Iconic ’90s indie rock pioneers Pavement have confirmed a limited summer 2026 tour, delighting longtime fans but prompting an outcry from those who say the run is “too short.” The band’s announcement marks their first full slate of shows in several years and continues the band’s legacy as one of the most influential alternative outfits of the decade.
Pavement’s thoughtfully curated schedule — just seven performances across the United States — kicks off on July 17 at Oakland’s Mosswood Meltdown and wraps on July 27 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. Stops also include Portland, Minneapolis, Chicago, Cleveland and Richmond, showcasing a mix of intimate venues and celebrated indie-rock hotspots.
The group is making its return after a period of relative quiet: Pavement’s last major touring activity came during their extensive 2022 reunion run, and in 2025 they remained active through select live shows, a best-of compilation and promotional appearances tied to the Alex Ross Perry documentary about the band.
While many fans are thrilled to see Pavement back on stage, the short itinerary has sparked debate among their wide base of supporters — especially those outside major U.S. markets. Social media and fan forums quickly filled with pleas for additional dates closer to home, with many lamenting the lack of European or East Coast stops beyond Richmond.
Pavement’s influence on indie rock — particularly through albums like Slanted and Enchanted — has only grown stronger with time, and many fans have argued that a band of their stature deserves a broader 2026 run rather than a select series of shows.
Highlights
Confirmed dates for the 2026 tour include:
- July 17 – Mosswood Meltdown, Oakland, CA
- July 18 – Revolution Hall, Portland, OR
- July 21 – Palace Theatre, Minneapolis, MN
- July 22 – Salt Shed, Chicago, IL
- July 23 – Agora, Cleveland, OH
- July 25 – The National, Richmond, VA
- July 27 – Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN
Tickets were set to go on sale Friday, January 16, with demand expected to be strong given Pavement’s cult status and the relative scarcity of their live appearances in recent years.
Pavement’s impact on the indie scene of the 1990s can hardly be overstated. Albums such as Slanted and Enchanted, Wowee Zowee and Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain helped define a generation of lo-fi aesthetics, cryptic lyricism and DIY influence that continues to resonate with artists and fans alike.
The band’s presence at select summer festivals and standalone dates over the past few years — including appearances linked to the recent documentary homage — has underscored their cultural importance. In that context, even a brief tour feels like a major event for indie rock.
