This town has long been dominated by corporate-backed mega-festivals that come and go in a flashy and profitable blur, seldom including homegrown talent. But for years, the city’s underground music scene has thrived. Smaller acts have had to carve out their own space, throwing their own DIY shows and festivals to make their voices heard. Now, in an era when it’s harder for up-and-coming bands to get exposure and tour, these efforts are vital.
That’s where Pineapple Fest comes in. Born from the grassroots spirit of local indie-rock band Secos, the festival started as a humble, offbeat gathering in the parking lot of a warehouse. It wasn’t a sprawling, high-budget spectacle. It was raw, authentic and exactly what the all-ages music scene needed. Now, after two successful years, Pineapple Fest is stepping up by collaborating with the City of Las Vegas and taking over Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza at Lorenzi Park on March 29.
The partnership with the city came after Secos’ performance in the Free Concerts in the Park series in 2022, a major success that helped the group secure the support. The city’s involvement has allowed Pineapple Fest to grow into something much larger, with greater resources and a wider reach.
“The first two events, there really was no coverage ... this was the backyard scene, we played these house shows and were just in that bubble,” says Secos drummer Joshua Loeza. “We started off at 100 ticket sales, the second year 200, and right now being at 300 is a huge milestone for us.”
Secos, the band at the heart of this festival, has been at the forefront of the Vegas indie rock scene since the group’s inception in 2020. For them, Pineapple Fest isn’t just a way to showcase their own music. It’s a chance to help elevate other bands that have played alongside them.
“We wanted to choose a set of bands that showcase different genres,” says Loeza. “No band, in my opinion, sounds the same in the local scene. You have ska bands, surf bands, punk bands, you have us that play indie rock, you have emo punk bands … it’s not for just one demographic. [Pineapple Fest] is for the whole city to enjoy.”
This year’s fest features a diverse lineup of 10 bands including Flamingos in the Tree, Pure Sport, Desert Island Boys, Split Persona and Sunday Mourning, among others. Each group brings something unique to the table, offering festival-goers the chance to see up-and-coming talent and those already making waves in the scene.
But Pineapple Fest isn’t just about the music. It’s a celebration of community and a symbol of what happens when artists come together and support one another. The festival will showcase art from creators like Cozy Crochet, Ari Sol and Desert Bird Hat Co., and food and drink from Mob Dawgs, Kona Ice, Big Dogs Brewery and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck. The variety and quality of these offerings is enough to satisfy fest goers while making it feel like a true Vegas affair—authentic and homegrown.
PINEAPPLE FEST with Flamingos in the Tree, Secos, Pure Sport, Desert Island Boys, more. March 29, 2 p.m., $20. Sammy Davis Jr., Festival Plaza, secosband.com
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