Lōemis Festival enters its eleventh year in 2026, presenting an incredible programme spanning music, food, immersive art, spoken word and film. Bringing together artists from the UK, USA, Palestine, Japan and Aotearoa for the midwinter multi-sensory arts festival, running for two weeks across Te Whanganui-a-Tara from June 9 till 21.

Highlights include Palestinian rapper Saint Levant; New York City indie darlings Chanel Beads (following their recent shows supporting Lorde in the US); UK electronic post punk group Snapped Ankles (all visiting NZ for the first time and exclusive to Lōemis). Iconic no wave musician, writer and poet Lydia Lunch (US) returns to New Zealand also exclusive to Lōemis.

Not to be outdone on the local front, the programme also features a world premiere performance by Shayne Carter of his album REforms with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra; a series of bespoke food events by several of Wellington’s leading chefs and an artisanal night market.

The programme is expanded with artists from Aotearoa and abroad, including psych-rock pioneers Acid Mothers Temple (Japan); Troy Kingi presenting his stunning new Hip Hop album Night Lords Live – with an enviable range of NZ hip hop royalty including Tom Scott, Mokomokai, Mā, SWIDT & More (the live experience promises to blow minds); English electronic industrial artist Kavari – aka The Priestess of the Underground; experimental, prepared piano artist Kelly Moran (US); indie rock artist Cate Le Bon (UK); jazz influenced indie-pop artist Mei Semones (US); and New York/Berlin multi-media artist Discovery Zone (aka JJ Weihl).

Festival director Andrew Laking said the programme has been in the works for the better part of a year and the team is looking forward to sending it out into the wild. 

“Lōemis is about gathering in the depths of winter — bringing people together to experience work from some of the most exciting and distinctive artists from Aotearoa and around the world — and in 2026 we’re doing that at a much larger scale than in previous years. It feels like the right time for this kind of energy in Wellington.”

Audiences can also explore venues across the city, including the soon-to-reopen Hall of Memories for the premiere of Norman Meehan’s new work Little Prayers; a large-scale food event with Pierre-Alain Fenoux across three spaces at Zealandia; an acoustic series at the recently renovated Erskine Chapel featuring Tonic Collective, Orchestra of Spheres, Baroque Voices, and a taonga pūoro ensemble with Riki Gooch, Ruby Solly, Al Fraser and Sam Palmer; a bespoke, indoor night market; and The Night Crossing – a waterfront procession with large-scale puppetry, music and fire.

About Lōemis

Lōemis is an annual midwinter, multi-sensory arts festival situated in venues across Wellington, Te Whanganui-a-Tara. The festival presents a programme of fantastical, transformative work spanning music, food, immersive art, spoken word and film.

At its core is a spirit of discovery and curiosity, with a focus on new and site-specific work that highlights local artists alongside some of the world’s most boundary-pushing contemporary voices.

Lōemis Festival is proudly supported by the New Zealand Government’s Events Boost Fund 

“This is one of many exciting events the Government is supporting in 2026. From world-class international and homegrown musical acts to sports fixtures and arts and cultural celebrations, these events will bring fans, visitors and a big boost to New Zealand’s economy,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

Heidi Morton, Events & Experiences GM at WellingtonNZ, says that Lōemis Festival is 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. Its winter timing gives people another reason to get out and experience Wellington’s creative pulse year round. We’re proud to support an event that reflects the spirit of our city and brings people together during a season when moments of warmth and connection are important.”