The camp-yet-stylish suit jackets of festival host John Waters are probably all you need to know about the vibes of Mosswood Meltdown, the trash rock, retro punk, queer-friendly music festival that livens up a small park in Oakland, Calif. A filmmaker and actor known for cult classics like “Pink Flamingos” and “Cry Baby,” Waters takes the mic to introduce each act with an irreverence and humor that fits, in his own words, the festival of “slamming human cherry bombs, moshing punk-rock roman candles and scary screaming sparklers of every race and gender.” Headlining this mayhem will be 1970s new wave band The B-52s, playing alongside psychedelic-pop-playing, winged-helmet-wearing The Space Lady, and the “muscle-obsessed, electro-punk… dress[ed] up in adult diapers” band Diesel Dudes.
There are two stages, but no overlapping sets (since Waters can’t clone himself), and the festival takes up about half of the total park area out of respect for the location as a public space. Aside from the music, there’ll be a drag contest hosted by Peaches Christ and judged by Waters, and some after shows at clubs that will be announced closer to the festival. Food and drink options are still to come as well, but so far, Abruya will be bringing their rock and roll-inspired Japanese food to the festival, and there’ll be a 21-and-over beer garden for those wanting to drink alcohol.
The Specs
- Attendance numbers or venue capacity are not available.
- General Admission starts at $139, and VIP starts at $279.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to California here.
FAQs
Where is the festival located?
Mosswood Park in Oakland, CA.
What is the closest airport to the festival?
Oakland International Airport is about 25 minutes away from the park, while the San Francisco International Airport is 40 minutes away.
Is the Mosswood Meltdown ADA-accessible?
Yes. Aside from accessible viewing areas and washrooms, you can request assistance, as needed, to reach different parts of the festivals if the grassy and uneven terrain poses any difficulties.
Which artists are on the Mosswood Meltdown 2024 lineup?
The B52s, Hunx & His Punx, Big Freedia, Peaches Christ Hosts a Drag Contest!, Redd Kross, Pure Hell, Egyptian Lover, Gibby Haynes & The Paul Green Rock Academy, Die Spitz, Bush Tetras, Go Sailor, Pansy Division, Wifey, The Space Lady, Sheastie Boys, Diesel Dudes, Trap Girl, Non Plus Temps, Gumby’s Junk, Baus and Hot Laundry.
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