Punk In The Park took place at The Palladium Outdoors in Worcester, Massachusetts on Saturday, September 27th, 2025. Produced by Brew Ha Ha Productions, the festival brought together punk rock and craft beer for a one-of-a-kind experience. This single-day event featured numerous local craft breweries, a variety of food vendors, and a stacked lineup of legendary punk rock bands, making for a memorable all-day affair.
Written and Photography by Kevin Healy
https://dot.cards/punkrockphotographer
Website: www.PunkInThePark.com
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The lineup included punk veterans Bad Religion and Pennywise, along with Face to Face, The Vandals, Comeback Kid, The Adolescents, Guttermouth, The Dwarves, and Poli Van Dam & The Rins.
Expectations were high for this all-punk gathering in the heart of Worcester, and I was ready to experience it all. Getting to the festival was easy—I gave myself plenty of time to park and was lucky enough to find a spot directly across from the outdoor venue. Within an hour of gates opening, the line of concertgoers wrapped around the block, and security staff coordinated efficiently. Gates opened more or less on time, and the entrance process was smooth and well-organized—a great first impression.
Hitting the stage was The Rins as attendees filled the lot and we were greeted by this band.
Followed by Poli Van Dam, whose yellow Gibson with cheetah-printed pickups delivered that crunchy distortion we all love. Their sets helped warm up the crowd for what was to come.
The Dwarves followed with a high-energy performance that ramped up the momentum. Beer sampling was now in full swing, loosening up the crowd as the sun started dipping.
Guttermouth kept the chaos going. Lead singer Mark tore off his shirt and encouraged the crowd to join him—clothes were tossed on stage, and at one point he traded shirts with a fan. This energy ignited the mosh pit, perfectly capturing what Punk In The Park is all about: loud, raw, unapologetic punk rock. Their set included fan favorites like “End On Nine” and “Everyone’s An Asshole.”
All the while, festivalgoers enjoyed unlimited beer tastings from local breweries, sampling their favorites in mini pint glasses branded with the Punk In The Park logo. The Gouda Boys served up smoked brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and a mac and cheese–themed menu. Monster Energy handed out free drinks nearby, and several other food vendors rounded out the offerings.
Comeback Kid took the stage next. Having seen them earlier this year at Warped Tour, I was eager for their set—and they delivered. The Canadian hardcore punk band had the crowd in a frenzy. The lead singer repeatedly leaned into the audience, letting fans scream lyrics into the mic while crowd surfers rode the waves over the barricade.
Then came The Vandals. Mid-set, their guitarist nearly fell off the stage but managed to save himself—and his guitar. His pants weren’t so lucky. After a wardrobe malfunction, he ripped them off and finished the set in makeshift shorts, providing a hilarious and unforgettable moment. They closed with “My Girlfriend’s Dead,” with Byron McMackin of Pennywise filling in on drums.
Face to Face kept the energy high as the evening progressed. The band was backed by a female drummer who filled in only learning the set hours before. While Dennis Hill from the band greeted fans down by the rail which offered an intimate moment for young fans.
Before Pennywise closed out their set, guitarist Fletcher Dragge shared a heartfelt message of unity, empathy, and gratitude, delivering crowd favorites like “F*ck Authority” and ending with an emotional rendition of “Bro Hymn”—joined onstage by fans, as always.
Finally, the stage was bathed in red light as Bad Religion emerged to close the night. Their performance was everything you’d expect from punk rock legends with 40+ years under their belts. Brian Baker’s guitar work was flawless, and the band’s tight, no-nonsense set proved that punk is far from dead.
Final Thoughts
Punk In The Park Worcester was a massive success. The event ran smoothly with few interruptions, the music was top-notch, and the crowd was respectful and energized. The Palladium’s staff and security team were professional and efficient. I’m already looking forward to next year.
Written and Photography by Kevin Healy
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