The Hinterland Music Festival is preparing to host its most ambitious edition yet, unveiling a powerhouse roster of artists for its 11th annual gathering in the heartland of America. Set to transform the Iowa countryside into a vibrant musical sanctuary, the four-day event will run from Thursday, July 30 through Sunday, August 2, 2026, in St. Charles—just a short 30-minute drive south of Des Moines. This location offers the perfect blend of accessibility and rural charm, allowing attendees to escape urban life while remaining within easy reach of modern amenities.
This year's lineup represents a carefully curated blend of global superstars and emerging talent, reinforcing the festival's reputation for delivering top-tier entertainment to the Midwest. Headlining the multi-day celebration are KATSEYE, Lorde, Mumford & Sons, and Kali Uchis, each bringing their unique artistic vision to the rural stage. The bill also features an impressive supporting cast including Jessie Murph, Santigold, MUNA, beabadoobee, Ashnikko, and dozens more artists spanning genres and generations. This diversity ensures that every attendee will discover both familiar favorites and exciting new sounds throughout the weekend.
The festival's commitment to accessibility shines through its diverse ticketing structure. Attendees can choose from 4-Day General Admission, General Admission+, VIP, and VIP+ packages, with payment plans starting at an affordable $25. This flexible approach extends to on-site accommodations, where camping options are priced per tent or campsite rather than per individual—a significant cost-saving measure for groups. Tent camping, car camping, and RV spots are all available, complemented by various parking and shuttle services to streamline the festival experience. The per-site pricing model particularly benefits groups of friends who can split costs, making the festival experience more economical than many competitors.
What truly distinguishes Hinterland from other summer festivals is its groundbreaking 90 Degree Guarantee—a policy that puts attendees' comfort first while making a bold statement about climate change. Under this innovative program, ticket holders can request a full refund for any festival day predicted to reach 90°F or higher. Here's how it works: if the official weather.gov forecast for the 50240 zip code at 10:00 AM CT on Monday, July 27 shows temperatures hitting the 90-degree threshold for any of the four event days, purchasers have until 11:00 PM CT that same day to submit their return request through the official form at hinterlandiowa.com/tickets.
The refund process is remarkably straightforward. Single-day ticket holders can receive a complete refund for affected days, while 4-Day ticket holders are eligible for a prorated return of one-quarter their total ticket price per impacted day. Refunds are processed within as little as 10 days, providing peace of mind for those concerned about extreme heat. It's important to note that this guarantee applies exclusively to festival admission tickets purchased directly through AXS.com—camping, parking, and shuttle passes are not covered. This policy essentially functions as weather insurance, something few festivals offer so explicitly.
This forward-thinking policy reflects Hinterland's deeper commitment to environmental consciousness. Festival organizers have been vocal about the climate crisis, stating: "The 10 hottest years on record have all occurred in the past decade. At Hinterland, we are committed to raising awareness about climate change and its impact on our daily lives. We will continue to strive for sustainable choices, both this year and in the years ahead. Together, we can make a difference." This messaging positions the festival as not just an entertainment venue, but a platform for climate advocacy. The policy serves dual purposes: protecting attendees and sparking conversation about global warming's tangible effects.
The daily lineup breakdown offers something for every musical taste:
Thursday, July 30 kicks off with KATSEYE headlining, supported by beabadoobee, Ashnikko, AUDREY NUNA, Jane Remover, Frost Children, and Porch Light—perfect for fans of alternative pop and experimental sounds. This opening day skews toward younger, digitally-native artists who have built massive followings through streaming platforms.
Friday, July 31 belongs to Lorde, with MUNA, Snow Strippers, Paris Paloma, SOFIA ISELLA, and Saint Avangeline rounding out a day heavy on indie-pop and electronic influences. Lorde's rare festival appearance makes this day particularly valuable for fans of sophisticated, introspective pop music.
Saturday, August 1 features Mumford & Sons leading a diverse bill that includes Jessie Murph, The Format, Santigold, CMAT, Waylon Wyatt, Amble, and Julia Wolf—spanning folk-rock, indie, and Americana. This day offers the most genre diversity, appealing to traditional festival-goers who appreciate instrumental virtuosity.
Sunday, August 2 closes with Kali Uchis atop a lineup featuring Young Miko, Geese, Wet Leg, Suki Waterhouse, Audrey Hobert, Samia, and Haute & Freddy, offering a global fusion of sounds. The international flavor of this closing day provides a fitting finale to the multicultural celebration.
Beyond the music, Hinterland's rural Iowa setting provides a unique backdrop that distinguishes it from urban festivals. The sprawling countryside venue allows for immersive art installations, local food vendors showcasing Midwestern cuisine, and community-building activities that capitalize on the open space. The festival has cultivated a loyal following by maintaining an intimate atmosphere despite its growing popularity, with attendance caps that ensure comfortable crowd sizes. Unlike massive city festivals where skyscrapers loom, Hinterland offers sunset views over cornfields and starlit nights unobstructed by light pollution.
For those traveling from out of state, Des Moines International Airport offers convenient access, with the 30-minute drive to St. Charles providing a scenic introduction to Iowa's landscape. Local hotels in the Des Moines metro area also offer shuttle packages for those preferring traditional lodging over camping. The proximity to a major city means attendees can easily combine their festival experience with urban exploration, visiting Des Moines' cultural attractions before or after the event.
The festival's operational model demonstrates a sustainable approach to event management. By selling camping per site rather than per person, organizers reduce administrative overhead and pass savings to attendees. The early weather forecast monitoring system shows technological integration that prioritizes customer satisfaction. Their climate messaging, while promotional, aligns with genuine sustainability efforts likely implemented throughout the event's infrastructure, such as waste reduction programs and renewable energy sources.
As summer festivals become increasingly competitive, Hinterland's combination of star power, innovative policies, and Midwestern hospitality creates a compelling package. The 2026 edition appears poised to sell out quickly, particularly given the affordable entry points and unique refund guarantee. Prospective attendees should mark their calendars for the July 27 weather check and prepare to act fast if temperatures rise. The limited window for refund requests means staying informed is crucial.
Whether you're drawn by Lorde's poetic artistry, Mumford & Sons' anthemic folk, Kali Uchis' genre-defying sound, or the discovery of breakthrough acts like KATSEYE, Hinterland Music Festival 2026 promises an unforgettable experience. With its finger on the pulse of both musical trends and climate realities, this Iowa gem continues to redefine what a modern music festival can be—entertaining, accessible, and environmentally conscious. The festival proves that world-class entertainment doesn't require coastal locations or astronomical prices, just thoughtful planning and genuine care for the attendee experience.