diff --git a/bindings/python/notmuch/version.py b/bindings/python/notmuch/version.py
index 724b5e54..7b66f574 100644
--- a/bindings/python/notmuch/version.py
+++ b/bindings/python/notmuch/version.py
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 # this file should be kept in sync with ../../../version
-__VERSION__ = '0.26.2'
+__VERSION__ = '0.27~rc0'
 SOVERSION = '5'
diff --git a/version b/version
index 894542aa..131761c7 100644
--- a/version
+++ b/version
@@ -1 +1 @@
-0.26.2
+0.27~rc0