Project Pabst came roaring back to life on July 26 and 27 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Oregon, after a successful 2024 return as a two-day festival focused on music, beer and local culture. Attendance hovered around 12,000 fans who gathered between the city skyline and the Willamette River to enjoy affordable beers, food vendors and interactive art installations.
Saturday delivered an epic lineup anchored in punk’s roots featuring Devo and Iggy Pop as the day’s headliners. Local openers included bands like Nasalrod, Gustaf, Gouge Away, Exploding Hearts, Mannequin Pussy, FIDLAR (who filled in for The Damned) and The Chats. Gouge Away shredded hard as a female-fronted noise-punk revelation, Gustaf brought art-punk absurdism and Exploding Hearts reunited to energize the crowd. Devo dazzled with costume changes and classic hits, and Iggy Pop closed with a jubilant 20-song set that included energetic crowd interaction and iconic post-set words of farewell.
Sunday shifted to emo and indie narratives with Cap’n Jazz, Built To Spill, Wednesday, Say She She, Japanese Breakfast and Death Cab for Cutie closing the fest with three decades of fan favorites. Say She She’s groovy, soulful set kicked off the day, followed by Wednesday’s fresh blend of indie-country and nostalgia. Cap’n Jazz delivered an emotive throwback and Built To Spill reaffirmed their indie-rock legacy. Death Cab wrapped up with emotional resonance and news of a new album ahead to applause and singalongs.
Production logistics earned praise with no overlapping stage schedules, clear sightlines and surprisingly low drink pricing (tall cans for around five dollars), making all acts accessible. The festival also showcased community through art such as a massive interactive mural centered by Pepper the Unicorn where fans could leave their mark.
All told Project Pabst 2025 succeeded in delivering a curated fusion of punk, indie and Pacific Northwest vibrancy. Fans of multiple generations gathered for high-energy sets, community spirit and cold PBRs in a uniquely Portland celebration.
See photos below by Tojo Andrianarivo.
