NME Magazine has confirmed its July/August 2026 print issue goes on sale this Thursday, 30 July, at 2pm BST, exclusively via retailer Dawsons. The release matters to fans because previous issues since the title's 2023 relaunch have sold out within minutes, and this edition marks the return of the classic NME crossword after several years' absence, alongside a bundled copy of sister publication MusicTech Magazine.

The issue's cover star is being kept secret for now, though readers are pointed towards a mini crossword for clues. NME's weekly print run, first launched in 1952, ended in 2018 before the title returned in July 2023 as a bi-monthly global magazine featuring emerging artists, exclusive features and reviews; past covers have included Chappell Roan, Kneecap and LE SSERAFIM. Readers who sign up to NME's mailing list can receive a "queue jump" ticket shortly before the on-sale time, giving them earlier access to a copy.