Hip Hop artist Planet Asia performing in the middle of a crowd at The Happiness of Pursuit Festival in Ontario, California, surrounded by fans and videographers.

THOP FEST TOUR | ANNUAL ARTIST COMPETITION

JOIN THE 2026 LINEUP

The Happiness of Pursuit Festival is heading out this spring on a scouting mission to find the best up-and-coming talent in the independent scene. As one of the premier independent hip-hop festivals in the country, THOP Fest has hosted icons like Mobb Deep, Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, and Evidence. Now, we’re looking for the next generation of greats to join our alumni.

A list of tour dates for the happiness of pursuit festival tour (thop fest) featuring artists 60 east and Noa James

2026 SHOWCASE AND PERFORMANCE LOCATIONS

5/16 RSVP | CATHEDRAL CITY, CA | BART LOUNGE

5/17 RSVP | SANTA ANA, CA | G.C.S

5/23 RSVP | OXNARD, CA | THE MYSTERY SHOP

6/06 RSVP | VISALIA, CA | FIRST SATURDAYS

6/12 RSVP | PINON HILLS, CA | THE BIG ROCK BAR

6/13 RSVP | LAS VEGAS, NV | TAVERNA COSTERA

6/19 RSVP | LOS ANGELES, CA | SLIPPER CLUTCH

6/21 RSVP | RODEO, CA | THE WATERFRONT RODEO

6/27 RSVP | POMONA, CA | OVERSPRAY

FOR ARTISTS INTERESTED IN PERFORMING

RULES

Each artist will have a 10-minute set.
Performances will be judged by the THOP Fest team along with crowd response.
The winner will be announced at the end of the competition.
The competition is open to groups, solo acts, bands, singers, producers, DJs, and beatboxers.
Judging will be based on overall performance, including crowd engagement, audience draw, style, and stage presence.

PRIZES

THE ARTIST WITH THE BEST PERFORMANCE IN EACH CITY WILL WIN THE FOLLOWING:

15-minute performance slot at the festival (October 2026)
Instagram Live interview with THOP Fest
Shoutout across all festival social media platforms
Inclusion in an email campaign sent to all festival contacts
Featured on the Fly & Swim series
Festival T-Shirt
Placement on the Fly & Swim playlist
Feature on the official festival blog

GRAND PRIZE

THE THOP FEST TEAM WILL VOTE AT THE END OF THE TOUR, AND THE ARTIST WE FEEL WAS THE BEST OVERALL PERFORMER WILL WIN THE FOLLOWING PRIZE:

Performance on the festival main stage
All-access wristband for the festival
Exclusive 16-bar feature from 60 East & Noa James
One-night stay at the official festival hotel
Feature on Underground Hip-Hop Blog
One dozen custom T-shirts by Smiley Face Printing
Placement on the “Artists to Watch” Spotify playlist