GRIDLIFE Is Heading To New York But Still Keeping Its Roots
GRIDLIFE is bringing its signature blend of grassroots motorsports and music festival culture back to upstate New York for Summer Apex, July 24-26, 2026. This time, the epic festival is taking over the historic Watkins Glen International, the massive weekend features two nights of music headlined by BUNT., DJ Diesel (aka Shaq), and Teddy Pain (aka T-Pain), set against a daytime backdrop of high-speed racing, full-course drifting, and a curated car show. So if you like cars and you like music, this is the way to go!
The 2026 Summer Apex music programming bridges the gap between the track and the stage, bringing together a heavy-hitting roster of electronic and bass music for the weekend.
A major highlight of the festival will be a stage takeover by Bassmint, Teddy Pain’s newly launched bass label. Built around heavy, high-energy bass music, the lineup features a Bass Set from Teddy Pain himself, alongside DJ Diesel (Shaq), San Holo (playing an exclusive Wholesome Riddim set), Kompany, Samplifire, Ivory, and Big Florida.
Balancing out the heavy bass, the weekend will also feature deep, emotion-driven sets from BUNT., Laszewo, and Jai Wolf taking over the NOS Energy main stage as the sun drops over the Finger Lakes. Additional support acts for the weekend will be announced soon. We’re psyched!
What sets Summer Apex apart from traditional music festivals is the seamless crossover between the artists and the action. Before hitting the stage for the Bassmint takeover, Teddy Pain will actually be suiting up and drifting the iconic Watkins Glen International circuit alongside the rest of the festival’s drivers. That’s so awesome!
“It’s amazing how far we’ve come. We’re taking over Watkins Glen with two massive nights of music, but we’re still doing it our way,” says Chris Stewart, Co-Founder of GRIDLIFE. “Having BUNT. and Jai Wolf on the lineup is going to bring a perfect vibe after a long day of racing. But handing the keys to Teddy Pain to bring his new Bassmint label out is going to be one for the books. He isn’t just taking over the stage, he’s literally getting out on track and drifting with us during the day. That’s what happens when you build something for this community, the artists are just as die-hard about the car culture as the fans.”
General Admission tickets, VIP passes, and the full event schedule for Summer Apex are available now at www.grid.life.
But WAIT! There is more?
Since 2014, GRIDLIFE has been bringing its signature blend of grassroots motorsports and music festival culture to southwest Michigan. And they’re back! Returning to GingerMan Raceway in South Haven for its 13th year this coming June 12, 13 & 14, 2026, the massive weekend features two nights of music headlined by CRANKDAT, Tape B and Inzo with special guest Ray Volpe and more, set against a daytime backdrop of high-speed racing, full-course drifting, and a curated car show.
Friday, June 12’s line-up is spearheaded by Crankdat, special guest Ray Volpe, Distinct Motive and Tsu Nami. Leading Saturday, June 13’s charge is Tape B, INZO, Borgore, Avello and Seth David.
In addition to these spectacular main stage sets, GRIDLIFE fans can keep the party going with afterparties featuring up and coming local talents: QLew, Tarro, Cheska, Hoodlum, Key Mitch, Bluejay, DJ Xcape, Charlotte Webb, Encephalo, Rolo, Food Fight, Artificial Sky, Wub Street, Nightenin Takeover, Konundrum, Simiio and Ooze.
Less than a three hour drive from Chicago and Detroit, and a few miles from the beaches of Lake Michigan, the GingerMan Raceway rests on more than 300 acres of land. It has the comfort of a state park with a world class track as its centerpiece which gives fans plenty of space from the paddock to the campgrounds to experience all the top-tier music and motorsport mayhem GRIDLIFE is known for. The GRIDFAM vibes are incredibly strong at this particular event.
General Admission tickets with a limited number of VIP and camping passes still available, and the full event schedule for Midwest Festival, can be found at www.grid.life.