Darker Waves Festival

Darker Waves Festival transforms the iconic Huntington City Beach into an electrifying open-air stage where the Pacific Ocean becomes the ultimate backdrop for alternative rock royalty. With waves crashing in the distance and the salt air charged with anticipation, this sun-soaked yet shadowy celebration of post-punk and alternative music culture is unlike any festival experience on the West Coast. Headlining the Sunday, November 15, 2026 edition is none other than Morrissey — the legendary former frontman of The Smiths and one of the most iconic and polarizing voices in alternative music history. Performing against the stunning canvas of Huntington Beach at dusk, Morrissey's brooding lyricism and theatrical stage presence will take on an otherworldly dimension surrounded by crashing surf and coastal twilight. Expect a career-spanning set that draws from his beloved solo catalog as well as cherished Smiths-era anthems. Darker Waves Festival has earned its reputation as a haven for fans who crave substance and atmosphere alongside their music. The November timing brings a moody, cinematic quality to the beachside setting — cooler breezes, dramatic skies, and a more intimate crowd energy that sets it apart from the summer festival circuit. Whether you're a lifelong devotee or a curious newcomer to the darker side of rock, this is a pilgrimage worth making.