¡Acabemos con el patriarcado! Doll Fest México City
After just one year since its premiere, Doll Fest is expanding beyond borders, heading south to Mexico City on March 7, 2026, and then back to the East Bay exactly 20 days later. And yes, technically Volume III happens before Volume II, but we’re not stressing over logistics.
Doll Fest: Mexico City continues to be powered by an all-femme team working tirelessly for a message that wasn’t curated for them but by them, by marginalized communities still fighting for equality. The mission remains clear: a reaction to the patriarchal barrage trying to push people out. Doll Fest exists as both resistance and celebration.
When I visited Mexico City earlier this year, I fully intended to shut my brain off and take a vacation , but how many of us ever succeed at that? A friend of mine, Eric Molina of Los Mal Hablados, a key presence in Mexico City’s music scene, had planted the seed months before: “You should bring Doll Fest here; it’ll work.”
With my familial ties to Mexico, I’m first-generation on my father’s side; it wouldn’t be some guera takeover. It would be about community, something Mexico City already excels at. Eric was right. I was introduced to Taty, owner of Gato Calavera (Skull Cat), through another friend, and the rest was history.
Building Doll Fest: Mexico City
It was almost too easy putting Doll Fest: Mexico City together. Every single band asked said yes, something that had never happened in all my years working in music. It doesn’t make anyone who declined negative; it just felt surreal. The upcoming announcement still feels dreamlike, and I’m in awe that this is actually happening. I’m lucky to have a small group of badasses helping make this a reality, people who are now friends, creating this newest musical chapter together. I keep pinching myself, waiting to wake up, but no, it’s not a dream. Holy shit.
Mare Advertencia - photo courtesy Camila Jurado
Mare Advertencia
From Oaxaca, Mare is a powerhouse rapper whose international recognition skyrocketed after her song “Árboles Bajo El Mar” with Vivir Quintana appeared on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack (2022). Her voice is pure fire;filled with purpose, heart, and revolutionary energy. She rounds out a genre-spanning lineup featuring rap, art rock, punk, ska, and surf.
Descartes a Kant - photo courtesy of David Paniagua
Descartes A Kant
Originally from Guadalajara and now based in Mexico City, these art rock innovators have conquered international stages from Punk Rock Bowling and Riot Fest to Aftershock and Fest. Their chaotic blend of Devo-meets-Nirvana energy makes them an absolute force — and playing their hometown for Doll Fest is pure magic.
Alice Bag - courtesy of the band.
Alice Bag
A feminist icon and human rights activist whose legacy stretches back to the first wave of L.A. punk. Her songs about consent and equality remain urgent and relevant. Having her play Doll Fest’s first international expansion is an honor. Expect fire, sweat, and a full house.
Bloody Benders - photo courtesy of of Ricardo Cruz
Bloody Benders
A staple of Mexico City punk. Fronted by Taty of Gato Calavera, the band radiates raw femme power. Talking with her felt like reconnecting with an old friend; cats, music, and shared excitement turned into instant community.
Flores Y Fuego photo by Jorge Gómez
Flores Y Fuego
Hardcore that fucks. Their music swings from punchy aggression to tense quiet, then back to chaos, and you’ll want to mosh until you can’t breathe. They’ve revived the roots of hardcore with their own modern fire.
Damage Party - photo courtesy of the band
Damage Party
From Oakland, CA—dark wave and post-punk energy wrapped in rock ’n’ roll sleaze. Frontperson Charlie owns the stage with wild charisma. Expect to spill your beer, smile through it, and beg for more.
Valkirias - photo courtesy of the band
Valkirias
Mexico City’s all-girl ska force led by Linda Lu. Their high-energy sets are pure joy, a checkered love letter to ska culture thriving south of the border.
The Centellas - photo courtesy of band
The Centellas
Surf rock swagger meets dreamlike nostalgia. Close your eyes and you’re time-traveling through decades of sound. Their live energy makes you feel like you’re part of the band.
The lineup isn’t stacked because of bias—it’s stacked because every band believes in the mission. Walking into Gato Calavera will feel like walking into a hug from friends you haven’t met yet.
Community is everything, and Doll Fest proves that distance means nothing when you share a heartbeat.
Mission Statement
“Doll Fest is a celebration of feminine energy, friendship, and the gathering together of a community in support of one another.
We are anti-homophobic, anti-transphobic, anti-racist, anti-police violence, and strictly anti-fascist.
Let’s rise up, Dolls!”
— Curated by Faeriko
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