Punk in the Park 2023: Day One

On the vibrant day of November 4th, 2023, the sprawling Oak Canyon Park in Orange County, California, transformed into a punk haven as thousands of fervent punk enthusiasts flocked to experience the third edition of Punk in the Park.

The event promised an exhilarating lineup of more than 30 incredible bands, a Vans Pro Skate demo featuring legendary skaters and BMXers such as Christian Hosoi, Steve Caballero, Buckey Lasek, Rick Thorne, and more.

To add to the festivities, a beer tasting extravaganza awaited attendees, showcasing a staggering selection of over 100 craft beers and beverages for sampling throughout the day.

For those fortunate enough to be over 21 and seeking a break from the raucous tunes, a plethora of breweries stood ready to quench their thirst. From the renowned Stone Brewery to the innovative Rad Beer Company and the eclectic offerings of Brewery X, attendees had the opportunity to indulge in a diverse array of libations until the beer sampling concluded around 4 PM.

The day kicked off under the warm California sun, with an infectious energy permeating the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. Poli Van Dam took the stage on the Buenavenza stage, igniting the crowd with enthusiasm and movement. Following suit was Good Guys in Black, fronted by the esteemed pro BMXer Rick Thorne, making a memorable impression on those witnessing them for the first time. The energy only intensified with subsequent performances by Deviates, A Wilhelm Scream, Death by Stereo, and Rotting Out.

Simultaneously, the Monster Energy Stage came alive, with The Gringoz initiating the groove, paving the way for Guttermouth to elevate the intensity of the pit and send the crowd into a frenzy. The momentum continued with Drain, Scowl, Greg Anista, and Suicide Machines, each contributing to the escalating fervor of the festival. The legendary Dickies took the stage next, delivering a killer set that had fans singing along and moshing in the pit, bringing the Buenaveza stage to a powerful close.

Meanwhile, the Monster Energy Stage witnessed the electrifying performance of G.B.H, a classic punk band that left an indelible mark on the enthusiastic audience. Narcoleptic Youth subsequently took the stage, culminating their set with an explosive conclusion to the Monster Energy Stage proceedings. The night’s pinnacle arrived with the iconic Circle Jerks and Pennywise, who respectively closed out the festivities on both stages, leaving the crowd buzzing with the echoes of punk anthems.

As the curtain fell on this adrenaline-fueled day, promises lingered for more excitement and raw energy on day two, with the anticipation of even more to come.

Share this article

or