Iconic '80s and '90s Bands Headline 2026 Darker Waves Festival

The Smashing Pumpkins, Morrissey, and Bad Religion among the lineup for the November festival in Huntington Beach.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:00pm

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The 2026 Darker Waves festival, taking place on November 14 in Huntington Beach, California, has announced an impressive lineup of iconic '80s and '90s alternative bands. Headliners include The Smashing Pumpkins, Morrissey, and Bad Religion, with additional acts like Simple Minds, Adam Ant, The Psychedelic Furs, and more rounding out the bill.

Why it matters

The Darker Waves festival caters to a nostalgic audience seeking to relive the glory days of alternative rock, providing a unique opportunity for fans to see many of their favorite bands from the era perform live. The festival's focus on '80s and '90s acts also highlights the enduring popularity and influence of that musical era.

The details

Presales for the Darker Waves festival begin on Thursday, March 31 at 10 a.m. PT, with tickets going on sale to the general public an hour later at 11 a.m. PT. The full lineup, in addition to the headliners, includes Simple Minds, Adam Ant, The Psychedelic Furs, Soft Cell, The Damned, Manic Street Preachers, Gary Numan, Silversun Pickups, Buzzcocks, EMF, and Spacehog.

  • The 2026 Darker Waves festival will take place on November 14.
  • Presales for the festival begin on Thursday, March 31 at 10 a.m. PT.
  • Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, March 31 at 11 a.m. PT.

The players

Darker Waves Festival

An annual music festival in Huntington Beach, California that focuses on '80s and '90s alternative rock acts.

The Smashing Pumpkins

An American alternative rock band formed in Chicago in 1988, known for hits like 'Bullet with Butterfly Wings' and 'Today'.

Morrissey

A British singer-songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the influential indie rock band The Smiths in the 1980s.

Bad Religion

An American punk rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1980, known for their socially conscious lyrics and melodic sound.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to be part of the Darker Waves lineup this year. It's going to be an epic night of alternative rock nostalgia.”

— Billy Corgan, Lead Singer, The Smashing Pumpkins

“Darker Waves has become a must-attend event for fans of '80s and '90s alt-rock. The lineup this year is one of the best yet.”

— Morrissey

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Darker Waves festival go on sale to the general public on Thursday, March 31 at 11 a.m. PT. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as the festival is expected to sell out quickly.

The takeaway

The 2026 Darker Waves festival in Huntington Beach will be a must-attend event for fans of classic alternative rock, offering a rare opportunity to see many iconic bands from the '80s and '90s perform live on the same stage. The festival's focus on that era's influential acts highlights the enduring popularity of the music that defined a generation.