GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - “Fest 23,” an annual punk rock music festival, will be taking place in 16 venues throughout Gainesville all weekend, including the biggest one at Bo Diddley Plaza.

“I think what it does is it brings everyone together in community, and that is what we need,” shared attendee Maria Chaos.

Chaos flew in from California to attend this year’s Fest. She says she founded her very own music festival earlier this year and loves experiencing ones like this one.

“There’s a ton of people that I know performing, as well as making new friends, and just having new experiences with really wonderful, you know, bands, friends, and stuff,” Chaos said.

Preparations for Fest begin in January, but it all started back in 2002, thanks to founder Tony Weinbender. He wanted to bring

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