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Huntington Beach Today
By the People, for the People
Smashing Pumpkins, Simple Minds to Headline 2026 Darker Waves Festival
The two-day alt-rock festival will take place in Huntington Beach, California.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:00am
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The Darker Waves Festival, a popular annual event focused on '80s and '90s alternative music, has announced its 2026 lineup. Headliners Smashing Pumpkins and Simple Minds will top the bill, which also includes acts like Buzzcocks, Marky Ramone, Soft Cell, Adam Ant, and more. The festival is set for November 14 at Huntington Beach City Beach.
Why it matters
The Darker Waves Festival has become a must-attend event for fans of classic alternative rock, drawing large crowds each year to the Huntington Beach venue. The 2026 lineup features several iconic bands that helped define the alternative sound of the '80s and '90s, making it a can't-miss event for music lovers.
The details
The Darker Waves Festival will feature 35 artists performing across three stages on November 14 in Huntington Beach, California. In addition to headliners Smashing Pumpkins and Simple Minds, the lineup includes Buzzcocks, Marky Ramone, Soft Cell, Adam Ant, Gary Numan, The Motels, Missing Persons, Modern English, Silversun Pickups and Spacehog. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Thursday at 11 a.m. PT, with a presale beginning an hour earlier.
- Tickets will go on presale on Thursday, April 3, 2026 at 10 a.m. PT.
- Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, April 3, 2026 at 11 a.m. PT.
- The Darker Waves Festival will take place on November 14, 2026.
The players
Smashing Pumpkins
An American alternative rock band formed in Chicago in 1988, known for hit songs like "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" and "1979". They are one of the headliners for the 2026 Darker Waves Festival.
Simple Minds
A Scottish rock band formed in 1977, best known for their 1985 hit "Don't You (Forget About Me)". They are the other headliner for the 2026 Darker Waves Festival.
Darker Waves Festival
An annual music festival in Huntington Beach, California that focuses on '80s and '90s alternative rock acts. It has become a must-attend event for fans of classic alternative music.
What they’re saying
“We're thrilled to be headlining Darker Waves this year. It's always an honor to play for such passionate music fans.”
— Billy Corgan, Lead Singer, Smashing Pumpkins
“Darker Waves has become one of our favorite festivals to play. The energy of the crowd is unmatched.”
— Jim Kerr, Lead Singer, Simple Minds
What’s next
Tickets for the 2026 Darker Waves Festival will go on presale this Thursday, April 3rd at 10am PT, with general on-sale following an hour later at 11am PT. Fans are encouraged to visit the festival's website, DarkerWavesFest.com, for the full lineup and ticket information.
The takeaway
The 2026 Darker Waves Festival will bring together some of the most iconic alternative rock acts of the '80s and '90s for a can't-miss event in Huntington Beach. With a stacked lineup headlined by Smashing Pumpkins and Simple Minds, the festival is sure to be a hit with longtime fans of classic alternative music.
