Experiencing Pop Punk’s Not Dead Fest 2021

By Paige Greene
Web Content Manager

All I have to say is pop punk is definitely not dead.

@paigegreene07

Pop Punk’s Not Dead Fest 2021 #fyp #poppunk #bfs #vanfullofnuns

♬ Punk Rock 101 – Bowling For Soup

On Saturday, July 17, I was able to attend Pop Punk’s Not Dead Fest at Buck’s Backyard in Buda, Texas. The fest was presented by Van Full of Nuns from Dallas, Texas with Bowling For Soup.

The event started at 2 p.m. with DJ PartyByBlake until live music started at 4 p.m., with music going on the indoor and outdoor stage simultaneously.

There were seven pop punk bands that attended: Coast N’ Bay, City Under Siege, New Heroes, As The City Sleeps, Glass Mansions, Van Full of Nuns, Bowling For Soup. Each band played a mix of well-known covers and original music, which left the crowd wanting more after each set.

When I first walked into the venue, I noticed the spacious field that which soon would be filled with pop punk fans screaming their favorite songs. There were food trucks and merch booths lining the outside fence with the outdoor stage in the back. I could hear the stage from anywhere on the field, which made sure I did not miss a single song. 

Every band, expect Bowling For Soup, had an hour long set, which was just enough to play a great mix of rocking music. They covered My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Mayday Parade, Metro Station, Fall Out Boy, Blink-182, Green Day and more. If you are a fan of any punk music, you would have found a song to rock out to. 

As the night went on, the crowd and anticipation for Bowling For Soup got bigger. 

If you do not know who Bowling For Soup is, they are the creators of the famous Phineas and Ferb Theme song and “1985.” They were the headlining act, one of my favorite bands, and a great reason to stay to the end of fest.

The first (and hopefully not the last) Pop Punk’s Not Dead Fest 2021 was one to remember. If Van Full of Nuns decides to host this every year, with or without Bowling For Soup, I will definitely attend.

Featured Image by Paige Greene