What’s better than spending a sunny summer weekend in a gorgeous park with a bunch of Bay Area punks? I arrived as doors opened to take in the grounds before they filled with excited festival goers. My first stop: checking out the first act of the day, Jesse. They eased the early crowd into the thrill of the weekend.
I then did my tour around the shopping alley, more so a cul-de-sac, adjacent to the stage. I had the opportunity to shop festival, John Waters, and that day’s acts’ merchandise. Just next to the band’s merchandise was a silver clothing rack with merch from famous acts like Courtney Love and the Who available for purchase. I meandered to the stands of local businesses and creators, amazed by their creativity and offerings. It was tempting to purchase a clown-themed glasses chain, but I opted out as it didn’t fit my aesthetic (although they were very adorable).
There was a prize wheel at Rasputin’s table, and I won a guitar pick. Next door was a vintage stall filled with some of the cutest clothing I’ve seen in an array of sizes. I decided to get something small – an embroidered heart by local artist @patchyalater. I ended my shopping spree with a Castro Street postcard and poster, a postcard of a woman in a martini glass, and a postcard of Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle.
Highlights of the weekend, besides DEVO and Bratmobile of course, were Diesel Dudes, Niis, Kreayshawn, and the Haus of Libations’ drag wrestling contest. Diesel Dudes were the second act on Saturday, but they deserved a later slot. I first saw this band at the Stork Club for my friend’s birthday. The sweaty room packed with adoring fans prepared me for what I was about to see at this set. Props like wigs, PlayStation controllers, and plastic balls were thrown around. You could still find those props around the grounds the next day. Push-ups, mayhem, and a don’t give a fuck attitude filled the 30-minute set. We even had a special appearance from Cheese.
Niis performed a few acts later. This was my third time seeing the band live, and I was happy they were playing on this large stage. The woman-fronted band built up the chaos that Diesel Dudes ignited earlier in the day. There’s nothing like feminine rage.
The excitement from the previous day’s headliner spilled over to Sunday. Everyone was buzzing about seeing Kreayshawn live for the first time in 10 years. The Bay Area artist took a decade-long break from the spotlight to focus on her family and mental health after the success of “Gucci Gucci” and “Go Hard.” But before her set, the audience got to witness one of the best live drag performances. The Haus of Libations, known for their thoughtful drag productions and Lipsmack series, turned the stage into a wrestling rink. The shit talking and theatrics of it all made for an invigorating set. I also loved the audience participation. Before the set began, the Haus of Libations crew handed out signs that said “Ok, now kiss!” and “Beat him off!”
One act many were waiting for that Sunday was Kreayshawn. Her Hello Kitty hype woman danced around the stage with her. It’s no surprise that after all these years, this artist sounds just as amazing as her recordings. Attendees were drawn into her set, reminiscing on where they were when they first heard her music. She did not have much production on that stage, just her, Hello Kitty, and her DJ. That was all she needed to create a memorable performance.
The only thing I would have liked to have more of for this weekend was shaded areas. Sure, the shopping alley was covered with trees, but it would have benefited the overall viewing experience if there were some canopies for the GA crowd. As the sun peaked through the clouds, which eventually revealed the hidden blue sk,y the first day of the festival, the true heat of the day tired out the mosh pit participants, crowd surfers, and general enjoyers faster than usual.
Would I come back to this festival next year? Absolutely. It was filled with acts that will satisfy a craving in your music-loving heart. Stay up to date on next year’s lineup and announcement of 2026 dates by following their Instagram. You can also learn more about the festival through their website.
