Rock the Bowl has unveiled its most exciting lineup yet, with the New Plymouth festival set to return to the iconic Bowl of Brooklands on 29th December, 2026. Now in its fourth year, the Taranaki summer staple will be headlined by Aotearoa dub-soul legends Fat Freddy's Drop, Australian psychedelic rock favourites Ocean Alley, and global electronic music icon Carl Cox, making this one of the most diverse and compelling lineups in the festival's short but impressive history.

Rounding out the bill are two of New Zealand's most exciting emerging acts: Auckland indie-rock five-piece NO CIGAR, who have steadily built a devoted following since forming in 2019, and fellow Kiwi outfit Coast Arcade. Together, the lineup spans dub, reggae, psychedelic rock, surf rock, indie and techno, offering something genuinely compelling for every kind of music fan making the trip to New Plymouth this summer.

Ocean Alley's inclusion carries a nostalgic edge for long-time fans, with the Australian six-piece returning to Rock the Bowl after performing at the inaugural 2023 edition. Carl Cox's appearance is a particular coup for the event, giving New Zealand audiences a rare chance to see one of dance music's most enduring and celebrated names perform in an outdoor setting as unique as the Bowl of Brooklands.

Tickets go on presale from 19th August, 2026 at 7:00pm NZT, with general tickets available from 20th August, 2026 at 7:00pm NZT. Rock the Bowl is presented by Trademark Live and The Edge, with support from the New Plymouth Major Events Fund and Venture Taranaki, both of which have highlighted the event's growing economic and cultural impact on the Taranaki region.