In 2005, there was a void created by the fall of Hellfest 2005; R5 Productions and other promoters pulled as many bands together in different venues in the tristate area.
Once the smoke cleared, Sean of R5 and Joe HC came to the conclusion that Philly could easily handle a large Hardcore Punk festival. From 2006 to 2011, This Is Hardcore was held at The Starlight Ballroom. In 2012, the fest moved to the Electric Factory. From 2012 to 2024, TiHC became the blueprint/model of what a modern Hardcore fest could be. Over time, more fests have come onto the scene, and TIHC stands as one of the longest-running DIY HC fests in the world.

In 2026, long-time friends like Blood For Blood, Wisdom In Chains, and All Out War, along with a lot of up-and-coming and young blood acts, fill out the roster of bands for This Is Hardcore 2026. With us trying to get back to the basics of what TIHC started out as, we are bringing it to Reverb in Reading, PA. Privately owned and operated by Chris of Out To Win/Mushmouth, who has been booking shows for over 30 years, it was a no-brainer to bring TIHC to an independent HC-friendly venue for our 20th.

After a few Keystone HC Holiday Jams, TIHC will take place Saturday, Dec 19th at Reverb.

Full Lineup:
Blood For Blood
Missing Link 
Wisdom In Chains
Big Ass Truck
Outta Pocket
All Out War
Shattered Realm
Bayway
Cittizens
Suicide Eyes
Flpsde
Gemstar
Pain Clinic
Single Print Index
Vile Mind
Before The Devil