There is a long list of music festivals throughout California all year long. From low key jazz to dance-inducing house to major festivals like Coachella, there is something for absolutely everyone to enjoy. Here’s a list of some of the biggest and best California Music Festivals.
California Music Festivals
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
Empire Polo Club
81-800 51st Avenue, Indio, CA 92201
Month: April
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival is quite possibly the biggest music festival in the state. The festival runs for two consecutive weekends and features interactive art installations, musical performances from bands and musicians from a range of genres, activities, camping, and immersive experiences. Get your tickets early! Coachella has been known to sell out.
Stagecoach Music Festival
Empire Polo Club
81-800 51st Avenue, Indio, CA 92201
Month: April
Stagecoach is Coachella’s country cousin and California’s premier country music festival. The weekend following Coachella, Empire Polo Club welcomes some of country’s best performers. Attendees can enjoy the music on stage, hit the Honky Tonk to dance the night away, or saddle up at the saloon to tip back a few cold ones. In addition to music, Stagecoach has a number of attractions and activities throughout the venue.
Beachlife Music Festival
239 N Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Month: May
This Southern California Music Festival features four stages with musicians from a range of musical genres playing over the course of three days. There are a number of experiences to explore, vendors, food, and activities to enjoy. Beachlife started a country music version (Beachlife Ranch) in 2022 that is planned to continue, and this version comes to town each September.
Desert Hearts Music Festival
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
3911 S Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Month: May
The Desert Hearts Festival is for all things House and Techno. This 21 and over event features two days of beat dropping, art, and entertainment. Unlike some larger music festivals, this one doesn’t stay in the same spot every year. Venues and cities change annually, and there are additional events around the country.
Joshua Tree Music Festival
Joshua Tree Lake Campground
2780 Sunfair Road, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Month: May
The Joshua Tree Music Festival is a multi-day festival featuring diverse musical performances and a variety of experiences and activities revolving around body, mind, and spirit. In addition to over 30 musical artists, attendees can visit the Om Zone for yoga, movement, and breathwork, stop into the Sanctuary for daily AA meetings and mindful discussions, or practice mediation or enjoy a tea ceremony at the Astro Mojo Dojo. Other activities include the Queer Salon, Kidsville, Healing Oasis, visual arts displays, and vendors.
California Roots Festival
Monterey County Fairgrounds
2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey, CA 93940
Month: May
The California Roots Festival is a multi-day festival focused on reggae, reggae rock, folk, hip hop, art, and live on-stage painting. Festival attendees can check out other experiences and activities throughout the weekend including yoga, sound healing sessions, specialty wine tastings, and paint lessons.
BottleRock Napa Valley
Napa Valley Expo
575 3rd Street, Napa, CA 94559
Month: May
The BottleRock Festival is a three day event with musical performances by major headlining acts and up-and-comers from a variety of genres. The festival features a number of activities and experiences to enjoy in addition to the music including a culinary stage, spa, silent disco, art installations, and more.
Ojai Music Festival
201 S Signal Street, Ojai, CA 93023
Month: June
The Ojai Music Festival is a hallmark for groundbreaking musical experiences with a narrative thread guided by a different music director each year. These annual directors are musical thinkers who approach their craft with creativity and responsibility to the present day. The Ojai Music Festival has been an annual event since 1947 and focuses primarily on classical music performances.
Day Trip Festival
Queen Mary Waterfront
1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802
Month: June
The Day Trip Festival is a two day music event featuring all house music, all day long. This event is 21 and over only, and includes non-stop house music on two stages, dancing, and afterparties.
High Sierra Music Festival
Quincy, California
Month: July
The High Sierra Music Festival features a number of musical artists playing over four days and nights. This family-friendly music festival has options for overnight camping as well. In addition to the live music, attendees can participate in a variety of other experiences and activities including late night shows, the Family Zone, food and drinks, vendors showcasing arts and crafts, and mind, body, spirit activities.
Outside Lands
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Month: August
The Outside Lands Festival is a three day music event with a huge lineup of performers and a variety of experiences. Hit the SOMA Tent for non-stop house music all weekend long, try all the amazing food and drink options available on site, shop from merch vendors, and more. Outside Lands is an all ages event and music ends around 10 PM.
Coastal Country Jam
Marina Green Park, Long Beach, CA
Month: September
Coastal Country Jam is one of SoCal’s country music festivals, held in Long Beach’s Shoreline Village with views of the Queen Mary. This beachside event features A-list musical artists with multiple stages, a huge honky tonk line dancing area, local food and drinks, art, and more. Pass options include general admission, Beach Club Access, VIP Areas with Pit Access, Reserved Seating, and Private Cabanas. This is an all ages event and children under 5 are free.
Nocturnal Wonderland
Glen Helen Regional Park
2555 Glen Helen Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407
Month: September
Nocturnal Wonderland is a Southern California electronic dance music, camping, and art festival. Nocturnal Wonderland is for ages 18 and over only. There are a number of stages, and attendees can expect to see pyrotechnics, audiovisual productions, art installations, and other experiences. Stay the whole weekend with camping available at the grounds.
Monterey Jazz Festival
Monterey County Fairgrounds
2004 Fairground Road, Monterey, CA 93940
Month: September
The Monterey Jazz Festival is the longest continually running jazz festival in the world, held every year at the 20-acre Monterey County Fairgrounds. The event includes legendary jazz musicians, composers, rising stars, experiences, and more.
Ohana Music Festival
Doheny State Beach
25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Month: September
Ohana Music Festival is an annual musical event with more than 30 performers from multiple genres on three stages. Other experiences and activities include storytelling in the cove with special guest speakers covering conservation and environmental concerns, exclusive lounges and VIP areas, plenty of food.
Aftershock Festival
Discovery Park
1600 Garden Hwy, Sacramento, CA 95833
Month: October
The Aftershock Festival is an annual three day rock/alternative music festival featuring a full lineup of world class musicians and bands. This all ages event features multiple stages. You’ll want to see all the bands, so plan on getting a 4-day pass! Other pass options include single or multi-day general admission, VIP, GOVX Passes for qualifying individuals, and you can get hotel and pass packages as well.
Splash House
Palm Springs
Multiple Locations
Month: June & August
Splash House is a poolside music series that takes place over multiple weekends for three days each and features a lineup of EDM DJs, house, and disco music. It is known for its unique format, which combines music, pool parties, after hour parties, and a vacation-like atmosphere.
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