Gathering Shadows Returns in 2026 With a New Era of Goth & Alternative Music
Wellington’s premier celebration of the dark, the strange, and the sonically sublime is back. Gathering Shadows, the city’s longstanding goth and alternative music festival, returns for
its sixth year on 16–17 January 2026 under new management eager to usher the event into an exciting new era while honouring its cherished aesthetic of crushed velvet and
candelabras.
Held over two nights at Valhalla, Gathering Shadows showcases a wide spectrum of artists whose music explores the darker edges of sound and style. This year’s festival continues its tradition of offering an eclectic mix of live bands and DJs, spanning genres including post-punk, doom, synth-pop, noise, darkwave, industrial, and more. With such a varied
lineup, festival-goers can expect an immersive soundtrack that reflects the depth and diversity of the alternative scene.
In keeping with its mission to remain accessible to the community it serves, tickets are priced affordably at $20 per night, with a two-night pass available for just $30.
“Gathering Shadows has always been about connection, creativity, and celebrating music that lives on the fringes,” say the festival’s new organisers. “We’re excited to build on its
legacy while creating new experiences for longtime attendees and first-timers alike.”
Whether you’re a devoted goth, a curious newcomer, or someone simply drawn to the darker side of life, Gathering Shadows 2026 promises two unforgettable nights of atmosphere, artistry, and alternative sound.
Gathering Shadows
16 – 17 January 2026 @ Valhalla, Wellington
Night 1 – 16 January
• Erase Everything
• Crone (DJ set)
• Talmar
• Dead Queens
• Integument
• Gravedigger (DJ)
Night 2 – 17 January
• buffcat
• Breaches
• Kolya
• Varda
• TV DiSKO (DJ)
