Stockton town centre is getting a one-night musical identity crisis this October, with five venues preparing to host 15 tribute acts as Counterfest returns for 2026.
The festival takes place on Saturday 24 October, spreading performances across ARC, The Georgian Theatre, KU Stockton, The Social Room and The Green Room. A single wristband gives access to the participating venues, subject to capacity.
The line-up jumps cheerfully across decades and genres. Acts on the pay tribute to The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Blondie, Guns N’ Roses, Motörhead, AC/DC, Gerry Cinnamon, Sam Fender, Jake Bugg, Coldplay, Kings of Leon, The Strokes, Tenacious D, Weezer and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
It is the kind of format Stockton does particularly well. Rather than placing everything inside one arena, Counterfest uses the town’s network of and cultural venues, giving audiences a reason to move around the centre and creating a festival circuit out of places that operate all year round.
KU Stockton’s official listing says wristband exchange opens at ARC from 4pm, with the main event running from 5pm until 11pm. ARC lists its own Counterfest programme from 5.30pm and currently prices tickets at £25.63 including booking fee. Organisers also warn that once an individual stage reaches capacity it will operate on a one-in, one-out basis.
The event is for people aged 18 and over. The full line-up, venue information and ticket details are available from KU Stockton, with additional venue information available from ARC Stockton Arts Centre.