Australian iconic heavy music and dark arts festival, Dead of Winter, has today announced its full 2026 lineup in preparation for the event’s triumphant return after a six year hiatus, in what will be one of the national scene days of the year.
Presenting 34 acts from all over Australian and New Zealand over multiple stages at the festival’s return home, the Mansfield Tavern in Brisbane on Saturday June 27, Dead of Winter has well and truly resurrected itself, dropping a quality mixed heavy bill featuring the likes of DZ Deathrays, Mammal, Jay and Lindsay (Frenzal Rhomb), Beanflipper, Toe to Toe, Lo!, Slim Krusty, Neptune Power Federation, Nicholas Cage Fighter and many more.
With a view to ease back into it’s position as Queensland’s longest running heavy and alternative festival, Dead of Winter has resurrected it’s legacy whilst opening the door to what comes next, showcasing a full day of heavy touring acts along with the now famed set-break freak sideshows, this year including The Space Cowboy, comedian Aaron Gocs, envelope-pushers Cult The Show and Flames of Desire.
“After six years, we’re thrilled to bring the DOW Festival back to life. This edition may be smaller in scale, but it’s big on spirit—staying true to the festival’s vibe while shining a spotlight on the next generation of incredible young bands.” Carolyn Bedford DOW
On the back of months of focused curation, with an aim to represent a full width of sub-genres for heavy music fans, this year’s festival lineup will feature in full:
DZ Deathrays (QLD)
Mammal (VIC)
Jay and Lindsay of Frenzal Rhomb (NSW)
Beanflipper (VIC)
Toe to Toe (NSW)
Lo! (NSW)
Slim Krusty (VIC)
Neptune Power Federation (NSW)
Nicholas Cage Fighter (VIC)
Flangipanis (QLD)
Brace (QLD)
Dartz (NZ)
Witchgrinder (VIC)
Bulletbelt (NZ)
Pizza Death (VIC)
Astrodeath (NSW)
Black Rheno (NSW)
Monster Zuko Onsomb (QLD)
Hammers (QLD)
Dad Fight (QLD)
Boofheads (QLD)
R.U.B (VIC)
Mitch, Please (QLD)
Rick Dangerous & The Silkie Bantams (NSW)
Backhand (NSW)
Valtozash (QLD)
ZZade (QLD)
Space X Dragon (NSW)
Buried in the Sun (QLD)
Helltrippers (QLD)
with sideshows from…
The Space Cowboy (NSW)
Aaron Gocs (QLD)
Cult the Show (QLD)
Flames of Desire
Founded in 2009, Dead of Winter has become more than a music event. It has evolved into a full-scale celebration of alternative culture, uniting heavy music across multiple stages with performance art, horror cosplay, dark markets, visual installations and immersive experiences. Always loud. Always theatrical. Always welcoming and above all, always super fun and super safe.
Fans are encouraged to save the date, spread the word, get their horror costumes ready and prepare for the resurrection.
Early Bird Tickets have now sold out. Don’t miss your chance to be in attendance for one of the most anticipated Brisbane events of 2026.
The Phoenix rises on Saturday 27 June at the Mansfield Tavern.
