As festival season continues, Project Pabst is set to bring a high-energy, genre-spanning celebration to Portland’s Waterfront Park on July 26-27.
The two-day festival returns with a tight, expertly curated lineup that leans into punk icons, indie darlings and rising voices from the local and national scenes. Saturday’s schedule is led by the legendary Iggy Pop and the ever-inventive Devo, offering a rare double-dose of punk pedigree and eccentric new wave. Fans of vintage punk will find more to love with The Damned, The Chats and Mannequin Pussy, while a special tribute to Portland’s own Exploding Hearts—led by surviving member Terry Six—adds a poignant local touch. Gustaf, Gouge Away, and Nasalrod round out a day loaded with raw energy and underground attitude.
Sunday will pivot to an indie-rock showcase headlined by Death Cab for Cutie and Japanese Breakfast, two acts that represent both legacy and modernity in the genre. Built to Spill returns to their Pacific Northwest roots, while a reunion set from Cap’n Jazz promises to stir deep nostalgia for longtime emo and indie fans. The day also features fresh talent like Wednesday, the funk-soul stylings of Say She She, genre-blending Sam Austins, and local standout Dustbunny, offering a well-rounded journey through today’s indie soundscape.
True to its reputation, Project Pabst keeps things simple and crowd-friendly: only two stages placed at either end of the park with no overlapping sets, allowing for fans to see every act without compromise. The setting at Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park provides a laid-back atmosphere where Portland’s love of beer, bikes, and music converge. Festival-goers can expect dirt trails, local food trucks, arcade-style games, quirky art installations, and of course, plenty of Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap.
With a manageable 17-act lineup and walkable layout, Project Pabst continues to deliver an intimate, authentic music experience that stands apart from larger, corporate festivals. Whether you're there for punk icons or indie revelations, this year’s Project Pabst promises two full days of vibrant, Portland-style celebration.
