Darker Waves 2026

Date: 2026-11-14T11:00:00-08:00

Location: Huntington Beach City Beach, 21301 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Organizer: C3 Presents

Darker Waves brings Morrissey, The Smashing Pumpkins and a deep punk, new-wave and alternative bill to Huntington Beach City Beach on Saturday, November 14, 2026. C3 Presents produces the festival, with performances across multiple stages from an announced roster that includes Bad Religion, Simple Minds, The Damned and Gary Numan. Gates open at 11 a.m., and the festival closes at 10 p.m.

The punk side of the lineup gives this beach day some bite. Circle Jerks, Buzzcocks, Marky Ramone and The Damned join Bad Religion on the bill, with Mariachi El Bronx bringing a different sound into the mix. These are announced performances within the festival programme; individual stage assignments and set times have not yet been released.

Synth-pop and dark-wave acts run through the rest of the poster. Soft Cell, The Psychedelic Furs, Adam Ant and Modern English appear alongside Cold Cave, TR/ST and Choir Boy. Gary Numan, The Motels and Missing Persons add further reasons to move between stages. The lineup spans several musical generations instead of building the entire day around a single headline set.

The Smashing Pumpkins, Silversun Pickups, Manic Street Preachers, Spacehog and The Sounds broaden the alternative-rock side. EMF and Gene are also announced. Morrissey tops the poster alongside The Smashing Pumpkins. With so many artists sharing one day, the eventual performance schedule will determine which sets can fit into the same route through the beach grounds.

General Admission is currently listed at $259.99 through the festival’s official Front Gate ticket link. That price includes fees, with applicable taxes and shipping added at checkout. GA covers the multistage performances and access to food vendors, official band and festival merchandise, brand experiences, bars and concessions. Food, drinks and merchandise are purchases within the grounds, rather than a meal or merchandise package included with entry.

GA+, VIP and Ultimate VIP are separate admission options. The festival also offers four-ticket and six-ticket GA bundles. A collectible credential can be purchased with a GA wristband, but the credential itself is a keepsake and does not grant entry. Use the organizer’s ticket links to choose the admission product and see its current price and terms.

Official hotel packages through Jampack combine a festival ticket with a two- to four-night stay. The listed package benefits include a Darker Waves welcome party and commemorative merchandise, while selected extras are sold separately. These packages are distinct from standard festival admission. Guests choosing a hotel bundle should use its specific ticket and accommodation terms.

The festival address is 21301 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, California 92648. The current ticket listing identifies Huntington Beach City Beach as the event location. Local parking is first come, first served; the organizer also recommends walking, biking, rideshare or public transportation. Nearby parking options include City Beach parking and downtown Huntington Beach structures.

Free water-refill stations are available, and empty reusable plastic water bottles and hydration packs are allowed. Lockers with charging are available to rent. Smoking and vaping are prohibited, as are outside food and drinks. Review the festival’s bag policy before packing for the full day on the beach.

GA, GA+ and VIP admission do not allow re-entry after leaving the festival. Ultimate VIP permits re-entry, and limited exceptions apply to eligible official beachfront hotel packages. Tickets are sold for all ages. Keep the current lineup and forthcoming set times handy when planning the day; performances are subject to change.