For most of the 21st century, The Fest has conquered Gainesville, FL for a long weekend near Halloween. With hundreds of bands playing each year, spread across multiple venues, there’s something for anybody interested in punk-leaning, independent music from headlining main stage acts outdoors to up-and-comers playing in small bars where it’s dark all day long.
FEST 21 features a stacked lineup, with GWAR, Descendents, Quicksand, Dillinger Four, Negative Approach, Tsunami Bomb, Laura Jane Grace, Gorilla Biscuits and many (many) more taking the stage at least once.
It’s common when talking to Festers to hear the word “reunion,” because it’s never just about the music. It’s about bringing the community together, be it singing along to your favorite song or waiting in line for some Five Star.
This year we talked with six artists to gain their perspectives on Fest, what they’ll be doing at FEST 21, and what they’re up to in general.
Hit the dropdown below to get updates from Screaming Females, Brendan Kelly, Heart & Lung, Maura Weaver, Wolf-Face, and Night Jobs.