The Fest returns for 19th year

The Fest three-day underground music event kicks off at 12 a.m. Friday at 18 venues throughout Gainesville and will feature musicians, comedians and professional wrestlers from around the world.

This year marks The Fest’s 19th in operation and once again has a worldwide flavor with artists from Canada, the United Kingdom, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Panama, along with every corner of the United States. A lineup of the bands can be found here. The comedy showcase lists 22 comedians and The Fest wrestling caps off the action.

The locations include Boca Fiesta, Bo Diddley Plaza, Downtown Fats, Fox Lounge, Heartwood, High Dive, the Hippodrome Theater, Knockin’ Boots Saloon, Loosey’s, Mother’s Pub, The Wooly, Vecinos, 4th Avenue Food Park, and the Hardback Cafe.

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The schedule is jam-packed and runs nearly nonstop during the three days and for those who can’t attend in person, you can watch The Fest live on its Facebook page.

According to The Fest’s website, the event started in 2002 with 60 bands, four stages and ran for two days. In 2013, the festival expanded to four days and hosted 400 bands. In 2019, The Fest hosted 319 musical acts, 29 comedians, and 50 professional wrestlers over three days at 18 venues throughout Gainesville.

Tickets range in price from $30 single-show venues to $190 for a three-day pass.

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