The Fest returns to Gainesville, Florida from 23–25 October 2026 with one of the biggest punk and independent music lineups of the year.

The festival’s 24th edition includes more than 330 bands performing across venues throughout Gainesville.

The Bouncing Souls, PUP and Lagwagon are among the biggest names on the bill.

Who is playing The Fest 24?

The lineup features The Bouncing Souls, PUP, Lagwagon, Algernon Cadwallader, Texas Is The Reason, Sparta, Nerf Herder, A Wilhelm Scream and The Flatliners.

Other notable artists include Hey Mercedes, Bear vs. Shark, Mustard Plug, Catbite, Samiam, Torche, Small Brown Bike, Against All Authority, Fenix TX, Iron Reagan and Home Front.

Unlike mainstream festivals built around a small collection of expensive headline artists, The Fest spreads its programme across hundreds of independent bands.

That gives the event a particularly strong reputation among punk, emo, ska and alternative music audiences.

PUP and The Bouncing Souls will perform twice

Two of the festival’s biggest artists have special plans.

PUP and The Bouncing Souls are both scheduled to perform two sets.

PUP will also perform The Dream Is Over, creating a special opportunity for fans of the band’s earlier material.

Several other artists have announced performances built around particular albums or anniversaries.

Special album performances at The Fest 24

Algernon Cadwallader will celebrate their 20th anniversary.

Hey Mercedes are scheduled to perform Everynight Fire Works.

Nerf Herder will revisit their self-titled album.

Small Brown Bike will play Dead Reckoning, while Punchline perform 37 Everywhere.

Dikembe are also scheduled to revisit Chicago Bowls.

These performances give The Fest a substantial advantage over a conventional festival lineup because fans can see material that bands don’t necessarily play regularly.

One of America’s biggest independent punk festivals

The Fest’s appeal comes from its close relationship with independent music.

The event brings bands, labels, fans and promoters together across Gainesville rather than concentrating everything into a single festival field.

With hundreds of acts playing, the experience encourages audiences to discover bands they might never otherwise encounter.

When is The Fest 24?

The Fest 24 takes place from Friday 23 October through Sunday 25 October 2026 in Gainesville, Florida.

The full lineup, performance information and tickets are available from The Fest’s official website.