ANAHEIM, CA | If there’s one thing pop punk fans know how to do, it’s throw a killer summer festival. This year’s Sad Summer Fest presented by Journey’s was no exception, with incredible performances by headliners Waterparks and Neck Deep. From start to finish, the energy in Southern California was palpable and the vibes were unbeatable. Whether you were moshing in the pit or dancing in the sun, there was something for everyone at The City National Grove in Anaheim on Saturday (7/9)—let’s dig in!
When Vans Warped Tour sadly fell by the wayside for good at the end of 2019, Sad Summer Fest eagerly stepped up and filled the pop punk void that was left by its departure. Now its 3rd year, this emo-infused extravaganza just keeps getting better and has positioned itself as one of the best up and coming music festivals in the US. And it had everything on Saturday: dancing bears, emo chicks, pool floaties, spicy pizza, and of course amazing music.
Admittedly, most of the bands performing on Saturday at Sad Summer Fest were outside my standard comfort zone. Metal is typically my “go-to,” but I must say that every performance I witnessed on Saturday (and I mean every performance) were as solid as they come. Fans of all ages literally had every word of every song of from Waterparks, Neck Deep, Mayday Parade, State Champs, Hot Mulligan, Hot Milk, The Summer Set, Magnolia Park, and Lip Candy memorized to a tee. Emotions were at an all time high as mosh pits and crowd surfers took center stage during some of the day’s most memorable sets of the day. I was immediately hooked.
After careful reflection after a long hot day under the Southern California sun, the two bands that really stood out to me at the conclusion of Sad Summer Fest 2022 were Hot Milk and Magnolia Park. Both acts hit bases loaded home runs on Saturday in the shadow of legendary Anaheim Stadium and all I wanted was more. Each act was uniquely different and fucking awesome in their own special way (and that’s coming from a guy who lives and breathes live music for breakfast, lunch, and dinner). And of course, a special shout to “Battle of the Bands” contest winners Lip Candy—their opening set was dope AF.
Saturday’s Sad Summer Fest show was an amazing festival experience I will soon not forget. The lineup featuring Waterparks and Neck Deep was killer, the weather perfect, and the emo-vibes were flowing all day long. If you ever get a chance to see any of these bands live, do yourself a favor and go! And if you’re feeling particularly nostalgic, don’t miss Sad Summer Fest 2022 when it rolls through your city, well, this summer… It’s a one-of-a-kind festival experience that’s special in so many ways and one you definitely don’t want to miss.
MAYDAY PARADE
STATE CHAMPS
HOT MULLIGAN
THE SUMMER SET
HOT MILK
MAGNOLIA PARK
LIP CANDY
SAD SUMMER FEST 2022
