Mosswood Meltdown 2026 kicked off with a Pavement pre-party, hosted by John Waters, offering a weekend of punk and indie rock in Oakland with various ticket options.

Pavement kicked off the 2026 Mosswood Meltdown with a pre-party performance on Friday, July 17, in Oakland. The festival, hosted once again by the inimitable John Waters, continues through the weekend at Mosswood Park.

Mosswood Meltdown is known for its eclectic punk and indie rock lineups, and this year is no exception. Beyond Pavement, the main festival days (July 18-19) feature Iggy Pop, Bikini Kill, The Dead Milkmen, and many more. Waters, celebrating his 12th year as host, brings his signature wit and charm to the event, setting a unique tone for the festival.

For those looking to catch the action, the pre-party with Pavement had doors opening at 4pm on Friday. Tickets for the pre-party were priced at $99 for general admission and $165 for VIP. Weekend passes for the main festival range from $179 to $249 for general admission (depending on tier) and $299 to $399 for VIP. Single-day passes are also available: Saturday general admission runs $129 to $169, with VIP from $199 to $275; Sunday general admission is $89 to $129, with VIP from $159 to $225.

Details on specific entry points, parking strategies, or public transport options were not immediately available on the festival's main ticketing and information pages. Attendees should consult the official Mosswood Meltdown website for the most up-to-date access information closer to the event. Mosswood Park is located at 3612 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94609.