Akumandra Announces Inaugural Festival at NYC’s Knockdown Center

Record label and party series Akumandra, founded by Sainte Vie, has officially announced its inaugural festival, marking a significant milestone after eleven years of curating underground events in New York City. The Akumandra Festival is set to take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the iconic Knockdown Center in Brooklyn. The event promises a 14-hour immersive experience across two of the venue’s signature spaces, featuring custom lighting designs tailored specifically for the occasion.

A Decade of Underground Evolution

Since its inception in Mexico City in 2013, Akumandra has evolved from an intimate gathering into a cornerstone of the global melodic dance music scene. Following its first New York show in 2015, the brand has consistently provided a home for forward-thinking artists, hosting bi-annual showcases that have become legendary among local enthusiasts. The label’s influence now spans the globe, with successful events held in cultural hubs such as Istanbul, Berlin, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami.

The festival will serve as a celebration of this journey. Reflecting on the announcement, Sainte Vie shared, “It was always a dream of mine to organize a festival, and I couldn’t be happier to be doing it with Akumandra in my favorite city, New York, and at my favorite venue, Knockdown Center. We’re going to celebrate the 4th of July outdoors at The Ruins during the day, then move it inside to the Main Hall at night.”

Festival Programming and Lineup

The daytime festivities will run from 3 PM to 10 PM in the outdoor courtyard, The Ruins. The program features a back-to-back opening set from longtime residents Mateo and Eli, followed by a live performance from German producer Rezident. Sainte Vie will take the stage for a sunset set, showcasing material from his debut full-length album, Pablo. The daytime portion concludes with the NYC debut of French duo Betical, whose recent work has garnered significant support from industry heavyweights like Keinemusik and Adriatique.

As night falls, the energy shifts to the Main Hall from 10 PM to 5 AM. The evening lineup includes Milan-based producer Ivory, followed by the classically trained Slovenian artist Brina Knauss. Irish producer and label founder Mano Le Tough will bring his signature melodic house and techno sound to the stage, before Sainte Vie returns to close out the festival with a final DJ set.

Venue and Ticket Information

Knockdown Center remains the ideal partner for this expansion, offering the industrial architecture necessary for Akumandra’s art-forward production. With custom lighting installations planned for both the Main Hall and The Ruins, the festival aims to transform the venue into a unique, immersive environment.

Tickets for the event are currently available via DICE, with various tiers for day, night, and full-day passes. Given the 21+ nature of the event and the anticipated demand, attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early. This inaugural festival represents not just a celebration of the past eleven years, but a bold step forward for one of New York’s most respected underground institutions.