Skunk Fest 2026

Ska + Punk = Skunk! Skunk Fest is a full day of alternative art, punk DIY, community collaboration, and really, really fun music in the Trillium Lot — the night ends with everyone bouncing into the sunset to headliners Hub City Stompers.

Skunk Fest is a full day of alternative art and punk DIY activities, community collaboration, and really, really fun music — brought to you by Black Meadow and The Underground.

Punk Flea Market · 10 AM–3 PM

The day kicks off with an indoor Punk Flea Market at The Underground and Black Meadow. Free and open to all, this alternative market features arts and crafts, booths from local community organizations, and DIY/fixer demonstrations.

Out in the Lot

Outside in the fenced Trillium Lot you'll find the stage, dancing space, beer tent, alternative clothing swap tent, VIP areas, and food. Bands start in the afternoon with set lengths varying throughout the day, building to a sunset finale with Hub City Stompers.

The Lineup · 1 PM–10 PM

Hub City Stompers
New Brunswick, New Jersey

Headliners and purveyors of self-proclaimed "Dirty Jersey Hooligan Ska." Formed in 2002 by Rev. T Sinister of Inspecter 7, the Stompers have spent two decades and seven-plus records mashing '60s ska and reggae into punk, oi!, hardcore and hip-hop, touring nationally and internationally along the way.

Dead Street Dreamers
Rutland, Vermont

Formed in the lockdown of 2021 by a group of longtime friends, Dead Street Dreamers write about injustice, rebellion and struggling towns with the fury of The Stooges, MC5 and Black Flag. Releases including Countdown to the Reaper are out on Vermont's own Screaming Crow Records.

McAsh
Windsor, Vermont

Vermont ska institution, going since 1999. Seven Days called their EP FSTVL SZN the record that "solidifies McAsh's status as Vermont's best ska band." Horns, hooks and a pit that starts whether you're ready or not.

Steppin' Razor Blades
New England (Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island & Connecticut)

A seven-piece two-tone ska-punk outfit assembled in late 2024 by River City Rebels frontman Dan "Bopper" O'Day, with members scattered across four New England states. Debut album Stay Sharp is out on Screaming Crow Records.

Violet Crimes
Burlington, Vermont

Fem-fronted melodic punk with a hardcore streak — think Descendents and Dag Nasty by way of Hüsker Dü and The Gits. Their EP Fighting Words and the feminist anthem "Ledbetter" have made them one of Burlington's most reliably ferocious live acts.

2to1 Ska
Gloucester, Massachusetts

High-energy ska and "ska adjacent" covers plus originals from Massachusetts' North Shore. Deeply tied to their local school band programs and a fixture of all-ages, no-cover shows — exactly the spirit of this festival.

Magic User
Montpelier, Vermont

"Synth driven punk music from a magical faerie forest in Vermont." Fae synth punk built on synth, saw, alto and baritone sax, bass and drums, with gang vocals throughout. Debut album FREE PILE was recorded at The Underground and released in December 2025.

Vallory Falls
Richmond, Vermont

"Maple fired punk rock" — a four-piece of energetic pop-punk desperation and heart-on-the-sleeve emo, formed in 2021 and playing everywhere from Burlington basements to the Upper Valley. New EP out in 2025.

Dog Water
Burlington, Vermont

DIY indie garage-punk trio — guitar, bass, drums, no fuss. Regulars on the Burlington DIY circuit with a growing catalog including "Black Crayon."

Patrick O'Meara
Central Vermont

Local folk-punk singer-songwriter opening the day solo on guitar and banjo.

Good to Know

This event is rain or shine — Vermont weather is always a gamble, so we're planning to stay flexible. A ticket is required to enter the fenced festival space; the Punk Flea Market is free and open to all.