Frost Fest 2026: A Celebration of Music and Community at Stanford
Headliner Announcement: Barry Can’t Swim
This year’s Frost Arts and Music Festival, affectionately known as Frost Fest, promises an exciting lineup, with electronic DJ and producer Barry Can’t Swim set to headline the event. Officially announced by the Stanford Concert Network (SCN) on Thursday, Frost Fest will take place at the iconic Frost Amphitheater on April 11.
Barry Can’t Swim, whose real name is Joshua Mainnie, has been making waves in the electronic music scene. Known for his unique blend of jazz influences and house rhythms, he has quickly become a sought-after artist, drawing attention at major festivals like Coachella and HARD Summer. His debut album, “When Will We Land?” released in 2023, has further established his reputation as a defining voice in contemporary electronic and dance music.
Supporting Acts Set to Dazzle
Frost Fest 2026 will feature a lineup that complements its headliner well. The opening act will be the pop duo Frost Children, while indie-pop sensations Between Friends will provide direct support. This diverse mix reflects SCN’s intention to cater to varied musical tastes, creating a festival atmosphere that appeals to the entire student body.
Crafting an Engaging Lineup
The selection process for this year’s acts was a deliberative one. According to Natalie Shtangrud, one of the SCN directors, the planning started back in the summer. SCN conducted polls and analyzed data to understand the musical preferences of their peers, allowing them to tailor the festival lineup accordingly. Shtangrud noted, “We wanted to pick an artist that a lot of students would genuinely enjoy. At the same time, we aimed to ensure Frost felt like it had something for everyone.”
This consideration is crucial, especially following last year’s success, when Frost Fest became the first sold-out event in its history, featuring beloved artist Doechii. Last year’s overwhelming response helped inform this year’s ambitious and well-rounded bookings.
A Shift in Musical Focus
SCN advisor Johan Sotelo remarked on the exciting shift towards electronic and dance genres for this year. He highlighted the festival’s trend of performing well with DJs and dance artists, emphasizing the significance of creating an experience that invites students to celebrate and dance as the Spring quarter commences.
With the inclusion of Between Friends, SCN aims to attract a broader audience, blending genres in a way that enhances the overall festival experience. This strategic mix is designed to create a vibrant community atmosphere that resonates with the student body.
Student Engagement and Involvement
Continuing the tradition of student involvement at Frost Fest, a student DJ will open the show, although details on this act will be revealed at a later date. This decision reflects SCN’s commitment to ensuring that students remain an integral part of the festival experience, fostering a sense of community and ownership.
Ticketing and Access Details
Frost Fest 2026 will maintain its tradition as a closed event, meaning tickets will be available exclusively to Stanford students and affiliates. This year, however, each student will have the opportunity to purchase up to three additional guest tickets, a slight increase from the previous year. Tickets will go live on the Frost website starting February 20 at 10 a.m., ensuring that students can secure their spot for what promises to be an exhilarating day of music and celebration.
The festival is shaping up to be not just an event, but a pivotal moment in the Stanford community’s spring calendar, offering both engaging performances and an inclusive atmosphere.
