The Happiness of Pursuit Festival is back after a year-long hiatus, and the ninth annual celebration is set to deliver its most ambitious lineup to date. THOP Fest 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at Stage Red in Fontana, California. This year’s event is headlined by Brooklyn’s Kota The Friend—widely recognized as one of the most influential independent artists in the industry—alongside West Coast icon Ras Kass, who will be marking the 30th anniversary of his seminal debut album, Soul on Ice.
The festival’s diverse bill also features DJ Rhettmatic of the legendary Beat Junkies, K.A.A.N. & DJ Hoppa, and the collaborative duo A-F-R-O & 60 East performing as At The Sideshow. Additional performances include sets from Intuition & Equalibrum, Trizz & Friends, and a variety of emerging talent from Southern California and beyond.
Beyond the music, the festival offers a comprehensive immersion into Hip-Hop culture, featuring visual art, skateboarding, local food vendors, and community activations. The event remains dedicated to its core mission of discovering and platforming independent talent. Presented by 60 East and The Happiness of Pursuit Arts Foundation, THOP Fest has served as a vital stage for over 300 artists since its inception in 2017. For more information and ticket availability, visit thopfest.net.