MERRION STREET TAKEOVER
Our Merrion Street takeover is back again for 2026, taking over Leeds City Centre for one night of pop-punk, emo and party on Sunday 24th May from 11pm - 3am (The Key Club will run until 4am). One wristband, multiple venues, and a lot of fun!
The venues for 2026 are The Key Club, Santiago and Belgrave Music Hall.
They're all within easy walking distance, so once the festival is over, head into Leeds city centre and then pick your poison. Each venue will be playing host to different acts and DJs - scroll down to see what's happening at every venue.
This event is strictly 18+ only and a valid ID will need to be shown upon arrival.
SANTIAGO
Planning on camping out at our back-to-back heavy stage all day long at the festival? Keep it heavy and head to Santiago. Leeds' best rock dive bar will be playing host to TRAUMA ROOM, spinning the very best in metal and hardcore all night long.
Santiago will also feature a very special guest DJ set from Liam, frontman of The Cancer Bats. A very limited number of the newly-released Slam Dunk Records special anniversary pressing of Cancer Bat's first three albums will be available for signing on the night!
BELGRAVE MUSIC HALL & CANTEEN
Over at Belgrave, there's plenty of music to choose from:
Playing tribute to Fall Out Boy's iconic '06 Slam Dunk Festival set, get ready to sing along to your favourite FOB songs like it's 2006 all over again. Fell Out Boy are fresh off their sold-out UK tour, and ready for a night of emo and pop-punk to remember.
Slam Crunk & Guilty Pleasures
With a special DJ set from Artio, keep the festival vibe going with Slam Crunk & Guilty Pleasures. Expect your MySpace faves like Millionaires, Cobra Starship and Skrillex, as well as guilty pop perfection from Charli XCX, Kesha and more.
THE KEY CLUB
2026 doesn't just mark 20 years of the festival - it's also 25 big years of the original Slam Dunk club night, which became the festival you know and love.
From its beginnings at the Cockpit (RIP) to its new home at the Key Club, it's the number one alternative night out in Leeds - and it's where you can keep the afterparty going until 4am!
With drinks deals and tons of alternative fans to party with, expect two rooms absolutely packed with the very best non-stop emo, pop-punk, rock and metal.
