect innovative lighting design, projection mapping, and interactive elements that respond to the music and the crowd, creating a living, breathing environment that evolves throughout each day and night.
Global Journey Continues
CORE Los Angeles represents the latest chapter in the brand's international expansion, which has already seen successful editions in several key markets around the world. The experience has enchanted audiences in Colombia, where it brought its unique vision to South America; in Tulum, where it merged with the mystical atmosphere of the Mexican Caribbean; in Brussels, where it returned to its European roots for special events; and at Tomorrowland festivals in Belgium, where it continues to be a fan favorite.
Each location has added its own cultural flavor to the CORE experience while maintaining the core principles that make it special. The Los Angeles edition will be no different, incorporating elements of California's rich cultural tapestry into the festival's fabric. This might include local art installations, regional food vendors, and collaborations with LA-based creative talents, ensuring that while the experience feels authentically CORE, it also feels distinctly Californian.
The Insomniac Partnership
The collaboration with Insomniac is crucial to CORE's successful US launch. As the team behind some of America's most beloved electronic music festivals, including Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), Insomniac brings invaluable local expertise, production capabilities, and a deep understanding of the American dance music community. Their track record of creating safe, immersive, and unforgettable events aligns perfectly with Tomorrowland's vision for CORE.
This partnership ensures that CORE Los Angeles will meet the high standards that fans expect from both brands. Insomniac's knowledge of local regulations, vendor networks, and audience preferences will be combined with Tomorrowland's creative direction and global brand power to create something truly special. The success of their previous collaboration on the UNITY shows at Sphere demonstrated their ability to work together seamlessly, and this festival represents an even more ambitious joint venture.
What Attendees Can Expect
Those fortunate enough to attend CORE Los Angeles can anticipate a multi-sensory journey that goes far beyond a typical music festival. The experience begins the moment they enter the grounds, with carefully designed pathways and art installations that set the tone for the adventure ahead. The main stage area will feature the iconic face structure, reimagined for the open-air format, serving as a canvas for breathtaking visual storytelling that unfolds in sync with the music.
The sound design will be meticulously engineered to provide crystal-clear audio throughout the venue, ensuring that every beat, melody, and atmospheric element is delivered with precision. CORE's musical programming will span the deeper, more melodic side of house music, with artists selected for their ability to craft emotional narratives through their sets. Expect extended performances that allow artists to take the audience on proper journeys, rather than short, formulaic festival slots.
Beyond the music, CORE Los Angeles will offer immersive art installations, interactive experiences, and spaces for community gathering. The festival aims to create a sense of belonging and connection among attendees, fostering the kind of magical moments that become lifelong memories. Food and beverage options will be curated to reflect both international tastes and local LA flavors, while merchandise and brand activations will allow fans to take a piece of the experience home with them.
Ticket Information and Future Vision
Tickets for CORE Los Angeles are now available, with various tiers and packages to accommodate different preferences and budgets. Given the brand's reputation and the limited capacity of this inaugural event, early purchase is recommended for those wishing to be part of this historic moment.
Looking ahead, CORE Los Angeles could serve as a launching pad for further expansion across North America. If successful, it may pave the way for additional US editions, potentially in other major markets that share LA's creative spirit and appreciation for electronic music culture. The festival represents not just a single event, but the beginning of a new era for the CORE brand in the American market.