KATSEYE to headline Head in the Clouds 2026
Returning to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Aug. 8, the global girl group will be joined by acts including XG, Rich Brian, UMI, and No Na
KATSEYE
Rahul Bhatt
Words by Daniel Anderson
KATSEYE will headline the 2026 edition of Head in the Clouds (HITC) music festival. The group is joined at the top of the bill by another global pop group, XG.
Organized by 88rising, the festival returns Aug. 8 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. In a notable change, this year’s event will be a one-day event, a departure from the multi-day formats the festival has adopted in recent years.
The broader lineup continues to span genres including hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music. Performers include 88rising mainstay Rich Brian, Japanese singer-songwriter UMI, Indonesian rapper Warren Hue, and South Korean rapper Dabin.kr of DPR collective fame, along with emerging acts such as K-pop girl group KiiiKiii, K-pop boy band LNGSHOT, Indonesian girl group No Na, DJ Gia Fu, and YouTuber and singer Tiffany Day. Compared to past festivals, however, there are fewer core 88rising-affiliated artists prominently featured, as idol groups take on a larger share of the spotlight. The music festival will also have a lineup of Asian-owned food vendors and businesses.
It is unknown at this time if KATSEYE member Manon will participate in HITC due to her announced health hiatus. Prior to HITC, the “Gnarly” singers will also perform at Coachella, The Governors Ball in New York, and Hinterland Music Festival in Iowa. XG’s participation in HITC comes shortly after the news of their flagship producer Simon’s arrest in Japan for drug possession.
Since launching in 2017, Head in the Clouds has grown into a major showcase for Asian and Asian diasporic artists, with past editions expanding beyond the greater Los Angeles area to cities including New York City, Jakarta, Manila, and China. The festival celebrated its 10-year anniversary last year and has built its reputation on blending established names with emerging talent while reflecting the global reach of Asian music and culture.
Published on March 24, 2026
Words by Daniel Anderson
Daniel Anderson is a disabled Chinese American adoptee based in Seattle. His freelance writing specialties include K-pop, entertainment, and food. He believes that any restaurant can be a buffet, and the key to success is to take a nap each day. Follow his adventures on Instagram @danzstan.