POUZZA FEST 2018: Welcoming Spring with Montreal’s Punk Festival

Ah May in Montreal.. the sun is out, the birds are singing, and the sounds of punk music fill the streets downtown. Pouzza Fest in Montreal marks the unofficial start to festival season with over 175 bands performing different venues all weekend long. Kick off each day started early with punk yoga and meditation, and went until the other early, with secret shows starting as late/early as 2am.

As with the festival every year, there are bands I know, and bands I get introduced to. As usual I was pleasantly surprised by quite a few bands, whether it was for their music, or their stage presence. Using multiple Montreal venues like Katacombes, Foufounes Electriques, and Cafe Cleopatre, gave the festival a sense of tight music community. Running between the smaller stages combined well with the larger outdoor space at the Beer Garden. The Beer Garden was free access for those wanting to see headliners like Reel Big Fish, Face to Face, and Anti Flag. Late night shows at Foufounes Electrique included A Wilhelm Scream, Obey the Brave and Cancer Bats.

Overall this festivals is bananas. That’s the best way I can describe it. Three days of condensed punk music sets all within some of Montreal’s most iconic spaces. If you are looking for back-to-back-to-back music, great people (seriously the best crowds. So nice to the come from aways, like myself), and festival organizers that are top notch, then you need to get yourself to Pouzza next year. Not sure what the line up will look like, but I’m sure Pouzza9 will bring some of the best punk offered.

Check out the gallery below, also head over the Pouzza’s site to take a look at the full line up from the weekend. Chances are good you will find a band that you’ve never heard of and like.