This NBA legend will put on his DJ hat to headline Somewhere Fest in Wichita
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is bringing his DJ persona to the Somewhere Fest stage in September for the music festivals’ third annual series of concerts.
Shaq, who will perform under his stage name DJ Diesel, is the first headliner to be announced to take the stage in the Chase Koch-backed concert series aimed at bringing artists to Wichita who wouldn’t typically tour here.
“We’re really excited that we were able to snatch him up and get him to come to Wichita. I think he’s going to bring a lot of energy,” organizer Laurel Anderson said. “It’s a different vibe than what Wichita is used to.”
As DJ Diesel, Shaq has performed at Tomorrowland, Electric Forest and Lollapalooza, in addition to annually hosting Shaq’s Bass All-Stars Festival. He’s known for his bass and dubstep-centric sound, draining free-throws from the stage and even jumping into crowds to join mosh pits.
Anderson said Shaq, who kicked off his “Summer of Shaq” tour in June, was picked not just for his notoriety but because of who he is as an individual.
“He has a really big heart and has a lot of philanthropic energy that he puts in,” Anderson said.
Shaq last made a public appearance in Wichita in 2022 for a Hoops 4 Literacy charity basketball game.
While DJ Diesel may be a new name to most, Shaquille O’Neal isn’t. Whether they’re 7 or 97, people know Shaq, and Anderson said organizers hope his appearance at Somewhere Fest will give fans a chance to discover his new career as he transitions from the basketball court to the DJ booth.
“I think once people really start to put two and two together, it’s going to be a shock, hopefully in a good way,” Anderson said.
The two-day festival will run from Sept. 25 to 26, with Shaq set to perform on Sept. 25. Between the basketball icon’s appearance, the 2026 Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff and other performers yet to be announced, Anderson said this year’s Somewhere Fest won’t be one to miss.
“Downtown is going to be where you want to be that day.”
Somewhere Fest will be held at WaveICT. Additional performers and other event headliners will be announced starting Tuesday. Limited passes are available for purchase at somewhere-fest.com while supplies last.
This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 4:45 PM.
