Morrissey, Smashing Pumpkins to Headline Darker Waves Festival

The annual SoCal music festival is set for November 14 in Huntington Beach.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:01pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Darker Waves Festival, an oceanfront music event in Orange County, California, will return this fall with a lineup headlined by iconic alternative rock acts Morrissey and the Smashing Pumpkins. The festival is scheduled for November 14 at Huntington City Beach near Huntington Street.

Why it matters

The Darker Waves Festival is a major annual draw for music fans in Southern California, showcasing both established and up-and-coming alternative, indie, and punk rock artists. The festival's return after a pandemic-related hiatus is a positive sign for the live music industry's recovery in the region.

The details

The Darker Waves Festival will take place on November 14 at Huntington City Beach in Orange County. The lineup is led by legendary British singer-songwriter Morrissey and iconic American alt-rock band the Smashing Pumpkins, with additional performers to be announced in the coming weeks.

  • The Darker Waves Festival is scheduled for November 14, 2026.
  • The festival is returning after a pandemic-related hiatus in 2020 and 2021.

The players

Morrissey

A British singer-songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the influential alternative rock band The Smiths in the 1980s, and has since enjoyed a successful solo career.

Smashing Pumpkins

An American alternative rock band formed in Chicago in the late 1980s, known for their guitar-driven sound and the distinctive vocals of frontman Billy Corgan.

Darker Waves Festival

An annual music festival in Orange County, California that showcases alternative, indie, and punk rock acts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to be headlining Darker Waves this year and bringing our music to the SoCal community.”

— Billy Corgan, Frontman, Smashing Pumpkins

“Orange County has always been a special place for me, and I can't wait to perform at Darker Waves and reconnect with my California fans.”

— Morrissey

What’s next

Festival organizers are expected to announce the full Darker Waves lineup in the coming weeks, as well as details on ticket sales and other event programming.

The takeaway

The return of the Darker Waves Festival, featuring high-profile alternative rock acts like Morrissey and Smashing Pumpkins, signals a resurgence of live music events in Southern California following the pandemic disruptions.