Southern California's Darker Waves festival is returning for its second edition, with Morrissey and Smashing Pumpkins set to headline the ocean-side event on Saturday (November 14) at Huntington Beach City Beach in Huntington Beach, California.

The one-day festival will feature more than 35 artists performing across three stages, making it the largest edition of the event since its inaugural run in 2023.

Joining the two headliners is an expansive lineup of new wave, goth, punk, and alternative acts, including Simple Minds, Bad Religion, Adam Ant, The Psychedelic Furs, Soft Cell, The Damned, Manic Street Preachers, Gary Numan, Silversun Pickups, Buzzcocks, EMF, Circle Jerks, Spacehog, Marky Ramone, Mariachi El Bronx, Cold Cave, TR/ST, Modern English, and Missing Persons, among others.

The Smashing Pumpkins are also slated to headline Lollapalooza this year, making 2026 a big festival season for the Chicago rock icons. Darker Waves will mark another major outdoor appearance for the band.

The festival is located at Huntington Beach City Beach in Huntington Beach, California. Ticket options include General Admission (GA), GA+, VIP, and Ultimate VIP packages. GA+ tickets include access to a shaded lounge and air-conditioned restrooms. VIP tickets add a preferred viewing area near the main stage, charging stations, and a dedicated entrance lane. Ultimate VIP packages include elevated views of both main stages, a complimentary meal, three complimentary drinks, a dedicated concierge team, and a complimentary locker.

Tony TNT Tilford