Image above courtesy of the festival website.
While red, white and blue pyrotechnics light up the California coast for 4th of July weekend, Mosswood Meltdown crackles with “unhinged punk mayhem.” After splitting from Burger Records in 2020, the former Burger Boogaloo rebranded for its first run in 2022, purposefully centering woman-fronted and LGBTQ+ bands. This year, Mosswood Meltdown returns to Oakland’s Mosswood Park from July 1-2 with a strong lineup of bands and longtime host John Waters.
Reuniting for its first public performance in over 20 years, Bratmobile is set to headline alongside fiery punk mainstay Le Tigre. Last year, the latter’s frontwoman Kathleen Hanna also consecrated the festival’s new name with riot grrrl pioneer Bikini Kill. In addition to taking fans back to the ‘90s and early aughts, Gravy Train!!!! will weave in a bit of Oakland flare. Between acts, Waters is known to give kooky, crowd-pleasing introductions, providing the heartbeat of the festival. The energy is DIY and riotously punk, so expect lots of dancing, moshing and screaming about the patriarchy.
The festival occupies two outdoor stages during the day, but it is known to take over local venues like Eli’s Mile High Club and Thee Stork Club well into the night. And the fun doesn’t stop in early July. In October, the festival returns for its spooky second iteration: Halloween Meltdown.
The Specs
- Attendance numbers for this festival have not been published.
- Passes are available between $129 and $249 for the weekend.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s Guide to California.
FAQs
Are outside food and drinks allowed inside the festival?
No, outside food and drinks are prohibited.
Is there an age limit?
No, Mosswood Meltdown is an all ages event. However, the beer garden is restricted to those 21+.
What is the best way to get to and from Mosswood Meltdown?
The festival recommends taking public transportation. The MacArthur BART station is only 2 blocks away from Mosswood Park.
2023 Poster
