The 2026 edition of Making Time ∞ (pronounced “Making Time Forever”) was a weekend of profound transcendence. This year’s line-up featured an eclectic but spiritually connected slate of artists, including Kim Gordon performing her new, punky digi-trap, vinyl DJ powerhouse Theo Parrish spinning three hours of sonic elation, and Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox performing as Atlas Sound for his first show in seven years. Making Time ∞ has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the global electronic and experimental festival circuit, drawing a crowd that bridges the gap between misty techno dance floors and the deep, byzantine archives of Bandcamp.

The festival continues to grow, building on the momentum of a marquee 2025 edition that saw all passes sell out. While it shares the finger-on-the-pulse curation of events like Sustain Release or Horst festival, Making Time ∞ distinguishes itself through its historic Philadelphia location and the highly specific, tapped-in bookings of founder Dave P.

Digging Deeper into the Underground

“This year I was more thoughtful about digging deeper into the underground,” says Dave P., who has maintained a consistent commitment to balancing live acts with DJ sets. The 2026 roster highlighted this vision, featuring performances from FADER doc stars ear, who brought their hardcore folktronica to The Lot Radio stage, and Philly shoegaze stalwarts They Are Gutting A Body of Water, who were met with a rapturous hometown reception at the Majestic stage. Local talent also took center stage, with sets from Jeff Zeigler, Zillas on Acid, Cubby, and Jewelsea showcasing the vibrant depth of the Philadelphia music scene.

The Magic of Fort Mifflin

The festival’s unique atmosphere is inextricably linked to its venue: Fort Mifflin, a historic military bunker situated beside the Philadelphia International Airport. Dave P., who now serves on the fort’s board of directors, describes a “deep connection to the site.” Since 2023, the Making Time team has taken an active role in the grounds’ preservation, including replacing the grass and maintaining the historic site. This stewardship includes a respectful acknowledgment of the fort’s history as a Revolutionary War battleground and Civil War military prison.

In a nod to the site’s storied past, Dave P. brings in a “paranormal expert” each year to commune with the spirits of the space. “The paranormal expert comes to talk to the ghosts and tells them what’s going on and that we have good intentions,” he explains. “[He tells them] we’re here to do something good for the fort. I think they’re having fun. I think they appreciate what we’re doing.”

As the weekend concluded, it was clear that Making Time ∞ remains a vital space for both rising underground stars and avant-garde icons to converge, creating a singular experience that resonates long after the music stops.