Lōemis Festival has announced its final acts and events for 2026, adding more music, cuisine pop-ups, workshops and a Midwinter Solstice Ball to its two-week Wellington programme from June 9 to 21.
The midwinter arts festival, now in its 11th year, will run across Te Whanganui-a-Tara with music, food, immersive art, spoken word and film.
The latest additions include two more appearances by United States musician, writer and poet Lydia Lunch, who will present a spoken word performance and documentary screening with a Q&A. Her appearances sit alongside her already announced music show, performing the music of Suicide, exclusive to Lōemis.
Australian punk act These New South Whales has also joined the lineup for a show at Meow with Pōneke four-piece Dropper.
The festival will close with the Midwinter Solstice Ball, featuring Poppa Jax, BBYFACEKILLA, Kaiviti and others. Organisers say the event will be a respectful and celebratory space for people of all sexualities, genders and sex characteristics.
Food will also play a major part in the closing weekend, with Melbourne’s Hope St Radio crew making its Aotearoa debut. From June 18 to 21, Hope St Radio will transform Puffin into a live radio studio, wine lounge, noshery and dance floor.
Other additions include craft and dance workshops, including sessions with international artist-in-residence Djibral Sall, a film and music performance by Stroma at the Roxy Cinema, and a food event by Everybody Eats.
Several Wellington and Aotearoa artists have also been added in support roles, including Melodownz, Dropper, Lucola, Umu, Mā, Ritual Heaps and Mr Meaty Boy.
Previously announced highlights include Palestinian rapper Saint Levant, New York indie act Chanel Beads, UK electronic post-punk group Snapped Ankles, Japanese psych-rock pioneers Acid Mothers Temple, and Shayne Carter performing his album REforms with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said Lōemis was one of several events supported by the Government’s Events Boost Fund.
“This is one of many exciting events the Government is supporting in 2026,” Upston said.
Heidi Morton, Events and Experiences general manager at WellingtonNZ, said the festival was a welcome addition to Wellington’s major events portfolio.
“Lōemis adds a distinctive flavour to our city’s event calendar, offering something imaginative, cosy and deeply engaging for both locals and visitors,” Morton said.
New shows went on sale at 10am on Wednesday, May 20. The full programme and tickets are available at loemis.nz.
