Everything you need to know about the Outer Waves Festival in Liverpool

Outer Waves Festival made its debut last year as a new alternative music and arts event that set out to ‘fill a cultural gap in Liverpool’s existing festival landscape’.

And it clearly worked – because it’s returning for 2026.

With music and art that’s a little left of field, here’s everything you need to know.

What is the Outer Waves Festival?

The Outer Waves Festival is an alternative music festival.  The idea is to showcase experimental artists from around the world, pushing the boundaries of sound, performance and art to create an adventurous and fascinating two-day programme of events.

Is there a theme?

This year Outer Waves festival is exploring ritual, rhythm and raw emotion.

When is it happening?

It’s on from Saturday – Sunday, May 23-24 (although it does sneak in to the early hours of Monday, May 25!).

What time does it start?

Everything’s happening from 12 noon on the Saturday.

Where can I see it?

Outer Waves is on at the Invisible Wind Factory in Regent Road, near to the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.

Who can see it?

This event is for over 18s only.

Who and what will I be able to see this year?

The 2026 lineup features:

• OXN (featuring Radie Peat of Lankum), weaving Irish folk mysticism through droning electronics
• Dame Area, a Catalan duo known for their percussive industrial minimalism
• Jarboe & Thor Harris, two legendary figures of transcendent experimental rock
• Waq Waq Kingdom from Japan, fusing psychedelic dance and tribal bass
• Syrian musician Mohammad Syfkhan with euphoric reinterpretations of Dabke music
• Liverpool art collective a.P.A.t.T., known for their mix of musical, filmic and multi-disciplinary works
• The Unstoppable Sweeties Show, a post-punk-post-jazz band from the city, and
• Domestic Partners, bringing surreal, queer performance pop

But it’s not just about performance …

Outer Waves will host workshops, panel discussions, art installations, and more.

Chrissy Connor, who runs Quarry – the music venue and bar space on Hardman Street – will also be hosting after parties with guest DJs, live collaborations and immersive late-night experiences.

How much are tickets?

With early bird and first-release tickets now sold out, tickets cost from £60 for a weekend ticket and £40 single day tickets (plus £4 booking fee).

You can get tickets and more information on the Outer Waves Festival website here.

Find more events across Liverpool here.

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