In 2023, Southern California is hit by some of the biggest music festivals.
From iconic genre music at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, to diverse country artists at Stagecoach, to the reggaeton and Latin-infused Baja Beach Fest in Rosarito Beach, the Spring and Fall CRSSD Fest at Waterfront Park, the festival's multi-generational Latin event Bèsame Mucho, the new wave rhythms of Cruel World, San Diego's Smooth Jazz Festival at the Shell, the DIY spirit of Viva! Pomona, hip-hop festival. With Rolling Loud debuting in Inglewood and Wild Horses closing out the year at Petco Park on December 30, it's shaping up to be a big year for music festivals.
Yes it gets bigger and better. Whether your heart desires metal, alternative rock, country, techno, new wave, punk, Latin pop, or smooth jazz, this list has something for almost every musical taste.
Here is a list of upcoming music festivals in Southern California in 2024. Some events may only have dates and locations, but check the official website for updates.
FEBRUARY
California atmosphere
The three-day reggae, rock and hip-hop music festival will feature Gwen Stefani, Rebelution and Sublime With Rome. Other artists include Shaggy, Sean Paul, Sojo, Common Kings, The Interrupters, Too Short, Skip Marley, Action Bronson, and The Pharcyde.
When : February 16-18
Where : Marina Green Park, 386 E. Shoreline Drive, Long Beach
Tickets and more information: Three-day tickets start at $330; VIP tickets start at $515. There's a three-day pass to a luxury beach club for $1,099; Daily passes start between $150 and $225 for VIP at Calivibesfest.com.
Horizon Festival
Techno brand Insomniac Events, Factory 93 and house music partner Day Trip team up to bring the two genres together. The lineup has not yet been announced, but last year included sets from Dom Dolla, Meduza, Eli & Fur, Peggy Gou, Michael Bibi, Anotr, Diplo, Joshwa, Charlotte De Witte, Joseph Capriati and Stella Bossi.
When : February 24-25
Where : Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles
Tickets and more information : Regular two-day tickets start at $177.99; Two-day VIP tickets start at $349; $10 deposit package available. skylinefest.com
LINE UP
For the past 16 festivals, CRSSD has hosted San Diego's largest electronic festival. This year's lineup includes Tale of Us, Black Coffee, Armand Van Helden, Astra Club, Dixon, Loco Dice b2b Nic Fanciulli, Mochakk, Jeff Mills, Joris Voorn, Richie Hawtin and TRYMe.
When : March 2-3
Where : Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego
Tickets and further information : crssdfest.com
Norco Park Shoes
Country star Thomas Rhett will headline Norco's one-day Boots in the Park festival, which will also feature Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, Parmelee, Tyler Braden, Presley Tennant and Lewis Lux.
When : March 9
Where : SilverLakes Equestrian Park, 5555 Hamner Ave., Norco
Tickets and more information: General admission tickets start at $99; VIP tickets start at $249. bootsinthepark.com
Roll hard
The international hip-hop festival returns for its second year with three days of live music at Inglewood's Hollywood Park, next to SoFi Stadium. The show will feature appearances from Nicki Minaj, Rae Sremmurd, Sexxy Red, YG & Tygga, Post Malone, Suicideboys, Summer Walker, Big Sean, Bones, Flo Milli, Future x Metro Boomin, Don Toliver, Chief Keef and more.
When : March 15-17
Where : Hollywood Park Grounds, 1001 Stadium Drive, Inglewood
Tickets and more information: Regular three-day tickets start at $299; General admission and three-day passes start at $449; Three-day VIP passes start at $599; Three-day VIP tickets with Munchie Pass start at $799. rollingloud.com/california
Silverado Shamrock Uprising
Los Angeles punk rockers Flogging Molly celebrate St. Patrick's Day is a little early in 2024 with a one-day festival called Shamrock Uprising. It also includes sets from Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Buzzcocks, Face to Face, Amigo The Devil, NOBRO, Gen and the Degenerates. The event features tastings from local and regional breweries for those 21 and older from noon to 3 p.m.
When : March 16
Where : Oak Canyon Park, 5305 Santiago Canyon Road, Silverado
Tickets and more information: General admission tickets start at $69; VIP access starts at $149; Flogging Molly VIP meet and greet packages start at $350. Brewhahaproductions.com
Exit Wonderland
One of the longest running festivals, Insomniac Events will return to its base at the NOS Events Center with a crazy tea party theme. The line-up has yet to be announced, but last year's ravers include Alan Walker, AC Slater, Borgore, San Holo, Slushii and more.
When : March 22-23
Where : NOS Events Center 689 SE Street, San Bernardino
Tickets and more information : Two-day general admission tickets cost $159 to $219; The VIP package costs $279. Payment plans are available for just $9.99. socal.beyondwonderland.com
Boots at Long Beach Park
Boots in the Park is coming to Long Beach in 2024 with Lee Bryce. He will join Chris Janson, LoCash, Heidi Merrill, Luwiss Lux and others to be announced in the coming months.
When : March 23
Where : Queen Mary Festival Grounds, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach
Tickets and additional information : Fans can now register to purchase tickets at bootsinthepark.com with a valid email address and phone number.
APRIL
Boots in San Diego Park
Thomas will headline the one-day Boots in the Park festival in San Diego with support from Rhett Lee Bryce, Scott McCreary, LoCash, Rhett Akins and Alana Springsteen.
When : April 6
Where : Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Hwy., San Diego
Tickets and additional information : One-day general admission tickets cost $99 to $199; VIP tickets start at $349. bootsinthepark.com
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
The Desert's Biggest Party will return to the Empire Polo Club in Indio in 2024. While the lineup has not been announced, fans can expect to see A-list stars and A-list artists. Singer Olivia Rodrigo, 20, who grew up in Temecula, did not hold concerts from April 9 to 30.
When : April 12-14 and April 19-21
Where : Empire Polo Club, 81800 51st Ave., Indio
Tickets and more information: Three-day general admission tickets are $549-$599; VIP tickets cost between $1,069 and $1,269. Various camping tickets, shuttles, parking and other additional services will also be available at coachella.com
Stagecoach Country Music Festival.
After the madness of Coachella, fans can don their cowboy boots and bolo ties at the annual three-day country music festival headlined by Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Morgan Wallen. Other artists include Post Malone, Willie Nelson and Family, Leon Bridges, Jelly Roll, Elle King, Hardy, Bailey Zimmerman, The Beach Boys and many more.
Period : April 26-28
Where : Empire Polo Club, 81800 51st Ave., Indio
Tickets and additional information: Tickets are officially sold out; A waitlist is available at stagecoach.com
Adamslaan is offline
Acoustic bands and solo artists will perform for free at nearly two dozen venues along Adams Avenue in San Diego. Artists have not been announced, but previous headliners include Rock Hall of Famer Chris Hillman, David Lindley and Dave Alvin.
When: April 27
Where: Kensington, Normal Heights and University Heights, San Diego
Tickets and more information: adamsavenuebusiness.com
CAN
Beach life festival
BeachLife, the three-day rock, Americana and reggae festival, is returning to Redondo Beach. The festival will feature the famous SpeakEasy stage, where artists perform shortened versions of music, and two main stages for non-stop music throughout the day. The formation has not been announced, but will be announced soon.
When : May 3-5
Where : 239 North Harbor Drive, Redonda Beach
Tickets and more information : Three-day general admission tickets start at $369; three-day VIP passes start at $929; Three-day captain's tickets start at $3,099. beachlifefestival.com
Crocodiles on the shore of the bay
San Diego's Mayda Mardi Gras celebration will celebrate its 21st year, hosted by veteran festival producer Rich Sherman, who is leading Omega Events for the first time in Orange County. The lineup included CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Southern Avenue, Marcia Ball, Sonny Landreth, Nikki Hill and Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie.
When: May 9 to 12
Where: Spanish Landing Park, 3900 North Harbor Drive, across from San Diego International Airport
Tickets and more information: Single-day tickets cost $50 to $85; multi-day pass – $185 to $295; Participation tickets range from $100 to $475. gatorbythebay.com
Wonderfront Music and Arts Festival
After a year-long hiatus, the Coastal Music Festival returns from November for the spring. The lineup has not been announced, but the three-day event will feature more than 80 artists on seven stages. 2022 headliners include Gwen Stefani, Zac Brown Band, and Kings of Leon.
When: May 10 to 12
Where : Seaport Village, 849 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego
Tickets and additional information : Fans can now sign up to receive SMS updates on ticket sales, lineup announcements and more information at Wonderfrontfestival.com.
Cruel world
The successful Goldenvoice Global Festival returns to Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena with Duran Duran, Interpol, Blondie, Simple Minds, Placebo, Soft Cell, Adam Ant and more.
When : May 11
Where : Brookside at the Rose Bowl, 1133 Rosemont Ave., Pasadena
Tickets and more information : General admission tickets start at $229; VIP tickets start at $449. AXS.com
Like heaven
The independent music festival celebrating music from the early 2000s will return to Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The line-up hasn't been announced yet, but last year's line-up included Empire of the Sun, MGMT, Ladytron, Caribou, Future Islands, and Hot Chip.
When: May 18
Where: Brookside at the Rose Bowl, 1133 Rosemont Ave., Pasadena
Tickets and further information : justlikeheavenfest.com
Joshua Tree Music Festival
This family-friendly music event takes place twice a year in the Mojave Desert. The four-day festival also includes health seminars and yoga classes. Artists announced so far include Fantastic Negrito, Moon Hooch, Telmary & HabanaSana, Madison McFerrin and Q.Varo.
When : May 16-19
Where : Joshua Tree Lake Campground, 2780 Sanfer Road, Joshua Tree
Tickets and more information : Single-day tickets range from $65 to $100; four-day passes start at $215; children's tickets start at $25-$35. Campsite tickets cost between $135 and $175; on-site parking is $15. joshuatreemusicfestival.com
Newport Beach Jazz Festival
Smooth jazz and R&B artists will perform at the 27th three-day jazz festival. The full list will be announced in the coming months, so be sure to check the website for updates. The 2023 lineup includes Bonnie James, Shante Moore, Eric Darius and San Diego singer Rebecca Jade.
When : May 31 - June 2
Where : Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach
Tickets and more information : Regular weekend tickets start at $265; VIP tickets start at $495. festival.hyatt.com
JUNE
Roots Picnic: Hip hop is the love of my life
Legendary Philadelphia group The Roots celebrated the first five decades of hip-hop at the Hollywood Bowl with performances from The Roots, Queen Latifah, Common, Digable Planets, Arrested Development, The Pharcyde, Black Sheep and more.
When : June 29
Where : Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave., Los Angeles
Tickets and more info : $30-$120 at hollywoodbowl.com
AUGUST
Bach Beach Party
Since its inception in 2018, this local festival has become one of North America's leading annual events for fans of reggaeton and Latin trap. This year's lineup has not been announced, but previous artists include Bad Bunny, Ozuna, J. Balvin, Daddy Yankee, Becky G, Yandel and Grupo Firme de Tijuana.
When: mid-August; Date to be determined
Or: Rosarito Beach
Tickets and more info: No on-sale date has been announced, but fans can sign up to receive updates by joining the mailing list at bajabeachfest.com.
99 Summer Festival onwards
Creed have reunited and will headline the one-day festival alongside sets from 3 Doors Down, Daughtry, Finger Eleven, Fuel, Vertical Horizon and The Verve Pipe.
When : August 31
Where : Glen Helen Amphitheater, 2575 Glen Helen Parkway, San Bernardino
Tickets and more information : Tickets start at $89 at livenation.com
SEPTEMBER
KAABOO Del Mar
After five years of obscurity and lawsuits, this famous music festival will return. The 2024 edition is scheduled to take place over three days at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, where KAABOO was held from 2015 to 2019. Artists have not been announced, but previous releases include Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Robert Plant, The Killers, Wu -. Tang Clan, Zac Brown Band, Snoop Dogg, Sheryl Crow and Switchfoot.
When: No date announced
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
Tickets and other information: Fans can sign up to receive updates by joining the mailing list at kaaboosd.com.
Street Fair on Adams Ave
Programming for the 42nd edition of the free festival has not yet been announced. But former artists include young No Doubt, Beat Farmers and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Andy Summers of The Police, El Vez, Iron Butterfly and former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor.
When: September 21-22
Where: Adams Avenue between 32nd and 37th Streets, San Diego.
Tickets and more information: adamsavenuebusiness.com
Same, but different
The three-day waterfront music, arts and wellness festival returns to Lake Parris. The lineup hasn't been decided yet, but fans can expect electronic DJs, funk and indie artists.
When : September 27-29
Where : Lake Parris State Park, 17801 Lake Parris Drive, Parris
Tickets and more information : Fans can sign up for the waitlist at ssbdfest.com
OCTOBER
NOFX Final Show
Los Angeles punk rock band NOFX announced it is retiring after 40 years and will embark on its final 40-city tour, performing 40 songs per show. The group's final three concerts will take place in San Pedro. As this final show is in partnership with Brew Ha Ha Productions and Punk in Drublic Festival, beer tastings will be offered to those over 21 every day starting at 3 p.m.
When: October 4 to 6
Where: Pier 46, 3011 Miner Street, San Pedro
Tickets and more information : One-day general admission tickets (Friday-Saturday) are $125; One-Day VIP Pass (Friday-Saturday) $249; General admission tickets for closing Sunday are $225 and $325 for VIP. General admission tickets for the weekend are $350; VIP Weekend Passes are $750. All admission tickets can be purchased at PunkInDrublicFest.com
Dizzy Dessert
The Lakeside Psych Rock Festival will return to Parris Lake after a yearlong hiatus for three days of music and arts. The festival brings together interactive art installations scattered throughout the camp. The lineup is still unknown, but visitors can expect an eclectic mix of rock and psychedelia.
When : October 10-13
Where : Lake Parris State Park, 17801 Lake Parris Drive, Parris
Tickets and more information : Fans can now sign up to receive updates by joining the mailing list at desertdaze.org.
36th Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival
Founded in 1987 by former San Diego radio host Art Good, the JazzTrax Festival has been a bastion of smooth jazz ever since. The 2024 lineup has not been announced, but previous years have included Grover Washington Jr., David Sanborn, George Duke, Trombone Shorty, Mindy Abair, Dave Koz and Fourplay, as well as San Diego bassist Nathan East.
When: October 10-13 and October 17-20
Where: Avalon Ballroom and Descanso Beach, Catalina
Tickets and more information: $305 to $470; jazztrax.com
Alvarado writes for the Southern California News Group. Varga is a music critic for the Union-Tribune.
