Southern California is gearing up for another year of music festivals, with something for nearly every taste and vibe. From San Diego’s Wonderfront and Gator by the Bay to the legendary Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, home to the biggest party in the desert, the region will offer an exciting blend of genres, from country, reggae and rock to electronica and jazz.
In 2024, Southern California’s music scene faced significant setbacks with the cancellation of several anticipated festivals.
The long promised return of San Diego’s KAABOO Festival didn’t happen in 2024 and no dates have been announced yet for 2025. Desert Daze, renowned for its eclectic lineups and immersive experiences, was canceled due to rising production costs and a volatile festival market.
Bésame Mucho, a celebration of Latin music, was also called off. The San Diego Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza went dark in 2024, ending — at least for now — its 43-year run.
A bit to the north, the 12-year-old Winter Wondergrass Festival near Lake Tahoe will be on hiatus this year. It is one of 27 festivals scheduled for 2025 that has already fallen through, the victim of inflation and an oversaturated marketplace.
Despite these challenges, more than two-dozen major music festivals are scheduled to take place in Southern California this year. Here’s a sneak preview.
February
Skyline Festival: Feb. 15-16
Insomniac Events’ techno brand Factory 93 and house music counterpart Day Trip, are once again joining forces to bring the two genres together. The lineup will feature sets by The Martinez Brothers, Cloonee, Marco Carola, BLOND:ISH, Honey Dijon B2B Seth Troxler, Nico Moreno, Alex Wann, Malóne, Matisa, Milushka, and more. Grand Park, 200 North Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Two-day general admission tickets start at $197.99; VIP two-day passes start at $369; deposit plans are available at $5. skylinefest.com
San Diego Jazz Party: Feb. 21-23
Since debuting in 1988, the San Diego Jazz Party has showcased a bevy of acclaimed jazz artists, including such greats as Milt Hinton, Herb Ellis, Snooky Young and San Diego’s Holly Hofmann. This year’s lineup includes saxophonists Houston Person and Harry Allen, clarinetist Ken Peplowski, bassist Peter Washington and vibraphonist and drummer Chuck Redd. Hilton San Diego/Del Mar, 15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. $55-$250. sdjp.org
March
CRSSD Festival: March 1-2
Created and produced by San Diego’s FNGRS CRSSD production company, this twice-yearly electronic and house-music festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary in March. The lineup includes Fisher, Justice, Flight Facilities, Hayden James, Poolside, Chris Lorenzo, Claptone, Jungle, Ben UFO, Artbat, and more than 40 others. Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Hwy., San Diego. $159-$336. crssdfest.com
Boots in the Park Norco: March 8
Boots in the Park is gearing up to take over Norco in 2025, headlined by Brooks & Dunn. Joining the veteran vocal duo are Parker McCollum, Jackson Dean, Rodney Atkins, Owen Riegling, Bryce Leatherwood, Joe Peters, and DJ Luwiss Lux. Silver Lakes Equestrian and Sports Park, 5555 Hamner Ave., Norco. General admission tickets start at $125; VIP passes start at $279. bootsinthepark.com
Rolling Loud: March 15-16
The hip-hop-fueled Rolling Loud festival is set to make its return to Inglewood at Hollywood Park, right next to SoFi Stadium. The 2025 lineup will include A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, Peso Pluma, YG and Sexyy Red . Hollywood Park Grounds, 1001 Stadium Drive, Inglewood. $119-$599. rollingloud.com/california
KSON CountryFest: March 22
You can get your yee-haws on in a major league way when Justin Moore and some of his musical pals take to the stage at the home of the San Diego Padres. Moore’s opening acts include Nate Smith, Warren Zeiders and the Morgan Leigh Band. Petco Park. 100 Park Blvd., downtown. $78.75-$95.40. ticketmaster.com
Beyond Wonderland SoCal 2025: March 28-29
One of Insomniac Events’ best-known festivals is making its way back to its home base at San Bernardino’s NOS Events Center, bringing along its signature Mad Tea Party theme. The lineup includes deadmau5, Excision, Seven Lions, Netsky, Dimension, Nostalgix, Boys Noize, Maddix, 999999999, Illenium and dozens more. NOS Events Center 689 S. E Street, San Bernardino. Two-day general admission passes start at $189; VIP packages start at $329.98. socal.beyondwonderland.com
April
Boots in the Park San Diego: April 5
Old Dominion will appear as the headliner for the San Diego edition of the single-day Boots in the Park festival. Chris Young, Tyler Hubbard, Parmalee, Tayler Holder, Presley Tennant and DJ Luwiss Lux will open the show. Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Hwy., San Diego. Single-day general admission starts at $105; general admission pit passes start at $189; VIP passes start at $280. bootsinthepark.com
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival: April 11-13 & April 18-20
Can the world’s biggest and most lucrative music festival regain its footing after failing to sell out in 2023 and 2024, following more than a decade of drawing capacity crowds? This year’s headliners at Coachella, which is held on the grassy grounds of the Empire Polo Club in Indio, may make the difference. They include Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone, Travis Scott. Charli XCX, FKA twigs, Clairo, Missy Elliott and Megan Thee Stallion. Empire Polo Club, 81800 51st Ave., Indio. Three-day general admission tickets are $779 and VIP passes are $1,399 for the first weekend. Prices for the second weekend are $599 for general admission passes and $1,199 for VIP passes. coachella.com
Stagecoach Country Music Festival: April 25-27
Coachella’s country-music sister fest will be headlined this year by Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll and Luke Combs. Other performers include Lana Del Rey, Shaboozey, Ashley McBryde, Sturgill Simpson, Brothers Osborne, Carly Pearce, and more. Empire Polo Club, 81800 51st Ave., Indio. Three-day admission passes start at $619; General admission & shuttle combo packages start at $709; Saloon admission passes are $974; Corral reserved seats start at $1,999; Corral standing pit access starts at $1,899. stagecoach.com
Starbase: April 25-26
Slander — the stage moniker for the DJ duo of Derek Andersen and Scott Land — is finally staging its electronic music festival. This year’s lineup features Space Laces, Trivecta, Wavedash, William Black, Pauline Herr, Au5, and SVDDEN DEATH’s VOYD, along with nearly 40 other top dubstep, trap, and bass producers. Originally announced in May 2021, the festival was postponed due to COVID-19 but is now making its long-awaited debut. Lake Perris State Park, 17801 Lake Perris Drive, Perris. Two-day general admission passes start at $268; Two-day VIP passes start at $406; deposit plans are available at $9.99. starbase.world.com
May
BeachLife Festival: May 2-4
The three-day BeachLife Festival is set to return to the shores of Redondo Beach for a celebration of rock, Americana, reggae, and more. Fans can enjoy the popular SpeakEasy stage for intimate, stripped-down performances, along with two main stages offering nonstop music throughout the day. The lineup includes Lenny Kravitz, Sublime and Alanis Morissette, along with Train, O.A.R., The Pretenders, Cake, Mt. Joy, Jackson Browne, The Beach Boys and more. 239 N Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach.Three-day general passes start at $399; Three-day general admission plus starts at $494; three-day VIP passes start at $949. beachlifefestival.com
Gator by the Bay: May 8-11
Now in its 22nd year, this homegrown event bills itself as “Mardi Gras in May” and imports 10,000 pounds of crawfish from Louisiana each year. The 2025 music lineup will feature such Gator favorites as Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas, and Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys, plus young blues wiz D.K. Harrell, San Diego vocal powerhouse Sugaray Rayford, and nearly 100 other acts. Spanish Landing Park, 3900 North Harbor Drive. Children 17 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Single-day tickets are $57-$78; weekend passes are $200-$254. Discounted tickets are available for active-duty military members with ID. gatorbythebay.com
Just Like Heaven: May 10
The long-overdue reunion performances by Rilo Kiley and TV On The Radio should provide an extra jolt to this annual indie music festival at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The lineup also includes Vampire Weekend, Empire Of The Sun, Courtney Barnett and more. Brookside at the Rose Bowl, 1133 Rosemont Ave., Pasadena. Ticket prices have not been announced. For updates, visit justlikeheavenfest.com
Joshua Tree Music Festival: May 15-18
The Joshua Tree Music Festival, a family-friendly bi-annual event in the Mojave Desert, combines live music with wellness. This year’s lineup features San Diego-bred troubadours Steve Poltz and Lisa Sanders, Future Joy, Reggie Watts, Brittany Davis and more. Attendees can also enjoy yoga classes and wellness workshops throughout the four-day festival. Joshua Tree Lake Campground, 2780 Sunfair Road, Joshua Tree. Four-day tickets start at $255-475; children’s passes start at $65-$95. Camping passes are $145-$195; on-site parking is $25. joshuatreemusicfestival.com
Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival: May 16-18
The Waterfront Music & Arts Festival returns to San Diego’s bayside for the fourth time since its debut in 2019. This year’s lineup will feature Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Gary Clark, Jr., Khruangbin, Peggy Gou, Foster The People, and more. The three-day event will feature an expanded festival layout, new activations, more entrance and will call lines, new general admission-plus passes, and the expansion of Wonderfront’s dance lounge. Seaport Village, 849 W Harbor Drive, San Diego. Single-day tickets are $165; single-day-plus tickets are $275. Three-day general admission passes start at $375; three-day general admission-plus passes are $599; three-day VIP passes are $899. wonderfrontfestival.com
Cruel World: May 17
Goldenvoice’s Cruel World Festival is returning to Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena with with headliners New Order and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. Additional artists this year include She Wants Revenge, Devo, Death Cult, Garbage, Chelsea Wolfe, and more. Brookside at the Rose Bowl, 1133 Rosemont Ave., Pasadena. General admission passes start at $249-$349; VIP passes start at $479; Clubhouse passes start at $1,029. cruelworldfest.com.
Newport Beach Jazz Festival: May 30-June 1
A jazz festival in name only, this three-day event is now in its 29th year. The 2025 lineup has not yet been announced, but previous editions have featured everyone from Babyface, Average White Band and San Diego vocal favorite Rebecca Jade to Tower of Power, The Commodores and Chaka Khan. Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach. General admission weekend passes start at $281; VIP passes start at $521.. festivals.hyatt.com
June
Cali Vibes: June 7-8
The two-day reggae, rock and hip-hop festival is set to return to Marina Green Park in Long Beach. Although the lineup has yet to be announced, last year’s edition included performances by Gwen Stefani, The Roots. Ice Cube, and San Diego’s Slightly Stoopid and Hirie. Marina Green Park, 386 E. Shoreline Drive, Long Beach. Three-day admission passes start at $275; VIP passes start at $475. There’s a deluxe Beach Club two-day pass for $855. calivibesfest.com
San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival: June 21-22
Expect a characteristically mellow vibe at the seventh edition of this bayside attraction. No lineup has been announced yet, but recent iterations have featured two former San Diego singers — Gregory Porter and Michael Franks — along with such smooth-jazz favorites as Spyro Gyra, Boney James, Jeff Lorber and Escondido-based saxophonist Richard Elliot. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, downtown San Diego, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. Ticket prices tba. sandiegosmothjazzfestival.com
July
Reggae On The Mountain: July 26
Reggae On The Mountain returns to the scenic mountains of Topanga for a one-day celebration of reggae, love and unity. The 2025 lineup has not yet been announced, but past artists have included Ziggy Marley, Steel Pulse and Toots & The Maytals. The Topanga Community Club, 1440 North Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Tickets start at $69-199. reggaeonthemountain.com
Vans Warped Tour Long Beach: July 26-27
After a six-year hiatus, this storied celebration of emo and punk-rock is officially returning in 2025 to celebrate its 30th anniversary with dates in three U.S. cities. The lineup for the tour’s sole California stop includes Bowling For Soup, Pennywise, Miss May I and Dance Hall Crashers. Downtown Long Beach Shoreline Waterfront. Passes are officially sold out, though fans can still register for the waitlist at vanswarpedtour.com
August
Baja Beach Fest, Aug. 8-10
For fans of reggaeton and Latin trap music, this seven-year-old festival is the place to be. Puerto Rico’s Don Omar is the first headliner announced so far for the 2025 edition. Previous headliners have included Ozuna, Becky G, Grupo Firma, Peso Pluma and J Balvin. Rosarito Beach, Baja, Mexico. $399 to $1,899 for three-day passes. bajabeachfes.com
Holo Holo Music Festival: Aug. 20-21
This will be the second Holo Holo festival to take place in San Diego County this year, following the Jan. 18 edition at Oceanside’s new Frontwave Arena. For its August return, the event — which showcases reggae and Pacific Islands music — is moving outdoors and expanding to two days. The performers have not yet been announced, but previous Holo Holo lineups here have included J Boog, Maoli and New Zealand’s Katchafire. Gallagher Square at Petco Park, 840 K Street, downtown Two-day passes range in price from $106 to $300. holholofestival.com/san-diego/
September
Same Same But Different: Sept. 12-14
The three-day waterfront music, art and wellness festival is returning to Lake Perris. The lineup has yet to be set, but fans can expect electronic DJs, funk and indie acts in the mix. Lake Perris State Park, 17801 Lake Perris Drive, Perris. Fans can now sign up for the waitlist at ssbdfest.com
October
San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival: Oct. 3-5
The 2024 debut of this admirably ambitious festival featured Cindy Blackman Santana, Gerald Clayton, the Nortec Jazz Experience, Magos Herrera, Gilbert Castellanos and other performers from both side of the border. The lineup for the second edition will be announced in the coming months. Quartyard, 1301 Market St., East Village, San Diego, California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 North Escondido Blvd; Tijuana’s Avenida Revolucion. sdtjjazz.org
Off The Grid Campout: Oct. 9-13
The Off The Grid Campout, a grassroots underground electronic-music festival, offers more than 76 hours of nonstop house, drum-and-bass, techno and more. Focusing on community building and rising talent, the festival also features art cars, interactive installations, comedy sets, fire performances, a healing sanctuary, food vendors, a marketplace, workshops, yoga and more. Location has yet to be announced. Weekend passes start at $81.88; car and camping passes start at $55.20-$161.90. eventbrite.com
Escape Halloween: Oct. 31-Nov. 1
Insomniac’s Escape Halloween returns with its signature immersive production, spooky-themed activations, and elaborate stages. The two-day lineup has not yet been announced. NOS Events Center, 689 S. E Street, San Bernardino. Two-day general admission passes start at $233; Two-day general admission plus passes start at $297; Two-day VIP passes start at $357; shuttle passes start at $93. escapehalloween.com
