Getting drenched in water while watching your favorite boy group's performance, and cooling off with refreshing food between shows. This is the charm of the summer festival, WATERBOMB. The 2026 WATERBOMB kicks off in Seoul in July. We've summarized which boy groups will take the stage this time, along with food recommendations and tips to enjoy the event 200%.
2026 WATERBOMB, Which Boy Groups are Performing?
The 2026 WATERBOMB Seoul will be held for three days from July 24th to 26th outdoors at KINTEX Exhibition Center 2 in Goyang. The performance boy group fans should pay attention to is RIIZE. RIIZE has been revealed to perform on July 26th (Sunday). As a team known for their strong live skills, their performance unfolding amidst a barrage of water is one of the key highlights of this WATERBOMB.
In addition, Jay Park, BIBI, CHANGMO, Sunmi, Lee Young-ji, and KISS OF LIFE have been named in the lineup. However, the performers vary by date and the lineup is revealed sequentially, while the lineups for Busan (August 8th) and Sokcho (August 22nd) will be announced separately. Be sure to check the official channels and ticketing sites for the performance dates of the artists you want to see.
What to Eat Between Shows — Festival Food
At large-scale festival sites like WATERBOMB, food zones and food trucks are usually operated. Since playing in the water during midsummer drains a lot of physical energy, pacing yourself by eating and drinking in between is the key to enjoying the festival.
- Hydration and Sugar Replenishment: Bottled water is a must, and menus that quickly replenish sugar like sports drinks, slushies, and ice cream are popular.
- One-Handed Convenience Foods: Focus on menus that are easy to hold and eat while standing in line, such as hot dogs, french fries, tacos, and skewers.
- On-Site Prices and Wait Times: You must consider the wait times and price ranges at festival food zones. Having a light meal before entering can help you avoid lines during peak hours.
Wrapping up the event at a local hot spot in the host city after the show is also a great course. If attending the Sokcho round (August 22nd, Hanwha Resort Seorak), combining it with local delicacies like dakgangjeong (sweet crispy fried chicken) and ssiat hotteok (seed-stuffed pancake) at Sokcho Jungang Market, or seafood and milmyeon (wheat noodles) for the Busan round, will complete your food bucket list.
Essentials for First-Timers
WATERBOMB is a festival where you "get splashed with water." Put your mobile phone, cards, and tickets in a neck-strap waterproof pouch, and bring aqua shoes, a spare change of clothes, a towel, and waterproof sunscreen. Preparing a water gun in advance will save you from standing in line to buy one on-site. Keeping valuables to a minimum is the safest bet.
You can check the transportation and detailed essentials for each host city all at once in Nadri's 'WATERBOMB' guide. From your favorite performances and refreshing food to a short summer trip — grab all three in just one day at WATERBOMB.
※ Schedules, lineups, and on-site operations are based on information released for 2026, and may be subject to change according to official announcements.
