The variety of performers reflected the different sounds and styles
CDM 2026 brought together Punjabi music and culture in Sacramento, California, on October 17, featuring a lineup of established artists and emerging performers.
Held at Cal Expo, the outdoor festival was promoted as the largest Punjabi music festival in the United States. The event ran from 11 am to 11 pm, offering a full day of live entertainment for fans.
According to the festival’s official website, more than 20 artists were included in the programme, with thousands of fans expected to attend.
The event combined live performances with food vendors, VIP cabanas and other festival attractions.
Canadian rapper NAV was announced as the headline performer, alongside prominent Punjabi artists Prem Dhillon, Sunny Malton, Garry Sandhu and Jassa Dhillon.
The advertised main stage line-up also included Tegi Pannu, Chinna, BK Dhaliwal, Manpreet Toor, Fateh and Big Boi Deep. The programme brought together performers associated with Punjabi hip-hop, rap and contemporary Punjabi music.
Other artists listed for the event included Straight Bank, Jassi Gosal, Jagan Randhawa, Simmy, Khush Athwal, Jashan, Gee Baby, Harry Pannu, A.S. Kular, Sandy Kaur Nagra and Shudhita Singh.
The variety of performers reflected the different sounds and styles that have helped Punjabi music reach audiences across international markets.
The festival’s programme also included Bhangra performances, highlighting the importance of traditional Punjabi dance alongside contemporary music.
Published set times showed that doors were scheduled to open at 11 am. Early performances included GSIMZ, Bhangra performances and Shubhita Singh, followed by Sandy Nagra, Gee Baby and Simmy.
Straight Bank and the festival’s audition winner were also listed in the afternoon schedule, with Khush Athwal scheduled to perform at 2:05 pm.
Beyond the music, the organisers planned a festival environment featuring food, dedicated parking areas and general admission spaces. VIP cabanas offered private seating, elevated viewing positions and bottle service.
The event took place at Cal Expo, a major events venue located at 1600 Exposition Boulevard in Sacramento. Its outdoor setting provided space for the festival’s stages, visitor facilities and other attractions.
CDM 2026 reflected the continued international reach of Punjabi music, with artists from different backgrounds and musical styles.
By bringing together established names and emerging performers, the festival aimed to create a shared space for Punjabi music fans and celebrate the genre’s growing presence in the United States.
The festival highlighted the growing popularity of Punjabi music in the United States, bringing artists and fans together to celebrate the genre’s influence across generations.
