NextNOW Fest
NextNOW Fest 2026 is a multi-day arts festival hosted by the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland. It brings together live music, comedy, visual art, and community connection in a forward-looking celebration of creativity. The festival runs from Wednesday, September 9 through Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with special nighttime events at The Clarice on Thursday, September 10 and Friday, September 11. Registration is free and grants priority access to the full lineup and schedule, which will be announced in Summer 2026. As part of the university's Arts for All initiative and in partnership with Terps After Dark, the festival is open to the public and aims to unite art, technology, and social justice.
When: NextNOW Fest 2026 takes place from Wednesday, September 9 through Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Festival events occur throughout the week, with highlighted festival nights at The Clarice on Thursday, September 10 and Friday, September 11.
Showtimes: Specific daily showtimes are: Wednesday, September 9 at 11:00 AM; Thursday, September 10 at 1:00 PM; Friday, September 11 at 5:00 PM; Saturday, September 12 at 5:00 PM; Monday, September 14 at 3:00 PM; and Tuesday, September 15 at 5:00 PM. No listing is provided for Sunday, September 13.
Tickets: Admission is free. Registration is required to receive priority access to the lineup and schedule, as well as daily reminders during the festival week. Registration can be completed online via the “Register Now” button.
Lineup: The full 2026 lineup and schedule will be announced in Summer 2026. The festival features performances by intriguing, inventive artists from around the country and the University of Maryland campus, spanning live music, comedy, and other artistic experiences.
Run time: The festival spans multiple days; specific performance durations are not yet available.
Ages: The festival is open for all to attend, including the general public.
Venue: Events take place at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and other locations on the University of Maryland campus in College Park, MD. Festival nights are held at The Clarice.
Note: NextNOW Fest is a signature event of the University of Maryland's Arts for All initiative, which leverages the combined power of the arts, technology, and social justice. It is also a partner of Terps After Dark, an initiative by the UMD Division of Student Affairs that supports late‑night, on‑campus student programming. Funding is provided by the Maryland State Arts Council, Terps After Dark, the Arts for All initiative, and UMD's Student Entertainment Events.
Accessibility: The Clarice is committed to making its events accessible to all guests. Available upon request for all events: wheelchair accessible seating, size‑inclusive seating, large print programs, assisted listening devices, adult and child‑friendly sensory packs, and quiet spaces. ASL interpretation, audio description, and captioning are available for select events or by patron request at least six weeks in advance. More information can be found on the venue’s accessibility services page.