Public Enemy
Stern Grove
August 15, 2026
Photos by Raymond Ahner
The Stern Grove Festival capped off its 2026 (and 89th consecutive!) season with two beyond sold-out shows last weekend. Saturday brought the hip-hop legends Public Enemy to the super packed park, and the band did not disappoint, playing a 75-minute set that brought all the hits and had the entire crowd dancing and waving their arms in the air.
After a brief intro by the band, the one and only Flavor Flav strolled out onto the stage with a huge smile and Chuck D not far behind. From there, the band performed some of their biggest hits, including “Don’t Believe the Hype” and “Here Comes the Drums”. “Bring the Noise” flowed into “We Will Rock You,” and Chuck D had everyone clapping along.
Before wrapping up their set with “Fight the Power,” Chuck D talked about how controversial the song was when it was released. By the song’s end, everyone was clapping to the beat.
Opening the show was Vallejo’s own LaRussell, who more than did his job of priming the crowd for the headliners.
The Stern Grove Festival will be returning in 2027 for its 90th season, so keep your eyes peeled for the lineup!
Check out the slideshow of both acts, by Raymond Ahner.
LaRussell
LaRussell
Public Enemy
Public Enemy
Public Enemy
Public Enemy
Public Enemy
Public Enemy
Public Enemy
Public Enemy
