Camp Punksylvania hit the West End Fairgrounds for its fifth year in good ol’ Gilbert, Pennsylvania (and no, we still have no idea who Gilbert is or why the town’s named after them). What started in 2021 as a few small stages, local punk bands, and a hotdog stand in a field has since outgrown its original venue and blossomed into something so much more.
We kicked off the sweltering, 100-degree Friday afternoon with BEEF. They’re known for bringing the heat to your local tri-state area basement, but this time was a little different—an outdoor stage, with fresh air and the smell of beer (but outside)! BEEF set the immaculate tone for the rest of the day, which was stacked with femme-fronted hardcore.
Headed over to Cancer Bats on the main stage, hailing all the way down from Canada. Known for their heavy, sludge-tinged hardcore sound, they brought a perfect blend of chaos and precision to the stage. Not only do they crush it with their original music, but they also have a Black Sabbath cover band called Bat Sabbath—cheeky name, killer execution.
Scowl was one of the main headliners of the weekend, and for good reason. The first time I heard them, it was like a lightbulb went off—this is it. There was something about their sound that just clicked: gritty, melodic, unfiltered, and full of intent. It felt fresh but familiar, like something I didn’t even know I’d been waiting for. Since that first listen, I haven’t missed a single show when they come through the area. Watching them take the main stage at Camp Punksylvania felt like a full-circle moment—not just for me, but for everyone who’s been screaming along with them since the early days.
Spaced closed out Friday night for us on the Riot Stage, bringing a final burst of raw energy to an already stacked day. Despite the intense heat, I had to stick it out to catch them.
Keep your eyes open for more coverage from day 2 and 3! Check out more photos and galleries on instagram.
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