These Fests Promise Days of Dancing, Drinks and Good Vibes
The Golden State is home to some of the biggest and most talked-about festivals in the world, but thereās more to the California music festival scene than just Coachella and Stagecoach. From hip-hop and punk rock to trance and reggae, California offers an incredible variety of festivals catering to every kind of music lover. Whether youāre craving a beachside jam session, a high-energy rave or an intimate jazz experience, these must-attend music festivals bring world-class artists, vibrant atmospheres and unforgettable momentsāall without the crowds and chaos of the desert. Hereās your guide to the best 2025 California music festivals that arenāt Coachella or Stagecoach.
Rolling Loud
Date: March 15-16
Location: Hollywood Park Grounds (Inglewood)
Hip-hopās biggest festival is making its highly anticipated return to Hollywood Park, bringing an unmatched energy to SoFi Stadiumās backyard. The 2025 lineup features big-name artists like A$AP Rocky and Playboi Carti, setting the stage for another unforgettable weekend.
Beyond Wonderland
Date: March 28-29
Location: NOS Events Center (San Bernardino)
Step into a fantasy-fueled world as Beyond Wonderland returns to the NOS Events Center, complete with its signature Mad Tea Party theme. The 2025 lineup is vibey artists, promising a weekend filled with surreal visuals, immersive art and nonstop beats.
Dreamstate San Francisco
Date: April 4-5
Location: The Cow Palace (Bay Area)
This April, Dreamstate San Francisco takes over The Cow Palace for a two-day trance experience featuring Armin van Buuren, Markus Schulz, Pryda, Giuseppe Ottaviani and more. Expect a futuristic atmosphere, mesmerizing visuals and euphoric beats as this 18+ festival transports trance lovers into a world of pure sonic bliss.
Punk in the Park
Date: May 3
Location: The Cow Palace (Bay Area)
Punk in the Park is bringing raw energy and rebellious spirit to the Bay Area this spring with a stacked lineup featuring Descendents, Pennywise and The Vandals. Expect a day packed with hard-hitting punk rock, craft beer and a high-voltage crowd, making this the ultimate festival for punk fans who love their music loud and unapologetic.
BeachLife Festival
Date: May 2-4
Location: Redondo Beach
The ultimate coastal music experience is back, as BeachLife Festival returns to Redondo Beach from May 2-4. This three-day music festival in California will feature a mix of rock, reggae and Americana, along with the beloved SpeakEasy stage for intimate performances and two main stages packed with live music. The full lineup is out now, and attendees can expect an unforgettable beachside celebration of music, sun and good vibes.
Wonderfront Festival
Date: May 16-18
Location: Seaport Village (San Diego)
San Diegoās premier waterfront music and arts festival returns to Seaport Village from May 16-18, bringing expanded entry, new activations and an upgraded electric lounge. The lineup spans multiple genres, making this three-day event an epic celebration by the bay for all kinds of music lovers.
BottleRock
Date: May 23-25
Location: Napa Valley Expo (Napa)
BottleRock returns to the Napa Valley Expo, bringing a star-studded lineup featuring Green Day, Justin Timberlake, Noah Kahan, Sublime and Khruangbin. With world-class music, gourmet food and wine and a laid-back California vibe, this festival is the perfect way to kick off summer in wine country.
California Roots
Date: May 23-25
Location: Monterey County Fair & Event Center (Monterey)
This May, California Roots will transform Monterey into a celebration of reggae, hip-hop and rock, featuring performances from Rebelution, Slightly Stoopid, Dirty Heads, Buju Banton and T-Pain. Renowned for its chill atmosphere, sustainability efforts and vibrant community, this Northern California music festival is the perfect way to soak up the sun, good vibes and incredible live music.
Newport Beach Jazz Festival
Date: May 30-June 1
Location: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach (Newport Beach)
Jazz lovers, mark your calendarsāthe 29th annual Newport Beach Jazz Festival will take place at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach this spring. Featuring a blend of legendary and emerging jazz artists, this three-day California music festival promises smooth sounds, coastal views and an elegant yet lively atmosphere.
Cali Vibes
Date: June 7-8
Location: Marina Green Park (Long Beach)
Long Beachās ultimate reggae, rock and hip-hop festival returns this June, bringing good energy and even better music to Marina Green Park. The 2025 lineup is bringing all the vibes with performances from Kid Cudi, Dirty Heads, Slightly Stoopid and more, making this an unmissable 2025 California music festival.
Reggae on the Mountain
Date: July 26
Location: The Topanga Community Club (Topanga)
Set against the scenic backdrop of Topanga Canyon, Reggae on the Mountain returns on July 26. Buy your tickets for a soulful day of music, unity and island vibes. Donāt miss your chance to see musical legends like Sister Nancy and Julian Marley.
Vans Warped Tour LB
Date: July 26-27
Location: Shoreline Waterfront (Long Beach)
Calling all millennial punk and emo fansāWarped Tour is officially back in Long Beach on July 26-27. This music festival in California has a legendary history of hosting iconic bands. This yearās lineup is hitting all the right notes.
HARD Summer
Date: August 2-3
Location: Hollywood Park (Inglewood)
Bringing a high-energy mix of hip-hop, pop and EDM, HARD Summer lands at Hollywood Park in Inglewood from August 2-3. Known for its rave-like atmosphere, this LA music festival delivers top-tier performers, pulsing beats and a weekend of nonstop partying. Join the fun just across from SoFi Stadium.
Outside Lands
Date: August 8-10
Location: Golden Gate Park (San Francisco)
Outside Lands is a vibrant three-day music and arts festival, blending world-class performances, gourmet food, craft cocktails and immersive art experiences. From chart-topping headliners to emerging indie acts, this event is a must-attend summer escape for music lovers. With immersive art experiences and delicious eats, every moment at the festival feels like a celebration of creativity and culture.
Ohana Fest
Date: Sept. 26-28
Location: Doheny State Beach (Dana Point)
If you’re looking for a festival by the coast, Ohana Fest in Dana Point is the perfect seaside escape. With over 35 performances across three stages, this festival brings an unforgettable alfresco music experience to the Pacific coastline. Enjoy inspiring talks from environmentalists, surfers, and researchers, offering fresh perspectives on nature and conservation. A variety of local food and drink vendors add even more flavor to this oceanfront celebration.
Mission Bayfest
Date: Oct. 17-19
Location: Marinerās Point Park (Mission Beach)
Mission Bayfest brings great music and good vibes to Marinerās Point Park with reggae, hip-hop, and coastal-inspired sounds. With oceanfront views, craft food, and drinks, this festival is the perfect way to enjoy a laid-back San Diego day. Soak up the sun, feel the sand between your toes, and dance to live music at this unforgettable event.
