Darkwave

Darkwave: 53 upcoming festivals, including 20 with tickets on sale.

Darkwave is characterized by its melancholic and introspective sound, often built upon simple musical foundations with dark lyrics, evoking a sense of longing or *sehnsucht*. Emerging in the 1970s, it developed in parallel with the peak of new wave and post-punk, sharing stylistic ties with the gothic movement. Iconic artists include Dead Can Dance and Clan of Xymox, who helped define its atmospheric and often ethereal soundscapes. This genre cultivated a dedicated following, with adherents often referred to as "wavers" or "dark wavers," shaping a distinct subculture within alternative music.

Parent genreIndustrial & Gothic

Tickets on sale

Upcoming festivals whose box office is open with a partner.

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Upcoming Darkwave festivals

Darkwave Festivals 2026 — Lineups, Dates & Tickets