Brooklyn’s annual podcast and audio storytelling festival returns February 23–25, 2027, with live podcast recordings, industry conversations, performances, and The Ambies.
On Air Fest is preparing to celebrate a major milestone in 2027. The annual gathering of podcast creators, journalists, musicians, and media professionals will mark its tenth anniversary with three days of programming in Brooklyn, New York, from February 23–25, 2027.
The festival has announced its first wave of participants, bringing together some of the most recognizable voices in podcasting, journalism, entertainment, music, and culture. Among those scheduled to appear are Megan Rapinoe, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Audie Cornish, Ari Shapiro, Dan Harris, Anthony Fantano, Sam Sanders, and more.
Over the past decade, On Air Fest has established itself as a gathering place for the audio storytelling community, offering opportunities for creators and audiences to connect beyond traditional podcast platforms. The 2027 edition will continue that tradition through live recordings, intimate conversations, immersive experiences, performances, and industry discussions.
Major Podcasts Take Center Stage at On Air Fest 2027
One of the festival’s biggest attractions will be its lineup of live podcast experiences, featuring established programs and familiar personalities across several genres.
Soccer icon Megan Rapinoe will bring Why Are You Like This? to the festival, exploring conversations with individuals who challenge conventions and create their own paths.
CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta will present a live edition of Chasing Life, examining health, wellness, and the questions influencing how people approach their everyday lives.
Acclaimed journalists Audie Cornish and Ari Shapiro will reunite at On Air Fest for a live recording of their new podcast, Engagement Party. Both previously appeared together at the festival, making their return another highlight of the anniversary celebration.
Dan Harris will bring 10% Happier to the stage, continuing conversations about mindfulness, emotional well-being, and navigating life’s challenges.
Journalists Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger will represent WNYC’s On the Media, examining journalism, media narratives, and the forces influencing public understanding of current events.
Music enthusiasts can also look forward to Raina Douris and WXPN’s World Café, which will bring its celebrated artist conversations and music storytelling to the Brooklyn event.
Together, these programs reflect the festival’s commitment to showcasing the range of storytelling formats that continue to shape the podcasting industry.
Podcast Creators, Media Personalities, and Storytellers Join the Lineup
In addition to the live recordings, On Air Fest will feature conversations with influential creators who have helped shape the podcasting landscape.
Actor, comedian, and Dead Eyes host Connor Ratliff will return as one of the festival’s main stage hosts, helping guide attendees through the anniversary programming.
Music critic and digital creator Anthony Fantano will participate as he prepares to launch his new podcast with Talkhouse, A Perfect Interview.
Sam Sanders, host of The Sam Sanders Show, will also be part of the festivities, alongside Diallo Riddle and LUXXURY, the creative voices behind the music-focused podcast One Song.
True crime storytelling will have a presence through Josh Dean, whose podcast Chameleon explores unusual stories involving deception, impersonation, and elaborate schemes.
Meanwhile, Leon Neyfakh and Sayre Quevedo will participate in a discussion centered on narrative podcasting and their respective projects, Death of an Artist and Reaching Out.
The first-wave announcement highlights the festival’s mix of established media personalities and independent creative voices, with additional programming and participants expected to be revealed in the coming months.
The Ambies Return During On Air Fest
The 2027 celebration will also coincide with one of the podcast industry’s major awards ceremonies.
The Ambies, presented by The Podcast Academy, will return on Tuesday, February 23, 2027, at Arlo Williamsburg in Brooklyn.
The annual ceremony recognizes excellence in podcasting, celebrating achievements across storytelling, production, hosting, and other creative disciplines.
Its inclusion during On Air Fest provides another opportunity for podcast professionals to gather, celebrate their peers, and recognize the work being produced throughout the industry.
Earlier that day, the On Air Podcast Business Summit with Bloomberg will take place at the Wythe Hotel. Hosted by Ashley Carman, the invite-only event will bring together industry leaders for discussions about podcasting’s business landscape and future direction.
Interested participants can apply for an invitation to the summit.
Three Days of Programming in Brooklyn
On Air Fest’s tenth-anniversary programming will unfold across three days, each offering a different perspective on the audio and media industries.
Tuesday, February 23 – Business, Industry, and Ideas
The festival begins with the On Air Podcast Business Summit with Bloomberg at the Wythe Hotel, followed by The Ambies at Arlo Williamsburg that evening. The opening day will emphasize industry leadership, professional connections, and recognition of podcasting excellence.
Wednesday, February 24 – Conversations, Culture, and Connection
The second day will feature live podcasts, creative experiences, and discussions about media trends, industry forecasting, and the future of content creation. The evening will conclude with the official On Air Fest party.
Thursday, February 25 – Live Shows and Performances
The final day will continue with artist conversations, business discussions, live performances, workshops, and immersive installations, closing out the festival’s tenth-anniversary celebration.
Celebrating a Decade of Audio Storytelling
Since its inception, On Air Fest has sought to bring podcasting and audio storytelling into physical spaces, allowing audiences to experience the personalities, creativity, and conversations behind their favorite programs in new ways.
The tenth-anniversary celebration arrives as podcasting continues to expand beyond audio-only distribution, with video podcasts, live events, and multimedia experiences becoming increasingly prominent throughout the industry.
Through its combination of performances, creative collaborations, professional networking, and live storytelling, On Air Fest 2027 aims to showcase the evolving relationship between creators and audiences.
Organizers have indicated that additional participants and programming announcements are forthcoming.
Tickets and Additional Information
On Air Fest 2027 takes place February 23–25, 2027, in Brooklyn, New York.
Early Bird tickets are currently being offered at a 40% discount through November 16, 2026.
For tickets, future lineup announcements, and additional festival information, visit On Air Presents.
On Air Fest 2027 is produced by On Air Presents, a creative studio and events company specializing in immersive storytelling, live experiences, and original content.
