Adding to its already massive line up are two more appearances from Iconic no wave musician, writer and poet Lydia Lunch (US), presenting a spoken word performance & documentary screening with accompanying Q&A. These two news shows sit alongside her already announced music show - performing the music of Suicide - for the first time in NZ and with all performances exclusive to Lōemis. Revered Australian punk act, These New South Whales also join the lineup for a not to be missed night at Meow alongside Pōneke 4-piece Dropper.

To help close the festival the Midwinter Solstice Ball encourages you to embrace the intoxicating allure of the night. Featuring Poppa Jax, BBYFACEKILLA, Kaiviti (filth, nympho, boiler room) and more, The ball is a celebratory respectful environment for all people of all sexualities, genders and sex characteristics.

Not to be outdone, on the cuisine side is the debut appearance in Aotearoa of Melbourne’s mischievous Hope St Radio crew. Lōemis in association with Puffin welcomes Hope St Radio who will transform Puffin into a live radio studio, wine lounge, noshery and dance floor for the closing festival weekend June 18th-21st.

We’re also pleased to announce a series of craft and dance workshops, the latter with the festival’s international artist in residence, dancer Djibral Sall. Plus there will be a film and music performance by Stroma at the Roxy Cinema, based on the works of a trio of American minimalist composers; and a food event by Everybody Eats.

Additional artists from Te Whanaganui-a-Tara and further around Aotearoa have been added to the various shows in a support capacity including Melowdownz who joins the stacked Troy Kingi lineup, Dropper, Lucola, Umu, Mā, Ritual Heaps, Mr Meaty Boy and more.

Previously announced festival highlights includes Palestinian Rapper Saint Levant, New York City indie darlings Chanel Beads, and UK electronic post punk group Snapped Ankles (all visiting NZ for the first time and exclusive to Lōemis). A world premiere performance by Shayne Carter of his album REforms with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. 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, Melowdownz, Mokomokai, Mā, SWIDT & More. English electronic industrial artist Under Embargo until - 5am Tuesday May 19th 2026 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). Alongside a series of bespoke food events by several of Wellington’s leading chefs and an artisanal night market.

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.

View the full Programme & get Tickets at: www.loemis.nz

New shows on sale from Wednesday May 20th at 10am