the event

  • Following its massively successful, sold-out 2025 debut on Randall’s Island, John Summit’s Experts Only Festival makes its highly anticipated 2026 return to New York City. Set for September 19 and 20, 2026 at Randall’s Island Park, the two-day event will once again transform the island into NYC’s largest dance destination, with Summit both curating the weekend and taking the stage following the release of his new album CTRL ESCAPE. Tickets for Experts Only Festival 2026 go on sale This Friday, March 20, with the Artist and Festival Presale beginning at 10:00 AM EST and running through 11:59 AM EST. The General Onsale will follow at 12:00 PM EST the same day.

  • Experts Only NYC will take place at Randall’s Island Park, New York City. There are multiple ways to get to and from the festival, plan ahead by visiting our Getting Here Page that has more info on how to get to Randall’s Island Park.

  • Experts Only NYC is strictly an 18+ event. You must be 21+ to purchase VIP Ticket or VIP Tables. 

     All attendees much present a government-issued id upon entry. 

  • This two-day festival will take place on September 19th and 20th, running from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM each day.

  • Performers include John Summit, GRiZ, Prospa, SUBJOHNICS (Subtronics + John Summit b2b), LYNY, Korolova, Taiki Nulight, Devault, Dreya V, OMRI., Partiboi69, Jackie Hollander, Dansyn, Airrica, Gabss, MADI, Soraya, Mishell, and Rohaan with more to be announced!

  • Yes there will be various food & beverage options available for purchase at the festival.

    Beer, Wine, Liquor, and RTDs will be readily available for purchase throughout the festival for guests age 21+ with valid identification.

  • There will be free water stations throughout the festival. You can bring your own Reusable Water Bottles & Camelbacks into the festival to fill up! (Bottles / Camelbacks must be empty upon entry).

  • Experts Only Festival is a rain or shine event.

    NO refunds or exchanges will be offered unless the event is 100% canceled.


  • There is no Re-Entry at the event.

  • You can find more information on accessibility at the festival HERE.

TICKET INFO

  • Single-Day Passes may go on sale at a later date, pending availability. It’s recommended to lock in your 2-Day passes now.

  • Box Office Hours will be announced at a later date.

  • General Admission Tickets are digital tickets and will not receive a wristband. GA tickets are sent via email, as an NFC pass. Near Field Communication (Contactless Tickets) are digital tickets that patrons can add to their Apple Wallet or Google Pay app. 

    Please have your digital ticket downloaded and installed in your phone’s wallet app prior to entry. 

    • Tips to locate your NFC ticket: 

      • Search WRSTBND in your email inbox use to place your original order

      • Your NFC pass will NOT be located in your Tixr app or Tixr confirmation email

    • Can't locate it? Head to Customer Service at the box office or at the main entry gates!

    Once at the festival-  have your ticket ready to be scanned on your phone and follow the entry sign for GA to enter the festival!

    Please note - If you purchased multiple tickets, we recommend transferring each ticket to your guests in advance unless you plan to enter together.

  • GA tickets do not receive wristbands. General Admission Tickets - You should have received a NFC ticket to your email. GA tickets are sent via email, as an NFC pass. Near Field Communication (Contactless Tickets) are digital tickets that patrons can add to their Apple Wallet or Google Pay app. 


  • VIP and Platinum Wristbands will be shipped at a later date prior to the festival.

  • Once you receive your VIP/Platinum Wristbands, you can register them at a designated link to activate them. The link will be posted at a later date.

    Wristband registration is not required.

  • VIP / Platinum - If you have not already received your wristband prior to the festival, no problem. Just head over to the box office and visit the VIP pickup line to pick up your wristband.

    Please have your TIXR e-ticket confirmation pulled up so we can easily swap your e-ticket for a wristband.  

  • Only General Admission (NFC passes) can be transferred. If you purchased multiple tickets, we recommend transferring each ticket to your guests in advance unless you plan to enter together.

    Please note all NFC passes have a one (1) transfer limit. Once a pass is installed, it can only be reinstalled in the same wallet (same Apple ID or Gmail account); 2-day tickets can not be transferred once they have been scanned on Saturday. 

  • Yes, you will need a matching government-issued photo ID and the last 4 digits of the card number used on the order to pick up on someone else’s behalf.  A photo will work, but it needs to show the full name on both.

  • If the ticket type you’re looking for is sold out, don’t worry - you may still get a ticket by joining the TIXR waitlist.

    By joining, you’ll pre-authorize your card for your desired ticket type. If more tickets become available, your order will be automatically processed and you’ll be notified right away!

    Spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. No charge unless your order is confirmed.

    For more info on TIXR waitlist click HERE

  • Your GENERAL ADMISSION pass to New York City’s largest dance music festival! Experience all the energy of Experts Only Fest across two massive stages with a weekend pass or single day tickets.

    2 DAY GA TICKETS INCLUDE:

    • Access to Experts Only Festival on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 for 2 Day GA Tickets.

    • Live performances from 15+ artists curated by John Summit

    • Interactive brand activations, art installations, and more

    • Access to a wide variety of food and beverage options

    • Free Water Refill Stations

    ALL GA TICKET TIERS GRANT YOU THE SAME LEVEL OF FESTIVAL ACCESS. TICKET PRICES WILL INCREASE AS THE FESTIVAL APPROACHES. PURCHASE EARLY BEFORE THEY SELL OUT.

  • Skip the lines and elevate your General Admission experience with express entry and access to private restrooms.

    GA+ TICKET INCLUDES

    • Access to Both Days of Experts Only Festival on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20

    • Live performances from artists curated by John Summit, across two stages

    • Interactive brand activations, art installations, and more

    • Access to a wide variety of food and beverage options for sale 

    • Free water refill stations

    • Express entry lane

    • Access to GA+ premium restrooms

  • Upgrade your festival experience with VIP access! Enjoy elevated viewing areas, expedited entry, and exclusive amenities across both festival days or single day tickets. 

    2 DAY VIP TICKETS INCLUDE:

    • Access to the VIP Main Stage Lounge inside Experts Only Festival on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20 for 2 Day VIP Tickets.

    • Premium VIP-only Main Stage viewing area

    • Dedicated fast track VIP Event Entrance

    • VIP bar with a variety of spirits, beer, wine, RTDs, and soft drinks

    • Dedicated premium VIP only food options from some of the best local NYC restaurants

    • Comfortable lounge seating

    • VIP-only Premium Restrooms

    • Interactive brand activations, art installations, and more

    ALL VIP TICKET TIERS GRANT YOU THE SAME LEVEL OF FESTIVAL ACCESS. TICKET PRICES WILL INCREASE AS THE FESTIVAL APPROACHES. PURCHASE EARLY BEFORE THEY SELL OUT.

  • Go beyond VIP with a Platinum Ticket - the most exclusive way to experience Experts Only Fest. Enjoy unbeatable access and top-tier perks that will make your fest experience unforgettable.  

    2 DAY PLATINUM TICKETS INCLUDE:

    • Platinum-Only On-Stage Viewing Area (Main Stage)

    • An open bar with unlimited cocktails, beer, energy drinks, soft drinks and water

    • All VIP perks: VIP Fast Track, Event Entry, VIP Lounge Access, VIP-Only Restrooms and more

    ALL PLATINUM TICKET TIERS GRANT YOU THE SAME LEVEL OF FESTIVAL ACCESS. TICKET PRICES WILL INCREASE AS THE FESTIVAL APPROACHES. PURCHASE EARLY BEFORE THEY SELL OUT.

  • Enjoy your own dedicated VIP Table with unparalleled views and premium bottle service.

    VIP TABLE EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:

    • 1x Private VIP table with premier viewing of main stage performances

    • Unlimited sponsored bottle service with dedicated server at your VIP table

    • Dedicated fast track VIP Event Entrance

    • VIP-only restrooms

    • Access to VIP viewing areas, lounges, and comfortable seating

    For VIP TABLE inquiries and reservations, please contact: info@medium-rare.com

  • YES – The Manhattan Ferry is the easiest way to get to and from Experts Only Fest. Ferries depart from the East 35th Street Ferry Landing, located at the intersection of East 35th Street and the FDR Drive. Travel time to Randall’s Island is approximately 25 minutes, and ferries drop you off directly at the festival entrance. 

    Ferry service runs from 2:30 PM until after the show ends, with departures available 30 minutes before and running until after the show. 

    A Ferry Pass is required for boarding and must be purchased in advance.

  • GA passes will be issued as NFC passes. Near Field Communication (Contactless Tickets) are digital tickets that patrons can add to their Apple Wallet or Google Pay app.

    VIP & Platinum Wristbands will be shipped if ordered by Sunday, September 6th — anyone who purchased after that date will pick up onsite at will-call.

  • Contactless Tickets are convenient to use. Patrons can add tickets to their Apple Wallet or Google Pay app on their phone and easily access it when they arrive at the event. iPhone users will see a lock screen notification, ‘tap’ the notification and present the ticket.

  • Similar to other digital tickets, Contactless Tickets are emailed or sent by text to the patron. The patron should be instructed to add their tickets to their digital wallet as soon as they receive their email or text.

  • Patrons can add more than one Contactless ticket to their digital wallet. When they approach the gate, they should open their wallet, select the group of tickets for the event, and swipe to present each ticket.

  • YES – Don’t want to pay all up front, but afraid you’ll miss out? Lock in your Experts Only Fest ticket for just $25 down! Choose the payment plan option at checkout.

  • Tickets are non-refundable.

    The event will happen rain or shine. If the festival is 100% cancelled due to rain with no reschedule date, tickets will be refunded.

Arrival

  • The following original forms of identification are ACCEPTABLE:

    • Government-Issued Passport

    • Driver’s License (U.S. or Canada)

    • Military Identification Card with Photo; or Government-Issued Identification Card with Photo

    The following forms of identification are UNACCEPTABLE:

    • Expired Identification Card

    • School Identification Card

    • License/Identification Card issued in countries other than the U.S. or Canada

    • Birth Certificate

    • Social Security Card

    • Federal Immigration Card

    • Voter Registration Card

    • Photo Copies or Digital Copies of any acceptable forms of identification

  • Bag Policy:

    • Maximum bag size: 15in x 15in x 5in (MUST BE CLEAR BAG)

    • Small Bag Policy (Non Clear 4in x 6in). If you bring a non clear bag larger than this, you will not be permitted into the venue.

    Hydration Packs:

    • Allowed, but MUST BE EMPTY upon arrival. We will have free water stations inside the festival

    • Must NOT have more than 2 pockets

    *All Persons & Bags brought into the event property are subject to search

    • NO Drugs or drug paraphernalia

    • NO Alcohol

    • NO Smoking and/or Smoking Products of any kind (lighters, cigarettes, vapes, marijuana, etc)

    • NO Outside Food/Beverage (with the exception of one unopened water bottle)

    • Reusable Water Bottles & Camelbacks are allowed (must be empty upon entry)

    • NO Pets/Animals — UNLESS it is a service animal, and You are a person with disabilities, or service animals in-training and have appropriate apparel and have on Your person credentials from an accredited school for which the dog is being raised. Please email Your questions regarding service animals to the Company at: info@expertsonlyfest.com

    • NO Massagers

    • NO Laser pens or pointers

    • NO Light Sticks

    • NO Eyedrops

    • NO Glass, cans, cups, or coolers

    • NO Aerosol cans (including deodorant and perfume)

    • NO Markers, pens, or spray paint

    • NO Gas masks or tactical gear

    • NO Large chains, chain wallets or spiked jewelry

    • NO Pacifiers

    • NO Stuffed Animals/Dolls

    • NO Stickers or flyers

    • NO Tents, umbrellas, hammocks or chairs

    • NO Blankets

    • NO Coolers

    • NO Skateboards, Scooters or Bikes

    • NO Large purses or bags (over 15” X 15” X 5” inches - SEE BAG POLICY)

    • NO Open lipstick, chapstick, tampons

    • NO Open Sunscreen

    • NO Outside food, beverage, or alcohol

    • NO Professional cameras (SLR or detachable lenses)

    • NO Audio or Video Recording Equipment

    • NO Musical Instruments

    • NO Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles

    • NO Knives, firearms, pepper spray, fireworks, or weapons of any kind

    • NO Toy weapons or real weapons of any kind

    • NO Flammable products

    • NO Sticks, staff, swords, sabers, or scepters

    • NO Waterguns or misters

    • NO Sports Equipment, Balloons, balls, frisbees, or any other projectiles

    • NO Native American headdresses

    • NO Selfie Sticks

    • NO Festival totems

    • NO Chinese Lanterns

    • NO Unlicensed Vending of any kind

    • NO CROWD SURFING OR RAIL BREAKING. PATRONS PARTICIPATING IN EITHER WILL BE EJECTED

    • ANY OTHER ITEMS deemed as posing a threat to the safe enjoyment of the patrons or that would disrupt performances 

    If you bring any of the items on the above prohibited items list into the event, such items will be confiscated and discarded and you will be subject to removal from the event based on the sole discretion of company.  Under no circumstances will company hold any prohibited items for you.

    ALL PERSONS AND PROPERTY ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH AND MAY BE REQUIRED TO TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES DURING SEARCH. COMPANY HAS  ZERO TOLERANCE  FOR ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES. THE USE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS AND UNDERAGE DRINKING IS NOT PERMITTED. ANYONE FOUND WITH ILLEGAL DRUGS AND/OR UNDERAGE DRINKING WILL BE SUBJECT TO REMOVAL FROM THE EVENT AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED BACK IN.

    • OK Clear (transparent) bags – max size 15” X 15”x 5“

    • OK Clear (transparent) backpacks – max size 15” X 15”x 5“

    • OK Clear (transparent) fanny packs – max size 15” X 15”x 5“

    • OK Empty non-transparent Hydration Pack with no more that 2 pockets

    • OK Small clutch up to 5” X 7” X 2” in size

    • OK Non-Professional Still Cameras including Go Pros (GoPros may NOT be attached to a mono pod or extendable pole)

    • OK Cell Phones

    • OK Sealed: tampons, packs of gum, chapstick/lip gloss

    • OK Glowing/illuminated costumes or jewelry

    • OK Sunglasses and hats

    • OK Sealed liquid sunscreen and cosmetic products

    • OK Guide dogs for people with disabilities and other service animals with current rabies certification

    *All Persons & Bags brought into the event property are subject to search

  • No totems of any kinds permitted

  • All prescription medications must be presented in a pharmacy-labeled container. The

    label must include the prescription details, dosage, and the name of the individual.

    • The name on the prescription must match a valid form of identification (e.g., driver’s license, state ID).

    • Only a sufficient supply of the medication needed for the duration of the event is permitted.

    • Over-the-counter medications are allowed in a sufficient supply for one day.

    • Expired medications are strictly prohibited.

    • All medications must be verified by medical staff, safety officers or a security supervisor prior to entering the event.

  • Professional cameras (DSLR’s) are not allowed at Experts Only Festival.

Parking

  • There is NO PARKING available on Randall’s Island for Experts Only Music Festival. You may be dropped off and picked up by your own vehicle but there will be no location available to park on the island. There are multiple ways to get to and from Experts Only Fest, plan ahead by visiting our Getting Here Page that has more info on how to get to Randall’s Island Park.

    Though there is no parking available on the island there is multiple parking garages close to Randall’s Island:

    Parking Garages near 125th Bridge Manhattan Side:

    • East River Plaza Garage – E. 116th Street between Pleasant Ave and FDR Drive

    • Paladino Parking Lot – 10 Paladino Ave

    • MPG Parking Lot – 1559 Lexington Ave

    • Brown Parking Systems – 1707A Park Ave

    • E-Z Park East – 127th St. and Park Ave

    • iPark E 124 Garage – 124th between 2nd & 3rd

    • Taino Towers Garage Corp – 211 122nd between 2nd & 3rd

    Parking Garages near 125th Bridge Queens Side:

    • MPG Parking – 28-98 Astoria Blvd, Queens, NY

    • PV Parking – 29-19 Newton Ave, Queens, NY

    • Sylvan Parking – 23-25 31st St., Queens, NY

    • Astoria Central Parking – 31-57 31st St., Queens, NY

    Parking Garages near 103rd St Footbridge:

    • MPG Manhattan Parking – 440 E 102nd St

    • Glenwood Hampton Court – 103rd St. between 1st & 2nd

    • Quik Park – 102nd St. between 1st & 2nd

    • Edison ParkFast – 401 E. 110th St. Lot – Valet

    Parking Garages near Ferry (35th St & FDR Drive):

    • First Ave Parking, LLC: 416 37th St

    • Enterprise Parking Systems: 415 East 37th St

    • iPark NYUMC – 400 E 35th St.

    • iPark 1st Ave Parking – 475 East 36th St

    • Enterprise 37 East Parking LLC – 415 E 37th St

    • iPark 340 E 34 Garage – 332–342 East 34th Street

    • GMC Tunnel Garage – 300 East 34th Street

    Pro Park America – 575 1st Ave Valet Garage – 575 1st Ave

  • There are multiple ways to get to and from Experts Only Music Festival, plan ahead by visiting our Getting Here Page, which has more info on how to get to Randall’s Island Park.

    There are NO rideshares following the show, please make other plans!

    For rideshare pickup when the show ends, this will not be possible on the island. If you would like to take a rideshare for your departure, you should take the walking bridge or the X80 bus and order your rideshare from this location.

    The X80 runs only during special events, from East Harlem (125th Street & Lexington Ave) to Randall’s Island. The X80 is $7.00 to the event & FREE for those returning from Experts Only Festival.