Music festival season is officially upon us as crowds are gearing up to listen to their favorite artists live, possibly for the first time ever. Having an idea of what to expect from each festival, such as knowing the genres and artists on the line-up, could help prepare newcomers to enjoy their experience and be able to live in the moment.
Here is a guide describing some of the most anticipated music festivals in the Southern California region.
1. Coachella
The first and arguably the most popular music festival in the United States is Coachella. Located in the desert region of Indio, California, the Coachella Music and Arts Festival attracts over 100,000 guests per weekend each year, bringing on over 160 musical artists to perform on their seven stages. This past year, there were 167 musicians on the line-up, featuring headliners such as Lana Del Rey, Tyler the Creator, and Doja Cat. It included genres such as indie, alternative, rap/hip-hop, electronic, dance/house, rock, punk, and pop.
2. Cruel World
Cruel World Fest is a newer festival that was founded and organized in 2020 by Goldenvoice. It is presented annually and will be held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on May 11 this year. Looking at the lineup, there will be 31 performers featuring artists such as Interpol, Blondie, French Police, and The Motels. The rising genres are expressed to be new wave, post-punk, gothic rock and alternative rock.
3. Desert Daze
If you like festivals that blend the art of music with nature, Desert Daze Music Festival is for you. Located just an hour from Orange County, this year, Desert Daze will be held at Lake Perris from October 10-13. Celebrating its 12th anniversary, the indie-rock fest is bringing a whole new experience with genres ranging from rock, pop, rap, R&B, and electronic music. There will be multiple stages, swimming, expanded camping, and brand-new art installations. Eager to know the line-up? Sign up for their newsletter to be one of the first to know the new headliners for 2024.
4. No Values
Another music fest presented by Goldenvoice in the Southern California region is the No Values Festival. This is a one-day extravaganza set to be on June 8th this year at the Pomona Fairplex, with over 40 acts already announced and one to be revealed soon. The genres include punk and hardcore music, featuring iconic artists such as The Misfits, Iggy Pop, Sublime, and a few newer groups such as The Skeletones and The Untouchables.
5. Shabang
The Shabang Music Festival just celebrated its ten-year anniversary this year, presenting its event on May 3 and 4 at the Dairy Creek Golf Course in San Luis Obispo, California. Its drive to create an inclusive and creative community united the central coast unlike ever before. With genres ranging from indie rock, deep house, disco, and folk, there was something for everyone. Shabang was able to feature headliners and breakout artists, such as Thundercat, Peach Pit, and Claire Zielinski.
6. Nothing Fest
Last and certainly not least is Nothing Fest. Presented by yours truly, we strive to create a vibrant and uplifting community at our annual festivals by inviting local musicians from genres such as Indie, rock, alternative, punk, and psychedelic. Last year there were a total of 23 artists hitting our three stages at the Garden Amp. To keep up to date on all our future events, make sure to follow us on our Instagram and TikTok to be the first to hear!
