The phrase “read the room” may be a cliche, but it’s still good advice. The Punk in the Park Festival just had to cancel all its 2026 events. Because festival owner Cameron Collins of Brew Ha Ha Productions donated to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
When you’re organizing an event for punks, maybe don’t give money to people who are against everything it stands for.
The event made the cancellation announcement via Social Media. The statement reads:
It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of the Punk in the Park road show events scheduled for 2026.
These shows were something we truly believed in, and we know how much they meant to many of you. Unfortunately, the current climate surrounding the events has created challenges that make it impossible for us to move forward in a way that delivers the experience our fans, artists, and partners deserve.
This is incredibly disappointing for everyone involved. Our goal has always been to bring people together through music, community, and shared passion — and it’s painful when circumstances prevent that from happening.
All ticket holders will receive full refunds automatically at their original point of purchase within the next week. No action is required.
We want to sincerely thank the fans who supported us, the bands who stood with us, and the crews who worked hard behind the scenes. Your belief in these events has meant more than you know.
We hope this is not the end of Punk in the Park, but rather a pause while we regroup and look toward the future.
The Fallout
Last year, it was discovered that Collins donated just under $1,000 to Trump’s presidential campaign. Since this came to light, fan reaction has been scathing to say the least, including a petition to cancel the event. Several bands dropped out on principle, since you know punk is normally heavily steeped in left wing politics….
Just a few days ago, the notoriously political punk band Dead Kennedys responded to criticism around playing the event. The band announced that they would play the (now canceled) dates for their fans. However, they would sever all ties with Punk in the Park after that point.
Former frontman Jello Biafra, has already slammed the choice.
“They’re taking the money $$$, and THEN pulling out? The real Dead Kennedys would never have let this happen in the first place,” he told Stereogum. “One more sordid reason I don’t ever want to play with them again.”
Other bands like The Adicts, 8 Kalacas, Naked Aggression, and N8NOFACE have also dropped off the bill since this was discovered. Dropkick Murphys have severed all ties with Brew Ha Ha Productions, due to these donations.
Punk in the Park was originally slated to hit Pittsburgh, PA, on April 18th; Orlando, FL, on May 2nd, and close out in Vallejo, California on May 23rd. You can see the event’s stement below:
