John Waters to host new Halloween Meltdown music festival in Oakland

John Waters will host the Halloween Meltdown music festival at Mosswood Park in Oakland.Photo: Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle

FilmmakerJohn Watersis set to host Halloween Meltdown, a new festival by the promoters of Mosswood Meltdown, organizers announced Thursday, Sept. 2.

The lineup for the two-day concertin Oakland’s Mosswood Park on Oct. 16-17,is expected to feature beloved garage rock acts Osees, the Mummies, the Gories and Seth Bogart, among others. Many acts on the bill are veterans of the festival,formerly known as Burger Boogaloo,that has taken place annually over the Fourth of July weekend at the park since 2009.

Along with the new festival, Oakland’s Total Trash Productions also confirmed it’s on track to bring Mosswood Meltdown back to the park July 2-3.

That summertime festival had been postponed several times due to the coronavirus pandemic, plus a scandal that brought to light a slew of sexual abuse allegations involving its former partner, Burger Records.

Shannon Shaw will host a costume contest at Halloween Meltdown.Photo: Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle 2017

Halloween Meltdown will feature a reduced capacity and some basic COVID-19 protocols. Attendees will be required to provide proof of vaccination or pass a temperature check for entry.

Tickets, ranging from $49 for single-day passes to $139 for VIP seating and in-and-out privileges, are on sale now.

In addition to performances by more than a dozen acts, the event will feature a costume contest hosted by Oakland musicians Brontez Purnell andShannon Shaw.

“Attendees are encouraged to costume up, mask up, and get vaccinated,” the organizers said in a statement.

Mosswood Meltdown’s lineup includes Bikini Kill, Plastic Bertrand,Pansy Division,Bleached andthe Rubinoos.

Halloween Meltdown:Oct. 16-17. $49-$149. Mosswood Park, 3612 Webster St., Oakland.halloweenmeltdown.net

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  • Aidin Vaziri
    Aidin VaziriAidin Vaziri is The San Francisco Chronicle’s pop music critic. Email: avaziri@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MusicSF