Feature Story - The Fest: Celebrating the legacy of a punk rock community

Origins of The Fest

The roots of The Fest trace back to the 1990s, when Tony Weinbender played in a small Virginia punk band called Swank. Touring with Gainesville-based punk and ska bands like Less Than Jake, Radon and Hot Water Music, he forged connections that would shape his future in music. Through mutual support, he booked shows for Florida bands up north, and they, in turn, helped him play in Florida.

While attending James Madison University, Weinbender joined Fueled By Ramen, the up-and-coming record label founded by Less Than Jake drummer Vinnie Fiorello. Based in Gainesville, the label would later sign major bands like Fall Out Boy and Paramore.

Inspired by his time there, Weinbender and a few friends pooled their resources to organize a punk rock showcase across five local venues in 2002. This two-day event featured 50 bands and was promoted almost entirely by word of mouth, band networks, and black-and-white flyers. Thus, The Fest was born.

Despite losing money the first year, the response was overwhelmingly positive, and Weinbender felt a growing demand for more.

"The feedback was so great that we thought, 'Let's do it again,'" he said.

By the third festival, the event had started drawing international attention. Some of the local favorites, like Less Than Jake, Hot Water Music and Against Me! have all been regular fixtures at the event, playing alongside other notable bands, such as Descendents, The Gaslight Anthem, Bouncing Souls, Mastodon, The Menzingers, The Flatliners, Streetlight Manifesto, Andrew W.K. and many more.

In many cases, it's a festival where up-and-coming punk bands grow their fan base before venturing onto larger stages around the globe.

Economic Impact

The county has supported The Fest for the last eight years, contributing $150,000 in bed tax dollars - funds that come from visitors to Alachua County.

According to Visit Gainesville/Alachua County, which oversees the county's local tourism, The Fest's 10,000 attendees generate approximately $3.2 million in direct spending, with an additional economic impact of $5 million.

"The Fest has become a cornerstone event that elevates Gainesville as a premier music destination, attracting thousands of visitors from around the country and beyond," said Jessica Hurov, director of Visit Gainesville/Alachua County.

Much of the revenue flows into the community through lodging, creating 16,000 visitor days, directly supporting 932 jobs, and adding more than $800,000 in personal income for residents.

Volunteer support is also critical to the festival's success.

"We couldn't do what we do without the hundreds of volunteers who show up each year to help," Weinbender said. "They are the backbone of this festival."

Each year, around 550 locals volunteer to help staff the three-day event, with roles ranging from stage management and tech work to security and guest services. In exchange, volunteers receive a weekend pass and a unique opportunity to learn the ropes of large-scale event management.

One of those volunteers is Natu Tweh, who attended the festival for the eighth time. The Miami resident said people like himself love taking advantage of local attractions, such as the Cade Museum and state parks, while in the area, adding that The Fest also provides attendees with a cultural experience of Alachua County that resonates with people when they leave.

"People literally come here from all over," Tweh said. "I've been introducing people (to The Fest) and bringing them in, and they've kept coming back as well. It's just so fun seeing the cycle perpetuate and seeing people come together for a good time."

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