The History of Punk in OC

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Using art to remember, resist, and reimagine what’s possible. 

On August 2, 2025, we celebrated the rebellious spirit of punk as part of our “Rage Against the Regime” protest. Despite the conservative suburban reputation of Orange County, punk actually has deep roots here. It grew from working-class frustration, resistance to authority, and a refusal to conform. Browse the zine from our Creative Team below to explore the history that shaped OC’s punk scene and see how its spirit continues to drive resistance today. 

Keep the Spirit Alive

Punk has always been more than just music. It’s community, defiance, and action. It’s especially significant in OC because, like local music journalist Nate Jackson put it, “It shouldn't have happened here, but it did.” In a place known for its conservative suburbs and polished image, punk carved out a space for raw truth, resistance and solidarity. These are the same values we need to face today’s struggles. 

Keep the spirit of punk alive and get more involved with the movement:

Let's channel our rage into real change: loud, unapologetic, and rooted in community.