The idobi Radio Summer School Tour is officially back in session for 2026—and once again, it’s proving that this traveling showcase is about more than just sweaty club shows and breakout bands. For its third consecutive year, the tour is teaming up with the Save The Music Foundation, continuing a partnership that blends live music discovery with meaningful impact.
Kicking off June 19 in San Diego, the tour will donate $0.50 from every ticket sold to Save The Music, supporting the organization’s mission to expand access to music education in underserved communities. Since its founding in 1997, the nonprofit has delivered over $78 million in instruments and resources to public schools nationwide—an impact that continues to grow with initiatives like this.
“Partnering with Save The Music for a third year feels like a natural extension of what Summer School is all about,” said co-founder Eric Tobin. “We love the shows and artist discovery, and our big goal beyond that is to help create pathways for the next generation of fans and artists by investing back into the communities and local music scenes that inspire them. The future of live music starts with access, and we’re proud to continue supporting that mission together.”
At its core, Summer School still operates with a refreshingly old-school ethos: affordable tickets, artist development, and a focus on community over clout. But this year introduces a notable twist—each stop on the tour will feature a local opening act, giving regional artists a chance to share the stage and spotlight. It’s a move that reinforces the tour’s grassroots spirit while offering fans a hyper-local taste of their city’s scene.
That local energy will complement a carefully curated lineup of rising acts already generating serious buzz, including Honey Revenge, South Arcade, Games We Play, Winona Fighter, and Chase Petra—all artists hovering right on the edge of a breakout moment.
Behind the scenes, the tour’s pedigree remains strong. Founded by Tobin alongside Michael Kaminsky and Kevin Lyman, Summer School carries forward the DNA of the Vans Warped Tour—a lineage that becomes literal at the tour’s finale. After crossing two dozen cities, the run wraps July 25 in Long Beach with a special appearance at Warped Tour, where each Summer School act will perform.
The 2026 run is also bolstered by partnerships with Live Nation, Hot Topic, Guitar Center, PETA2, and SJC Drums. In select cities—including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and Denver—fans can also catch intimate acoustic sets and Q&A sessions at Guitar Center locations, adding another layer of accessibility to the experience.
For Save The Music, the continued collaboration is more than symbolic. “Since our collaboration started, proceeds from Summer School ticket sales have benefited hundreds of students, spanning across fifteen communities nationwide,” said Hallie Cross, Director of Creative Marketing at Save the Music.
In an era where tours are getting bigger, pricier, and often less personal, the idobi Radio Summer School Tour continues to carve out its own lane—one where the next wave of artists, fans, and communities all grow together. Tickets are on sale now, and if the past two years are any indication, this is one class you won’t want to skip.
More info ant tickets here.
Photo credit: Kiara Vaziri
