China’s DIY punk scene will once again converge in Chongqing as the CQ Punk Fest returns for its 14th annual edition. Scheduled for March 26–28, 2026, the festival will be hosted at NUTS Livehouse, a long-running underground venue located in the Deyi Fashion Mall in the city’s Yuzhong District.
Over the years, CQ Punk Fest has established itself as a central meeting point for China’s punk community — a raw, grassroots gathering where local bands, touring acts and devoted fans come together to celebrate the rebellious spirit of punk rock. With its DIY ethos and tightly packed club atmosphere, the festival continues to represent the energy of China’s independent music underground.
The 2026 edition unfolds across two main nights of performances. Day One (March 27) features a lineup rooted in the gritty punk traditions of the Chinese scene, including Ambulance of Love, Chaos of Society, Cheap Goods, Dummy Toys and the band Niao Xue, delivering a night of fast guitars and uncompromising attitude.
Day Two (March 28) raises the intensity with a powerful bill led by Beijing punk veterans Brain Failure, one of the most internationally recognized bands from China’s punk movement. Joining them are rising punk act Big City Germs, along with the hard-hitting groups Refuse To Obey, Sinko Zoo and Accidental Collision.
The event reflects the continuing vitality of the Chinese punk underground, where independent venues like NUTS play a crucial role in keeping the scene alive. Since its founding, the festival has championed bands that combine raw punk energy with elements of street punk, hardcore and alternative rock, creating an environment where new voices can emerge alongside established acts.
Tickets for the CQ Punk Fest 2026 are available online, with advance passes starting at 138 RMB for a single day and 238 RMB for two days, while door prices rise slightly to 168 RMB and 288 RMB respectively. Entry is restricted to audiences aged 18 and over, reflecting the festival’s late-night club atmosphere.
More than just a concert series, CQ Punk Fest has become a yearly ritual for China’s punk community — a celebration of rebellion, independence and collective energy in one of the country’s most dynamic cities. As the 14th edition approaches, fans can once again expect a weekend of distortion, sweat and uncompromising punk spirit in the heart of Chongqing.
The CQ Punk Fest 2026 will take place March 26–28 at NUTS Livehouse in Chongqing, celebrating the 14th edition of one of China’s most persistent underground punk events.