Music News

Hamtown Smakdown 2026 Full Lineup Announced ft. SPEED (AUS) + More

Chris Cudby / Image: @dactyl.tattoos / Tuesday 2nd June, 2026 1:03PM

Along with the revelation that Sydney bruisers SPEED will be crossing the ditch to headline Hamtown Smakdown 2026, the official full lineup has been announced for Kirikiriroa Hamilton's beloved annual hardcore punk festival. Happening across two dates at the bridge city's Meteor Theatre and Contract Bridge Club in mid-July, Hamtown Smakdown celebrates the continued vibrancy of NZHC with a knockout lineup of acts from Kirikiriroa, Tāmaki Makaurau, and beyond. Befitting tradition, Hamtown Smakdown 2026 welcomes attendees of all-ages and is a "no drugs - no alcohol" event. Note the important details below and get rowdy this winter...

"Smakdown uses the Waikato-Tainui dialect of our region with double vowels.

THE SMAKAZ KAUPAPA MEANS NO DRUGS, NO ALCOHOL, NO VIOLENCE AND NO BEHAVIOUR THAT HARMS OR MARGINALISES YOUR FELLOW PUNTERS. THROW DOWN, TWO STEP, LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER, SUPPORT EACH OTHER & TOITUU TE TIRITI.

Hamtown Smakdown reserves the right to remove anyone who exhibits behaviour that marginalises or harms others. Children 13 and under must be accompanied by a parent/guardian."

Hamtown Smakdown 2026

Friday 17th July - Contract Bridge Club, Hamilton (doors 4:30pm)
Nuclear Blunt (Kirikiriroa)
Conspyre (Kirikiriroa)
Ballerina Riot (Kirikiriroa)
Demirep (Taamaki Makaurau)
Ashes of Eden (Kirikiriroa)
Home Invasion (Kirikiriroa)
Kuwake (Taamaki Makaurau)

Saturday 18th July - Meteor Theatre, Hamilton (doors 3pm)
Speed (Te Whenua Moemoeaa/AUS)
Martial Law (Kirikiriroa)
Shuriken (Te Whanganui-a-tara)
Hoon (Kirikiriroa)
Shuv-it (Whakatuu/Waiharakeke)
Cease & Desist (Kirikiriroa)
Parasitica (Taamaki Makaurau)
Horsefly (Taamaki Makaurau)
Megahowler (Taamaki Makaurau/Hauraki)
Mark My Words (Kirikiriroa)

Tickets on sale HERE via UTR (no drugs, no alcohol, all-ages)

Here's SPEED's massive 'NOT THAT NICE' from 2022's Gang Called Speed EP...