Hello. Im coming to Fest all the way from Michigan(Glorious Land Of The Suicide Machines And Tesco Vee) ive never been to the city but i was wondering if there's like a certain venue most of the bands play in. Something like Riot Fest where most of the festival is held in the Congress theater with a few in bars and clubs around the city. I was also wondering if any of the shows were matinee or if a majority of them were in the evening. Any feedback would be appreciated.

there are three "big venues" (florida theater, 8 seconds, and stereo) this year. this is where you would go to see the headlining bands.

all of the bars/venues will have bands playing ALL day though. your wristband will get you into all of the venues.

other venues are:
the atlantic
high dive
1982
the laboratory
durty nellys
looseys
cmc
lunchbox (out side, acoustic, day time stuff)
rockys piano bar (stand up comedy last year)

hope that helps

So many venues!

I'm assuming most of these venues have stage barriers. Or whatever. Will I be able to stage dive without trying to dodge security is what I'm saying.

The only barrier I can think of is at 8 Seconds. This is the first year Stereo is part of Fest, though, so idk what their stage is like. There's generally a lot of stage diving at Florida Theater of Gainesville. Security's usually pretty lax as long as you don't linger on stage or harass the band. I only ask that you don't go crazy with it. I don't mind crowd surfers, but the ones that jump off the top of the speakers and the ones that I see diving 7 times in the same set get under my skin.

some of the venues barely even have stages....

Best news!

don't be an asshole and crowdsurf. I will throw punches.

I don't fucking play around.

I will throw punches at anyone I see punching crowd surfers! Lets keep this friendly and agree no punches will be thrown at anyone!

Although having said that I fully encourage the punching of head walkers and people who barge through the crowd spilling everyones beer and pushing people about just to get to the front! It's just not necessary!

oh and back on topic this is nothing like Riot Fest....in fact imagine Riot Fest without the Congress and all the other venues being concentrated in one small area and you'll get a rough idea of what to expect.

been to Riot Fest every year except the first one.. its cool but theyre different animals completely. and Riot Fest this year is outside for the first time..so i dunno what thats going to be like.

but yeah, imagine Riot Fest with JUST the secret shows/after parties the entire time with 10 small-medium sized venues to choose from, all within reasonable walking distance. Riot Fest feels like a "concert" for the main events - Fest in gainesville is more like a punk rock house party for a whole weekend. the size of gainesville and the close proximity of the venues add to that feel..

That pretty much sums it up perfectly....only it'll be the best punk rock house party you could ever imagine!