For the first time in eight years, Yale University has announced a female artist as the headliner for its annual Spring Fling festival. Swedish pop sensation Zara Larsson, a Grammy-nominated performer who boasts over 61 million monthly streams on Spotify, will take to the Old Campus stage on 25 April. She will be preceded by British singer-songwriter Aluna and American rapper Sheck Wes, best known for his 2018 hit “Mo Bamba.”
Matt Felix ’27, Talent Chair of the Spring Fling Committee, stated: “Our aim was to curate a lineup that resonates with Yale’s diverse student body. Each year we survey students, and pop music consistently tops the list. Being able to meet that expectation this year is truly exciting.”
Last year’s originally scheduled headliner, NLE Choppa, withdrew two weeks prior due to personal health reasons. He was replaced by Ken Carson.
Aluna, formerly part of the duo AlunaGeorge, has collaborated with KAYTRANADA, Chris Lake, and Diplo. In 2023, she founded a record label focused on promoting Black, female, and LGBTQ+ artists. Following her performance, Sheck Wes will take the stage; he is currently working with J. Cole, Travis Scott, and Don Toliver.
Lela Shapiro ’27, Hospitality and Operations Chair, said: “Zara is a leading pop voice with remarkable stage presence and an exceptional ability to connect with her fans.” Sophie Petz ’28, Creative and Marketing Chair, added: “Our promotion for Spring Fling aims to capture not just one artist, but the overall atmosphere of dance and celebration.”
Ahead of the festival, winners of Yale’s annual Battle of the Bands will open the performances on 11 April, with the audience determining which band kicks off the main event.
The committee highlighted that headliner selections are based on cultural relevance, audience appeal, and the quality of live performance. Contingency plans for inclement weather have also been arranged to ensure the festival proceeds uninterrupted.
2026 Spring Fling Lineup
| Performer | Country/Genre | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Zara Larsson | Sweden, Pop | Grammy-nominated, 61M monthly streams |
| Aluna | UK, Pop/EDM | Former AlunaGeorge member, label founder |
| Sheck Wes | USA, Rap/Hip-Hop | Known for “Mo Bamba”, collaborated with J. Cole |
The festival remains free for Yale students, each of whom may also bring a guest.
With careful planning, audience input, and a diverse lineup, the 2026 Spring Fling promises to be one of the most anticipated and vibrant events of the academic year.