California is known for its awesome music scene and hosts some of the most iconic and largest music festivals in the world. From beaches in Southern California to the Redwood forests of the north, the Golden State provides a stunning backdrop for a great musical experience.
Whether you’re a fan of rock, pop, electronic, country, or indie, California’s music festivals have something to offer to everyone.
This article will guide you through the top California music festivals 2025, providing key insights, dates, locations, and important tips to plan your amazing festival experience in 2025 and beyond.
Top 10 California Music Festival: Key Insights
California music festivals are always changing and have lots of different kinds of music, which attracts millions of attendees each year.
These festivals are not just about music; they are cultural experiences that offer art installations, gourmet food, interactive activities, and a sense of community.
Here’s a quick look at ten of the Biggest California music festivals:
| Music Festival | Festival Type | Dates | Location | Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival | Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Electronic | April 11-13 & April 18-20, 2025 | Indio, CA | Here |
| Stagecoach Festival | Country | April 25-27, 2025 | Indio, CA | Here |
| Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival | Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Electronic | August 8-10, 2025 | San Francisco, CA | Here |
| BottleRock Napa Valley | Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop | May 23-25, 2025 | Napa, CA | Here |
| Hardly Strictly Bluegrass | Bluegrass, Folk | October 3-5, 2025 | San Francisco, CA | Here |
| Lightning in a Bottle | Electronic, Indie | May 21-25, 2025 | Bakersfield, CA | Here |
| Desert Daze | Psychedelic Rock, Indie | October 10-12, 2025 | Lake Perris, CA | Here |
| CRSSD Festival | Electronic | March 1-2, 2025 | San Diego, CA | Here |
| Joshua Tree Music Festival | World, Folk, Funk | May 15-18, 2025 | Joshua Tree, CA | Here |
| High Sierra Music Festival | Jam Bands, Bluegrass | July 3-6, 2025 | Quincy, CA | Here |
Top California Music Festivals 2025 & 2026
As we look ahead to 2025 and 2026, many festivals stand out for their offerings and anticipated lineups. Below is an overview of some of the most notable events:
1. Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival 2025
| Dates | April 11-13 & April 18-20, 2025 |
| Location | Indio, CA |
| Map | Here |
| Ticket cost | $499 – $1,069 |
| Festival Type | rock/ country/ state the type of music |
Coachella is renowned for its great mix of genres and star-studded lineups. The 2025 festival is set to feature headliners such as Lady Gaga, Green Day, Travis Scott, and Post Malone.
Attendees can explore large-scale art installations, enjoy diverse culinary offerings, and experience cutting-edge fashion trends. Tickets are available in various tiers, including General Admission and VIP packages, with options for camping and shuttle services.
2. Stagecoach Festival 2025
| Dates | April 25-27, 2025 |
| Location | Indio, CA |
| Map | Here |
| Ticket cost | $619 – $4,023 |
| Festival Type | Country |
Stagecoach is California’s premier country music festival, featuring top artists in the genre. In addition to music performances, the festival offers activities such as line dancing, BBQ tastings, and a honky-tonk dance hall.
Different ticket options are available, including General Admission and VIP experiences, with on-site camping facilities for attendees.
3. Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival 2025
| Dates | August 8-10, 2025 |
| Location | Golden Gate Park, San Francisco |
| Map | Here |
| Ticket cost | $1326.74 – $3027 |
| Festival Type | Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Electronic |
Set in Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands combines music, art, and gastronomy. The festival features a diverse lineup across multiple stages, art installations, and a focus on sustainability.
Attendees can enjoy food and wine selections from local vendors. Ticket options include General Admission and VIP packages, with single-day and three-day passes available.
4. BottleRock Napa Valley 2025
| Dates | May 23-25, 2025 |
| Location | Napa Valley Expo, Napa, Northern California |
| Map | Here |
| Ticket cost | $233 – $864 |
| Festival Type | Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop |
BottleRock blends music with culinary and wine experiences in the heart of Napa Valley. The festival features performances from renowned artists, culinary stages with celebrity chefs, and wine tastings from local vineyards.
Ticket options range from General Admission to VIP and Platinum packages, offering various levels of access and amenities.
5. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2025
| Dates | October 3-5, 2025 |
| Location | San Francisco, CA |
| Map | Here |
| Ticket cost | Free |
| Festival Type | Bluegrass, Folk |
This free festival in Golden Gate Park celebrates bluegrass and folk music. Funded by a charitable trust, it features multiple stages with performances from both legendary and emerging artists.
While admission is free, attendees are asked to arrive early to secure good viewing spots.
6. Lightning in a Bottle 2025
| Dates | May 21-25, 2025 |
| Location | Bakersfield, CA |
| Map | Here |
| Ticket cost | $409 – $879 |
| Festival Type | Electronic, Indie |
Lightning in a Bottle is a transformative festival that combines music, art, and wellness. Attendees can enjoy electronic and indie music performances, interactive art installations, yoga sessions, and workshops focused on personal growth.
The festival offers various ticket tiers, including General Admission and VIP, with camping options available.
7. Desert Daze 2025
| Dates | October 10-12, 2025 |
| Location | Lake Perris, CA |
| Map | Here |
| Ticket cost | $30 – $60 |
| Festival Type | Psychedelic Rock, Indie |
Desert Daze is a niche festival known for its psychedelic rock and indie performances. The event features immersive art installations, light shows, and interactive experiences.
Attendees can enjoy lakeside camping, late-night DJ sets, and a laid-back atmosphere. Various ticket options are available, with VIP passes offering exclusive lounges and artist meet-and-greets.
8. CRSSD Festival 2025
| Dates | March 1-2, 2025 |
| Location | San Diego, CA |
| Map | Here |
| Ticket cost | $159 – $336.47 |
| Festival Type | Electronic |
Held in downtown San Diego, CRSSD is an electronic music festival featuring house and techno artists. The festival is known for its waterfront views, craft beer selections, and an 18+ age policy.
Attendees can expect a well-curated lineup of underground and mainstream electronic acts. Ticket options include General Admission and VIP, with premium viewing areas for VIP guests.
9. Joshua Tree Music Festival 2025
| Dates | May 15-18, 2025 |
| Location | Joshua Tree, CA |
| Map | Here |
| Ticket cost | $55 – $475 |
| Festival Type | World, Folk, Funk |
A unique desert festival blending music, wellness, and art. Joshua Tree Music Festival features diverse musical acts from around the world, yoga sessions, and healing workshops.
Attendees can participate in interactive art experiences and enjoy a tight-knit, community-driven atmosphere. The festival offers camping options and family-friendly activities.
10. High Sierra Music Festival 2025
| Dates | July 3-6, 2025 |
| Location | Quincy, CA |
| Map | Here |
| Ticket cost | $72 – $370.92 |
| Festival Type | Jam Bands, Bluegrass |
High Sierra is a Northern California music festival known for its jam band and bluegrass lineup. The event includes late-night shows, workshops, and family-friendly programming.
Camping and RV options are available, making it a great choice for those looking for an immersive festival experience.
11. Rolling Loud California 2025
| Dates | Generally in March |
| Location | Hollywood Park, Inglewood, Southern California |
| Map | Here |
| Ticket cost | $199 – $599 |
| Festival Type | Hip-Hop |
Rolling Loud is the world’s largest hip-hop festival, and its California edition is a must-attend for fans of the genre.
Held at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, near Los Angeles, Rolling Loud California brings together the biggest names in hip-hop, from established superstars to the hottest rising artists. Expect a lineup packed with the biggest names in hip-hop and rap.
12. Ohana Festival 2025
| Dates | Generally in September |
| Location | Doheny State Beach, Dana Point, Southern California |
| Map | Here |
| Ticket cost | $112 – $1,256 |
| Festival Type | Rock, Indie, Alternative |
Ohana Festival offers a friendly and chill music party festival experience in beautiful Dana Point. It’s planned by Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, Ohana blends rock, indie, and alternative music with a focus on ocean awareness and environmentalism.
Expect a lineup featuring rock and alternative legends alongside contemporary indie and surf-rock acts.
13. Stern Grove Festival 2025
| Dates | June-August (Sundays) |
| Location | Stern Grove Park, San Francisco, Northern California |
| Map | Here |
| Ticket cost | Free (Reservations Required) |
| Festival Type | Classical, Rock, Pop, Jazz, World |
Stern Grove Festival is a unique and beloved San Francisco tradition, offering free concerts every Sunday during the summer in the beautiful Stern Grove Park.
This festival presents a diverse lineup spanning classical, rock, pop, jazz, and world music, making it accessible to everyone. Expect a diverse and high-quality lineup across various genres.
14. Cali Roots Music and Arts Festival 2025
| Dates | Generally in May |
| Location | Monterey County Fair & Event Center, Monterey, Northern California |
| Map | Here |
| Ticket cost | $148 – $2,768 |
| Festival Type | Reggae, Roots, Hip-Hop |
Cali Roots Music and Arts Festival, also known as California Roots Fest, is the premier reggae and roots music festival in California. Held at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, Cali Roots brings together top reggae, roots, and conscious hip-hop artists in a vibrant and community-focused atmosphere.
Expect a lineup featuring the biggest names in reggae and roots music alongside conscious hip-hop and world music influences.
15. Nocturnal Wonderland 2025
| Dates | Generally in September |
| Location | Glen Helen Regional Park, San Bernardino, Southern California |
| Map | Here |
| Ticket cost | $179 – $599 |
| Festival Type | Electronic Music |
Nocturnal Wonderland is the longest-running electronic music festival in North America, known for its immersive and fantastical nighttime atmosphere. Held at Glen Helen Regional Park in San Bernardino, it features multiple stages of electronic music, art installations, costumed performers, and a vibrant, energetic crowd.
Expect a diverse electronic music lineup spanning various subgenres, including house, techno, trance, dubstep, and bass music.
What is the biggest music festival in California?
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is called the biggest California music festival and one of the largest in the world. In terms of attendance, cultural impact, and overall scale, Coachella stands out.
It attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees over two weekends, features top-tier headliners, and generates significant media attention globally. While other popular festivals in California, like Outside Lands and Rolling Loud are also massive, Coachella’s overall influence and scale make its position fixed as the biggest in California.
How To Plan Your California Festival Experience
Attending a music festival in California requires some planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some practical tips:
Ticketing
- Buy Tickets Early: Popular California festivals 2025, especially Coachella and Stagecoach, sell out very quickly. Purchase your tickets as soon as they go on sale, often months in advance.
- Ticket Types: Understand the different ticket types (GA, VIP, packages) and choose based on your budget and desired experience. VIP passes offer perks like expedited entry, exclusive viewing areas, and nicer restrooms, but come at a higher cost.
- Official Resale: If you miss the initial sale, use official resale platforms to avoid scams and inflated prices.
Travel & Accommodation
- Book Accommodation in Advance: Hotels and rentals near festival venues, especially in popular destinations like Indio and Napa Valley, get booked up quickly, and prices surge during the festival season. Book your lodging as soon as you have your tickets. Consider options ranging from hotels and vacation rentals to camping (if offered by the festival).
- Transportation: Plan your transportation to and from the festival. Consider driving, ride-sharing, or festival shuttles. Parking can be limited and expensive at some venues. For popular festivals in California and urban areas like San Francisco, public transportation might be a good option.
- Northern vs. Southern California: Northern California festivals (like Outside Lands, BottleRock, Cali Roots, Stern Grove) often have cooler, more temperate weather, while Southern California music festivals (like Coachella, Stagecoach, HARD Summer, Ohana) are typically hot and sunny. Pack accordingly.
Festival Essentials
- Comfortable Clothing & Footwear: You’ll be on your feet for long hours, so prioritize comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. Layers are recommended, especially for festivals that extend into the evening when temperatures can drop.
- Sun Protection: For outdoor California festivals 2025, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential to protect yourself from the sun.
- Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Many festivals offer free water refill stations; bring a reusable water bottle.
- Festival App & Schedule: Download the festival’s official app for set times, maps, vendor information, and updates. Plan your schedule in advance to catch your must-see artists, but also be open to discovering new music.
- Cash & Cards: While many vendors accept cards, it’s always good to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller vendors or in case of connectivity issues.
What To Expect From The California Music Festival?
California festivals are known for their diverse lineups, immersive experiences, and vibrant crowds. Each festival has its own unique atmosphere:
- Coachella brings high-fashion trends and celebrity sightings.
- Outside Lands combines music with food and wine culture.
- Lightning in a Bottle focuses on wellness, spirituality, and sustainability.
Safety & Inclusion
Festivals are adapting to provide safer, more inclusive experiences:
- Increased security screenings and medical tents.
- More gender-neutral restrooms and accessibility services.
- Sustainability efforts, including waste reduction and eco-friendly policies.
Conclusion: Experience The Amazing Concerts Of California
California’s music festivals offer something for every music lover, from the biggest names in the industry to underground gatherings. Whether you’re into rock, electronic, folk, or country, the 2025 festival season promises unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re drawn to mega-festivals like Coachella or other gatherings like Ohana or Desert Daze, the Golden State promises a festival experience that resonates deeply. Plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy California’s vibrant music culture.
As you plan your 2025 and 2026 festival adventures, remember to accept the unique vibe of each event, plan thoughtfully, and prepare for unforgettable musical memories in California.
FAQs
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is widely considered the most popular and iconic music festival in California.
The California Roots Festival 2025 lineup includes Rebelution, Slightly Stoopid, and Damian Marley.
California hosts over 50 major music festivals annually, covering a wide range of genres.
Coachella is bigger in terms of attendance and global impact, while Lollapalooza spans multiple international locations.
Most festivals occur in the spring (April-May) and summer (June-August), with some fall events in September-October.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, BottleRock, and Joshua Tree Music Festival offer kid-friendly activities and family zones.
