Brand new festival Why Not Now announces debut lineup for New York festival
EMW Presents and ZERO Productions Join Forces for New Brooklyn Festival.
“Why Not Now?” Festival marks a new collaboration between EMW Presents (East Meets West) and ZERO Productions. The two-day boutique-style festival will debut Memorial Day weekend, May 23–24, 2026, at Industry City in Brooklyn.
The collaboration between the two promoters is a natural pairing. ZERO is familiar with running dance music events in large industrial venues. They have produced open-air shows for Armin van Buuren at Industry City and events featuring Boris Brejcha. Meanwhile, EMW Presents, although still relatively new after launching in 2023 as an event production and promotion company, has quickly built a reputation for producing events like Experts Only Festival from John Summit, Chris Lake’s Black Book takeover at Brooklyn Army Terminal, and shows from Anjunabeats at Pier 17.
The collaboration aligns artistically, as both companies value unconventional venues and creating rave-style experiences where the venue itself becomes part of the show.
The lineup reflects that shared vision, bringing together a diverse mix of global names and rising artists within the tech house and underground electronic scene, while also featuring a strong blend of male and female DJs.
Saturday, May 23 features Dreya V, a UK artist known for merging rap with club production; TOBEHONEST, a rising groove-driven tech house artist; and Linska, a staple in the NYC underground scene who continues to push the tech house sound. GENESI will continue the night’s tech house energy before headliners Gorgon City take the stage, bringing their signature bass-heavy house sound.
Sunday, May 24, features Toronto artist Bambii, whose sound blends dancehall and techno influences. Flava D will help set the drum and bass tone for the night, while the North American debut of Joy (Anonymous) B2B MPH promises to be a standout moment, combining Joy’s vibrant energy with MPH’s bass-driven UK garage sound. Closing out the festival will be drum and bass legends Chase & Status with what is expected to be a high-energy set.
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, March 11, at 10 a.m. EST, with presale registration currently open. Visit the festival’s website for tickets and the most up-to-date information. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, and X at @WhyNotNowFest.
Fans can also expect more upcoming events from EMW this summer, including the recently announced two-night takeover from Sammy Virji at Brooklyn Army Terminal, shows from The Martinez Brothers (June 13) and Odd Mob (July 3), as well as Anjunadeep Open Air NYC (July 18) in Central Park and additional performances from Armin van Buuren and others.
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