Smirnoff Sound Nation arrives at Electric Picnic 2026 with a stage powered by the belief that the party is better when everyone is invited.
Smirnoff Sound Nation is returning to Electric Picnic this weekend with its biggest activation yet, bringing a packed line-up of international names, emerging Irish talent and a renewed focus on making live music more accessible.
Taking place from 28–30 August at Stradbally Hall, the Smirnoff Stage will welcome some major names across the weekend, including Armand Van Helden, Skepta and Sam Divine, alongside Irish artists Shauna Dee and Onai.
Saturday 29 August will put a particular spotlight on female talent, with a female-heavy line-up celebrating women shaping Ireland’s live music scene.
There is also a big moment for Limerick DJ Pinot G, who will make his Electric Picnic debut after winning Smirnoff’s The Residency, an emerging DJ competition that attracted more than 300 entries from across Ireland.
Known for his deep, high-energy house sets, Pinot G has been building a name in Ireland’s club scene with his feel-good approach to dance music. His slot on the Smirnoff Stage marks a significant step for the rising DJ and gives festival-goers a chance to catch one of the country’s newer names alongside some established international acts.
Away from the stage, Smirnoff is continuing its support for Irish creative communities, with dedicated pop-up spaces from 35 Vintage, Babooshka Beauty and Dublin Independent Fashion Week. Human Collective Dance Group will also bring live performances to the festival site.
The activation will also feature a limited-edition merchandise drop created with Irish designer Seeking Judy, available exclusively at Electric Picnic.
One of the more distinctive elements returning this year is Smirnoff’s haptic suit experience. Ten suits will be available at the Smirnoff Stage, allowing festival-goers to experience music through physical vibrations that translate the rhythm, bass and energy of live performances into a full-body experience.
The haptic suits will once again be accompanied by ISL performance sign language interpreters, with the initiative informed by the lived experience of ISL interpreter and Smirnoff Sound Nation partner Sarah-Jane O’Regan.
“Music belongs to all of us,” O’Regan said. “The haptic suit initiative allows the world of live music to be more accessible and ensures that everyone can be invited to the party.”
Accessibility measures at the Smirnoff Stage will also include wheelchair-accessible routes, a lift to the spirit bar’s top deck, Braille menus, sign language interpretation, dedicated accessibility queues and sensory-friendly touches.
The Smirnoff Sound Nation activation is now in its third year at Electric Picnic, with the brand continuing its focus on music, Irish culture and making the festival experience more inclusive.
With major international acts sharing the stage with one of Ireland’s newest DJ talents, and a renewed push to make live music something that everyone can experience, Smirnoff Sound Nation is set to make its biggest mark yet at Electric Picnic 2026.
Electric Picnic Music and Arts Festival takes place at Stradbally Co Laois from Friday August 28th to Sunday August 30th.
Photo credit: Aerial.ie
