Jun 11, 2024 - Things to Do

HFStival is launching a comeback in D.C. with an epic lineup

Anna Spiegel

Fans surf the crowd at the 2004 HFStival on May 22, 2004 — Fans crowd surf at HFStival in 2004. Photo: David S. Holloway/Getty Images

The '90s are back, and so is HFStival — a legendary D.C. alt-rock concert that's being revived at Nationals Park in September with artists like The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, Incubus, and Violent Femmes.

Why it matters: Nostalgia overload in the best way possible — now if only Commander Salamander returns for the 'fits.

Flashback: Progressive rock station WHFS launched the festival in 1990. Massive concerts ran at different venues, including RFK, through 2006 with headliners like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, Blondie, Jay-Z, Eminem, and blink-182.

In its heyday, it was the biggest music festival on the East Coast. Even a baby Beyoncé attended!
It was last revived in 2011 with less fanfare (unless you're a Flogging Molly fan).

The latest: I.M.P. (9:30 Club, Merriweather, et al.) is bringing back the "one day, one stage" festival with the Washington Nationals on Saturday, Sept. 21.

How it works: Similar to when they opened The Atlantis, they're running a lottery through Ticketmaster so fans have a fair shot at passes — now through 11:59pm on June 16.

Tickets start at $150 per person and go up to $475 for VIP with Diamond Club access.

Fans must sign into a Ticketmaster account and enter payment details. Cards will only be charged if you get tickets (8 max).
Those entering the lottery will know by June 21 if they scored passes.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to remove erroneous information about WHFS being located in Bethesda when the festival was launched.

Add Axios on Google

HFStival is launching a comeback in D.C. with an epic lineup

More Washington D.C. stories