Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA — August 8, 2026

Under the scorching Los Angeles sun, Head in the Clouds returned to Brookside at the Rose Bowl for a full day of music, culture, and community. Running from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., the one-day festival brought together an eclectic lineup of Asian artists from across the world, with each set offering its own distinct sound, personality, and audience. As the afternoon progressed into the evening, the crowds only grew larger, filling the Rose Bowl with an energy that felt impossible to contain. From rising groups making their festival debuts to artists who have become staples of the global Asian music scene, Head in the Clouds once again proved its ability to bring vastly different sounds and communities together under one roof.

The afternoon kicked off with performances that immediately set the tone for the day. Warren Hue brought an early surge of energy to the festival, performing fan favorites including “Boy of the Year” and “In My Bag,” before surprising the crowd with Rich Brian for a performance of “Getcho Mans.” Indonesia’s four-member girl group No Na followed with a performance built around sharp choreography and an infectious stage presence, bringing their full group energy to tracks like “Shoot” and “Rollerblade.” KiiiKiii continued the momentum, commanding a roaring crowd as the Korean girl group led fans through their set and had the audience singing along. Later, Tiffany Day injected the festival with a completely different kind of energy. Her hyperpop and electropop-influenced sound created an atmosphere that felt playful, colorful, and unpredictable, with “American Girl” standing out as a highlight of her set.

As the afternoon turned into evening, the festival’s rising acts continued to make their mark. LNGSHOT opened their set with “Moonwalking,” the standout track from their latest release, SHOT CALLERS. The crowd at the front came prepared, holding up posters and signs as they cheered for each member and sang along to every moment. UMI offered one of the festival’s most intimate experiences, transforming her set into what she described as an “UMI experience.” Beginning with a meditation that encouraged the crowd to slow down and settle into the moment, she moved through fan favorites like “Love Affair” and “Butterflies.” In an unexpected turn, UMI broke from the flow of her set to interact with the audience through throwback favorites like “Teach Me How to Dougie” and “Crank That,” before returning to the dreamlike atmosphere with “Remember Me.” Her set became less of a traditional performance and more of a shared experience between artist and audience.

The energy surged once again as Rich Brian took the stage, bringing a heavier dose of hip-hop and nostalgia to the festival. Performing hits such as “GOSPEL” and “Edamame,” Ryan had the crowd jumping from start to finish, even tossing his water bottle into the audience as fans reached toward the stage. Dabin.KR followed with an equally explosive performance, marking a new chapter in his Head in the Clouds’ journey. After opening his set, he reflected on how much had changed since his previous appearance at the festival, introducing the audience to his new identity before diving into fan favorites like “Jasmine.” By this point, the crowds had reached their peak, with each stage becoming a gathering point for fans eager to see their favorite artists.

As the night continued, XG delivered one of the festival’s most visually ambitious performances. Their two-level stage design was accompanied by massive lighting elements, flames, and tightly synchronized choreography that amplified every moment of their set. The group moved effortlessly between their biggest hits, creating a performance that felt just as much like a spectacle as it did a concert. Closing out the night, KATSEYE proved that their growing global presence was more than enough to command the Rose Bowl. Despite performing with four members, the group’s stage presence filled every corner of the venue. Performances of “Gnarly” and “Pinky Up” had fans of all ages cheering, singing, and watching in awe.

From the heat of the afternoon to the final performances under the lights, Head in the Clouds LA 2026 was a celebration of the diversity and reach of Asian music on a global stage. Warren Hue, No Na, KIIKII, Tiffany Day, LNGSHOT, UMI, Rich Brian, Dabin.KR, XG, and KATSEYE each brought something completely different to the festival, yet their performances ultimately shared the same ability to connect with thousands of people. More than just a collection of performances, the festival served as a meeting point for different generations, sounds, and cultures—one where every crowd had a place to belong.

Words & Photography: Ethan Wong