California's Top Festivals in 2025: Music, Food, and More

_{[Cover Picture - Alive Coverage / Outside Lands]}

California is the ultimate festival destination in 2025, with a lineup that spans everything from music to food, art, and cultural celebrations. Known for its sun-soaked beaches, diverse cities, and stunning landscapes, the Golden State offers an array of unforgettable festivals that reflect its vibrant spirit. Whether you’re into the legendary music scene, gourmet food, or cultural experiences, California’s festivals will deliver. Here’s a guide to the top festivals happening across the state in 2025.

1. Coachella (April 11-13 & April 18-20, 2025)

Of course, we have to start with Coachella, the king of all music festivals. Held in Indio, California, Coachella is a cultural event as much as it is a music festival. Known for bringing together massive headliners across genres like pop, rock, and hip-hop, 2025 is expected to feature big names like Olivia Rodrigo, Bad Bunny, and Billie Eilish. Beyond the music, Coachella is an experience—offering interactive art installations, cutting-edge fashion, and some of the coolest vibes in the desert.

How to Get There: Coachella takes place in Indio, which is accessible by car or shuttle services from nearby airports like Palm Springs.

Tickets: General admission starts at $600, with VIP packages available.

Must-See: The art installations, which are perfect for Instagram-worthy moments, alongside the massive performances.

Local Tips: Hydrate and embrace the desert fashion—this is the place where extra is the norm.

2. Outside Lands (August 8-10, 2025)

Outside Lands is a music and food lover’s paradise, held in San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Park. Known for its diverse lineup, blending rock, hip-hop, and electronic music, Outside Lands also features a unique focus on food, with gourmet food trucks, wine tastings, and craft beer gardens throughout the festival. The 2025 lineup is rumored to feature artists like The Strokes, Kendrick Lamar, and Lana Del Rey. Add in the cool Bay Area weather, and you’ve got a festival experience that’s both laid-back and high-energy.

How to Get There: Golden Gate Park is easily accessible via public transit or rideshare services.

Tickets: General admission starts at $375, with VIP options available.

Must-See: The GastroMagic stage, where chefs and musicians team up for live culinary performances.

Local Tips: Dress in layers—the Bay Area can go from sunny to foggy and chilly fast, even in summer.

3. BottleRock Napa Valley (May 23-25, 2025)

For those who love music, wine, and gourmet food, BottleRock Napa Valley is the perfect festival. Held in the heart of California’s wine country, this festival features an incredible mix of music and culinary experiences. The 2025 lineup is expected to include artists like Maroon 5, Post Malone, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Pair that with wine tastings from some of Napa’s best vineyards and food from celebrity chefs, and you’ve got a festival experience that’s all about indulgence.

How to Get There: Napa Valley is about an hour’s drive from San Francisco or Sacramento, with shuttle options available.

Tickets: General admission starts at $400, with premium VIP experiences available.

Must-See: The culinary stage, where world-renowned chefs and musicians collaborate in entertaining cooking demos.

Local Tips: Spend some extra time exploring Napa’s wineries before or after the festival for the full wine country experience.

4. Stagecoach (April 25-27, 2025)

Right after Coachella, the desert heats up again with Stagecoach, the ultimate country music festival. Held at the same venue in Indio, Stagecoach brings together country’s biggest names with a mix of classic and modern country, bluegrass, and Americana. In 2025, expect artists like Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, and Morgan Wallen to headline. The festival also offers great food, cowboy-style activities, and plenty of line dancing.

How to Get There: Just like Coachella, Stagecoach is held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, with shuttle services available from nearby cities.

Tickets: General admission starts at $350, with VIP options for elevated viewing and access.

Must-See: The HonkyTonk Dance Hall, where you can try your hand at some classic line dancing with fellow festival-goers.

Local Tips: Cowboy hats and boots are the go-to fashion, and be ready for desert heat—bring sunscreen and stay hydrated!

5. LA Film Festival (June 6-14, 2025)

Film buffs, this one’s for you. The LA Film Festival is a celebration of cinema that brings together indie filmmakers, Hollywood stars, and movie lovers from around the world. Held at venues across Los Angeles, the festival showcases everything from independent films to big-screen premieres, documentaries, and international films. With panels, Q&As, and screenings that highlight both established and emerging talent, it’s a must-attend for anyone passionate about the art of film.

How to Get There: Venues are spread across Los Angeles, with the festival hub located in downtown LA, easily accessible by public transit or rideshare.

Tickets: Prices vary depending on the event, with general admission starting at $15 per screening.

Must-See: The red carpet premieres and filmmaker Q&A sessions, where you can catch some behind-the-scenes stories about your favorite films.

Local Tips: Take advantage of LA’s iconic food truck scene in between screenings—there are always great eats nearby.

6. Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery (November 1-2, 2025)

The Dia de los Muertos celebration at Hollywood Forever Cemetery is one of the most unique cultural festivals in California. Honoring the Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead, this event features stunning altars, vibrant costumes, traditional music, and a beautiful mix of old and modern customs. Families gather to celebrate and remember loved ones, turning the cemetery into a colorful space filled with life and remembrance.

How to Get There: Hollywood Forever Cemetery is located in Los Angeles, easily accessible by car or rideshare.

Tickets: General admission starts at $35.

Must-See: The beautifully decorated altars and live performances that bring this ancient tradition to life.

Local Tips: Wear face paint if you can—many attendees participate in the tradition by painting their faces to honor the dead.

7. Long Beach Pride Festival (July 12-13, 2025)

One of California’s most colorful and celebrated events, the Long Beach Pride Festival is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and community. Held over a weekend along Long Beach’s beautiful coastline, this festival features live music, drag shows, art exhibits, and a parade that lights up the streets with color and joy. It’s not just a party—it’s a powerful display of pride, inclusivity, and love, attracting thousands of attendees every year.

How to Get There: Long Beach is easily accessible by car or public transport from Los Angeles, with parking and shuttle options available.

Tickets: General admission starts at $40 for the weekend.

Must-See: The Long Beach Pride Parade, which is the heart of the celebration, packed with elaborate floats, performers, and local community groups.

Local Tips: Stay for the after-parties along the beach for even more music, dancing, and fun.

8. Desert Daze (October 10-12, 2025)

Desert Daze is the ultimate festival for fans of indie, psychedelic, and experimental music. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Perris, this festival is known for its eclectic lineup, trippy art installations, and laid-back desert vibes. Past performers have included Tame Impala, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, and My Bloody Valentine, and 2025 is expected to bring more top-tier acts in the alt and indie music scene. Desert Daze is as much about the experience as it is about the music—think yoga sessions, immersive art, and cosmic light shows.

How to Get There: Lake Perris is located about an hour from Los Angeles, accessible by car or festival shuttle services.

Tickets: General admission starts at $250, with camping and VIP options available.

Must-See: The surreal art installations and live performances that take on a magical quality under the desert sky.

Local Tips: Camping on-site gives you the full immersive festival experience, so pack your tent and join in on the late-night jams.

9. Lightning in a Bottle (May 21-25, 2025)

Part music festival, part spiritual retreat, Lightning in a Bottle is where creativity, sustainability, and community come together. Held at Buena Vista Lake, this festival features a diverse lineup of electronic, world, and indie music, alongside workshops, yoga, meditation, and interactive art installations. LIB is known for its positive, eco-conscious vibes, attracting a crowd that’s as interested in self-growth and wellness as they are in dancing the night away.

How to Get There: Buena Vista Lake is located near Bakersfield, and the festival offers shuttle services from major cities like LA and San Francisco.

Tickets: General admission starts at $300, with camping and VIP packages available.

Must-See: The immersive art installations and healing spaces where you can participate in workshops on sustainability, mindfulness, and creativity.

Local Tips: Bring reusable water bottles and be prepared to embrace the festival’s zero-waste ethos.

10. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (October 3-5, 2025)

Held annually in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a free festival that brings together bluegrass, folk, and Americana artists for a weekend of incredible live music. Despite its bluegrass roots, the festival has expanded to include a wide range of genres, with past performers like Emmylou Harris, Wilco, and Robert Plant gracing the stage. The relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, coupled with the festival’s beautiful park setting, makes it one of California’s most beloved events.

How to Get There: Golden Gate Park is easily accessible by public transit or bike, and there’s limited parking nearby.

Tickets: Free for all attendees.

Must-See: The intimate acoustic performances and spontaneous jam sessions that pop up throughout the park.

Local Tips: Bring a blanket and picnic supplies—this is a laid-back festival where lounging in the grass is just as important as the music.

11. Monterey Jazz Festival (September 19-21, 2025)

As one of the longest-running jazz festivals in the world, the Monterey Jazz Festival is a must-attend for jazz lovers. Held at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, this legendary event features performances from top jazz musicians, both legendary and up-and-coming. In 2025, the festival will celebrate its 68th year with an all-star lineup of world-class artists, intimate performances, and jam sessions. The festival also includes educational workshops, making it a great opportunity to dive deeper into the world of jazz.

How to Get There: Monterey is a scenic two-hour drive from San Francisco, and shuttle services are available from nearby cities.

Tickets: General admission starts at $160 for a weekend pass, with VIP seating and packages available.

Must-See: The intimate performances at the Garden Stage and the late-night jazz jam sessions.

Local Tips: Take time to explore Monterey’s beautiful coastline and historic attractions while you’re in town.

12. Cabazon Indio Powwow (November 28-30, 2025)

The Cabazon Indio Powwow is a rich cultural event that honors Native American traditions with a weekend of dance, music, and art. Held at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, this powwow features competitive dancing, drum groups, and traditional Native American food and crafts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the cultural beauty and significance of this event, where tribes from across North America come together to celebrate their heritage.

How to Get There: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is located in Indio, easily accessible by car from Los Angeles or Palm Springs.

Tickets: Free to attend.

Must-See: The Grand Entry ceremony, where dancers in full regalia enter the arena to the beat of powerful drums.

Local Tips: Be sure to try traditional Native American foods like fry bread and explore the arts and crafts booths for one-of-a-kind handmade items.

California’s 2025 festival scene is going to be absolutely unreal! From dancing in the desert at Coachella to vibing with incredible music in Golden Gate Park during Outside Lands, there’s no shortage of epic events. Whether you're sipping wine at BottleRock Napa, embracing your inner cowboy at Stagecoach, or getting lost in the trippy art and music of Desert Daze, California has something for everyone. Each festival offers a unique mix of music, food, culture, and adventure that makes the Golden State a top destination for festival lovers worldwide.

So, mark your calendar, gather your squad, and get ready for a year packed with unforgettable experiences. California’s festivals are more than just events—they’re memories waiting to happen.

Stay connected to Woke Waves Magazine for more tips, insider info, and everything you need to make the most out of California’s 2025 festival season!

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