Distant Stronghold Fest 2026
Updated: 9/8/26
IF YOU ARE COMING TO THE FEST - Use code PICKUPATDISTANTSTRONGHOLD at checkout to avoid shipping costs on your order and we will bring your order to the fest for you. We can also bring any outstanding pre-orders you have that have already been placed, just contact us if you'd prefer that. NO ORDERS USING THE CODE WILL BE SHIPPED.
GENERAL INFORMATION / DATES / TICKETS
Q: Why are you organizing this fest?
A: It's the 10th anniversary of Out of Season and we wanted to throw an event and invite fans from all over to visit where we are based, assuming a lot of people have never been to our state, this is a great excuse to visit! And, we convinced Thangorodrim to play live for the first time ever! This is a cannot miss event with a stacked lineup for a budget price to give back to our supporters!
Q: What are the dates?
A: September 25 and 26 2026 - Preshow on September 24.
Q: Tickets???
A: Advanced Tickets for Friday & Saturday are now sold out and we are unable to release any more. Use this post to connect with those trying to offload their tickets they cant use!
Pre-show tickets are still on sale though, here!
Q: What is the run time of the shows?
A: Thursday: Doors at 6, first artist at 7pm, ending at 11pm. Friday and Saturday: Doors at 6, first artist at 7pm, ending at 1159pm.
Q: What is the full lineup?
A: Friday: Fogweaver, Grimdor, Pumpkin Witch, Vaelastrasz, Sombre Arcane, Deep Gnome
Saturday: Thangorodrim, Frostgard, Putrid Marsh, Foglord, Hillsfar, Hoarfrost
Thursday Pre-Show: Malfet, Mycologia (debut show), Lepra, Steaming Woodlands, Faydark, Shadowwrought
VENUE INFORMATION
Q: What is the venue? Where is it?
A: Space Gallery at 538 Congress St. in Portland Maine. It is a non-profit that is gracious enough to let us do this event there, and we expect the venue to be treated with respect. The capacity is approximately 350 including staff and artists, which includes the main show room, plus the side gallery room where the merch and vendors will be.
Q: Is the event all ages?
Yes it is all ages!
Everyone is welcome to attend!
We do expect guests to be respectful of each other while in attendance or you will be asked to leave without a refund, no exceptions.
Q: Can I smoke or vape inside?
A: No, you must go outside at least 10 feet from the front door. Please do not block the sidewalks.
Q: Is there a bar at the venue?
A: Yes, 21+ with valid ID! There are also various non-alcoholic drink options. You can pay by cash or card. No outside drinks are allowed.
Q: Does the venue have food?
A: No, but there are many options within walking distance of the venue. Whatever you like, you should be able to find it close-by.
Q: What is the restroom situation?
A: All restrooms are non gender specific and are located at the back of the venue past the stage.
Q: Is the venue handicap accessible?
A: Yes, the venue is at street level directly off the sidewalk with no stairs. If you need any specific accommodations or have any questions please feel free to get in touch before hand and we will do our best to help.
Q: Can I show up in costume or cosplay, etc?
A: Sure! Arrive however you desire, within reason of course. Large backpacks, spikes or stabbing type weapons (swords, daggers, etc - real or fake) will not be allowed inside however due to space and safety restrictions.
OTHER WEEKEND EVENTS
Q: Will there be a pre-show event on Thursday?
A: Yes! It's on sale now! This is a separate entry price in addition to, not included with the fest weekend pass by default. The price is $20. Doors are at 6pm, Thursday Sept 24.
Q: Will there be anything else going on over the weekend?
A: Yes, on Saturday you are welcome to do some gaming at Gathering Grounds, within walking distance of the venue. We are also suggesting people to meet up and take the "Mail Boat" cruise at 12PM Noon on Saturday (the cost is $24 roundtrip and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, BYO food and drinks). Simply show up to the Ferry terminal and buy tickets at the window the day of and hit the water with your fellow DS nerds!
Note: The boat cruise is not an official organized event associated with Out of Season/Distant Stronghold, just a suggestion for something fun to do with fellow fans and friends while you're here.
TRAVEL / LOGISTICS
Q:Where is Portland Maine?
A: By car, 2 hours north of Boston, 5-6 hours southeast of Montreal, 5-6 hours northeast from NYC.
Q: What airport should I fly into?
A: Portland (PWM) is small, but you can fly into it from domestic cities such as Chicago, Detroit, Baltimore, NYC, Atlanta, Minneapolis and Dallas - however usually it's more expensive with less options. Boston (BOS) is a good second option, especially if coming internationally or want a direct flight domestically from the west coast it will be cheaper. There is bus service direct from BOS to Portland every hour via Concord Coach, or you can rent a car. The drive is ~2 hours from Boston to Portland.
Q: Where should I stay?
A: There are a number of hotels in the direct vicinity of the venue downtown within a mile distance but the prices are usually a bit high at this time of year. For more budget options you may want to look at hotels near the Airport or the Maine Mall, in nearby towns such as Scarborough or South Portland. We don't have any specific hotel recommendations per say, but The Inn at St John is a good option and within walking distance. We are not a fan of short-term rentals, but they may be your best option to find somewhere in the city and share it with other people.
MERCH
Q: Will there be any special, "event only" merch?
A: Yes! We have a few things in the works!! A bunch of new releases, stuff from to he vault, new merch, event specific shirts etc!
Q: Will the merch be cash only?
A: No, we can accept cash or card (tap to pay).
OTHER COMMON QUESTIONS
Q: Can you add me to the guest list?
A: No, sorry. The event is already at a budget price compared to other fests and we need to sell as many tickets as possible to make this event viable while keeping it affordably priced for everyone.
Q: I'm interested in vending at the event, is that possible?
A: Currently vendor spots are invite only due to space concerns. We cannot take general applications to vend, sorry. If this changes we will let you know.
Q: Can my project play?
A: The lineup is already confirmed and full, we are not looking to add anyone else.
Q: Are you looking for volunteers?
A: Please contact us if you're interested in helping out during the fest, we may need a few people to pitch in with various tasks!
Q: My business/organization is interested in sponsoring the event or I have a proposal for you!
A: Great, please email us for more information.
ETC
Q: I have another question that is not addressed here.
A: Please email us! Thank you!