Music Waste is an annual music, art, and comedy festival held in Vancouver, British Columbia. It began in 1994 as a protest against the entry fees of the corporate-sponsored New Music West festival[1]. Since the initial one night stand against the corporate-sponsored New Music West festival, Music Waste has become an integral part of the Vancouver music scene, highlighting the most innovative and exciting bands of Vancouver and surrounding areas. To make the festival as accessible as possible, all of the shows cost a maximum of $5 and are held at venues within walking distance.
Since 2004 Music Waste has been organized by Only (magazine), who also print a festival guide featuring absurd, tongue-in-cheek write-ups about the bands performing.
Music Waste's flipping-the-bird logo has been designed by Vancouver artist Sean Maxey.
Music Waste was voted 3rd Best Festival in Vancouver by readers of the Georgia Straight in 2007.