Its Autumn edition is still happening as we speak, but Strange Universe has already confirmed a follow-up Winter edition.
Strange Universe Winter 2026 will bring some of the world’s best acts to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this May and June.
The first lineup announcement, which you can check out in full below, features Welsh art-pop favourite Cate Le Bon, who’ll also be performing across the ditch at RISING 2026; The Veils, ready to celebrate their new album; English post-punks Dry Cleaning, who also have a new album to showcase; legendary Japanese psychedelic outfit Acid Mothers Temple; great US singer-songwriter Cass McCombs; and the wonderful, mesmerising, beautiful experimental-pop band Stereolab.
Strange Universe is a collaboration between “promoter pals” Banished Music and Strange News, with 95bFM joining them for the Winter edition.
“Strange Universe is the show series banner designed to celebrate the city’s brilliant venues, and give us all a little something to look forward to,” a press release states.
“Putting on shows is really easy, so we decided to do heaps of them all at once,” says Strange News Touring Executive Director Matthew Crawley.
*Yes, we know May isn’t in winter, but what were we supposed to do, say no to Cass McCombs?” he adds.
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The full lineup for the Winter edition is set to be revealed soon.
Strange Universe Winter 2026
Presented by Banished Music, Strange News & 95bFM
General sale begins Monday, March 16th (10am local time)
Pre-sale begins Friday, March 13th (10am local time)
Ticket information available here
Cass McCombs (US)
Tuesday, May 26th
Double Whammy
Dry Cleaning (England)
Wednesday, June 3rd
Hollywood Avondale
Presented in partnership with I Oh You & MG Live
Cate Le Bon (Wales)
Friday, June 5th
Powerstation
Presented in partnership with Susie Says!
Mei Semones (US)
Tuesday, June 16th
The Tuning Fork
Kelly Moran (US)
Wednesday, June 17th
Kahui St Davids
Acid Mothers Temple (Japan)
Friday, June 19th
Double Whammy
Stereolab (England/France)
Thursday, June 25th
Powerstation
The Veils (Aotearoa)
Saturday, June 27th
Powerstation
& more to be announced
