Pug Fest | Detroit, MI
The weekend of June 28-30 was a wild one for the city of Ferndale, Michigan, the home of Pug Fest 2: Welcome to Pugdale. Over ten venues, including four different houses, were used throughout the city to accommodate over 100 bands performing at the fest.
In preparation for the sold-out Saturday, Friday's lineup was full of incredible acts. At the main stage, The Loving Touch, acts such as Feast For The Crows and kissyourfriends performed great sets. The Excuse Me, Who Are You? set was one of the most insane acts that I have ever seen, with the lead singer climbing into the crowd, running around on stage, and even hitting their inhaler to keep up. Playing over at Orchid Theatre, local bands covered sets of Fall Out Boy and Modest Mouse.
Saturday had everyone on their toes, trying to decide who to see and when. Starting at the house venues, Riot Course performed a quick but phenomenal set, packing the entire room. A bit later at the Summit Shack house venue, Michael Cera Palin played a secret set, performing unreleased songs from their upcoming debut LP. Heading back to the main street of W Nine Mile, Orchid Theatre stayed busy and packed with acts such as Carpool, Riley!, and Michael Cera Palin’s main set (all the hits, of course). Over at The Loving Touch, a good 5 minutes from Orchid Theatre, headliners Saturdays at Your Place and Prince Daddy & The Hyena had everyone moving, packing the venue to the brim. For both acts, crowd surfers could be seen at every corner, even at the bar!
Sunday was full of bands as well, including Flight Patterns, Moosecreek Park, and returners Arcadia Grey.
Pug Fest 2: Welcome to Pugdale was a phenomenal experience for all who could attend. While music was happening, comedy showcases were also being held at surrounding bars/venues, making sure everyone had somewhere to be. With such an amazing weekend behind us, there's only excitement ahead for Pug Fest 3.
