Dougfest 4 Lineup Announced ft. Haast Hunter, Late to Chelsea, Community Treatment Order + More

It's a DIY legend always worth repeating — the phenomenon of local music known as Dougfest was sparked when Doug Menzies made a bet with his buds (after a few beers) to see who could "pull off a music festival". We have to assume Menzies scooped that one, flash forward three years later and Dougfest is going strong in 2026. The fourth offical instalment is all set to take over Double Whammy in Tāmaki Makaurau, boasting big guns and rising stars alike from Aotearoa's noisy music community on 23rd and 24th October (Labour Weekend).

Having just unleashed their sonically ambitious debut album PLASTIQUE, Kirikiriroa metalcore giants Haast Hunter are headlining Night 1 on the Friday, and you will have to wait until 22nd September to find out who is headlining Night 2. Your trust will inevitably be rewarded when you snag tickets immediately for the first ever Dougfest at Double Whammy — here are the lineup details revealed thus far...

Dougfest 4
Friday 23rd October & Saturday 24th October
Double Whammy, Auckland

Night 1:
Haast Hunter
Exit Sign
The Rainfall
Slow Rage
Not Exact
Late to Chelsea

Night 2:
Headliner to be announced 22nd September
Courtnay and the Unholy Reverie
Lucy Dibble
Thief n Zard
Silcrow
Community Treatment Order

Tickets and weekend passes on sale HERE via UTR

Headlining Friday, smash play on 'Chrysalis' from Haast Hunter's new debut album PLASTIQUE...

On Saturday's lineup, here's Community Treatment Order's new single 'are you getting better yet?'...

Press release:

After 3 years, selling out Dougfest 1, 2, 3, Dougfest Junior and 3 emo nights, Dougfest has decided to “knock the bastard off” with its first 2 night event at Double Whammy this labour weekend, 23rd and 24th October.

Dubbed “the largest independently run festival dedicated to Aotearoa Music” - Dougfest brings 12 bands over 2 nights to Double Whammy, hosted by long running MCs - Thief n Zard

Friday night consists of… Hometown heroes LATE TO CHELSEA kick off the weekend with hilarious banter, hilarious songs and hilariously designed set lists, followed by Waihi Beaches own NOT EXACT, who are touted as being “like Title Fight, but from here, and playing shows”, next up will be SLOW RAGE, an Auckland 2 piece who should really be on your radar already goddamn. Then all the way from the mighty 03, Christchurchs own THE RAINFALL, bringing us killer pop punk, the way pop punk should be. Co headlining Friday night is EXIT SIGN, the rambocious 3 piece will blast you with a wall of sound and then gently serenade you as Jay uses his pedal board as it's own instrument. Then we will have the illustrious HAAST HUNTER headline. Lead by vocalist Sinaea, HAAST HUNTER are the female led metalcore band you've always needed in your life. Opening for Vana and Devilskin whilst also debuting in the Rock 2000 a week after their debut album came out. A stunning year for a stunning band.

Saturday night is unbelievably insane, starting out with COMMUNITY TREATMENT ORDER, showing everyone that you can have fun on stage AND sound impeccable at the same time, followed by SILCROW, led by one of the greatest vocalists in Aotearoa, Lorenzo, you'll be silly to not be there for their set. THIEF N ZARD swap hosting duties for being the one of the only rap groups to ever grace a Dougfest lineup - performing as part of their OIGASWAT album release tour. LUCY DIBBLE joins us straight after, the pop punk queen and still the youngest person to perform at a Dougfest ever, and after an insane year performing at Kittlesfest, opening for The Beatniks and Emerson, as well as opening up our last emo night. Definitely one to watch. Co-headlining Saturday night is COURTNAY AND THE UNHOLY REVERIE. Releasing their new album shortly, and having toured with punk legends The Bleeders, CATUR are considered one of the greatest live bands to grace stages around the country, expect new songs, old favourites and Keith wearing knee high socks. Headlining and closing out Dougfest 4 is one of the greatest bands in this country ------- THAT WILL BE ANNOUNCED SEPT 22ND