There are 24 music festivals in Southern California in the upcoming year, including the hip-hop festival Rolling Loud and the legendary Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. This year also sees the return of Boots in the Park and Cruel World. There is a festival for every taste and preference, and the region offers an eclectic blend of genres such as country, reggae, electronic, and rock.
Comeback Year
2024 was a challenging year for the music scene in Southern California. There were several setbacks involving the cancellation of anticipated festivals. Desert Daze, with its eclectic lineups and immersive experiences, was canceled due to rising production costs and a volatile festival market. Meanwhile, Bésame Mucho, which celebrated Latin music, was called off. Lovers and Friends, celebrating early 2000s hip-hop and R&B, faced cancellation because of dangerous weather conditions. Despite last year’s challenges, 2025 is gearing up to bring the best of live music festivals to SoCal. These are just a few of the upcoming festivals.
January
ALTer EGO Fest
In its eighth year, the Los Angeles-based alternative rock station ALT/FM 98.7 is bringing back its annual iHeartRadio festival, hosted by “The Woody Show.” Scheduled artists include Cage the Elephant, Fontaines D.C., and others on January 11 at Kia Forum.
Calibash
The Southern California Latin annual radio fest hosted by Mega/FM 96.3 and Lamusica will host Maluma, Wisin, Xavi, and more on January 18 at Crypto.com Arena.
February
Skyline Festival
Techno brand Factory 93 is partnering with house music Day Trip February 15-16 to host sets by Cloonee, The Martinex Brothers, and other exciting performers at Grand Park.
March
CRSSD Festival
The two-day house and techno festival returns to San Diego March 1-2 at Waterfront Park. The lineup includes Fisher, Justice, Flight Facilities, and many other artists.
Boots in the Park
Boots in the Park is set to take over Norco and will be headlined by legendary acts Brooks and Dunn and Rodney Atkins on March 8 at SilverLakes Equestrian and Sports Park. There will be other shows at different venues throughout the year.
Rolling Loud
The renowned Rolling Loud is returning to Inglewood at Hollywood Park on March 14-16, though the lineup is still under wraps. Last year’s festival included top artists, and 2025 should be no different.
April
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
The legendary Coachella headline acts include Lady Gaga and Green Day on April 11-13 and April 18-20.
May
Joshua Tree Music Festival
May includes many festivals, such as the ever-popular Joshua Tree Music Festival, combining live music with wellness and yoga on May 15-18 at the Joshua Tree Lake Campground.
June
Cali Vibes
The two-day reggae, hip-hop, and rock fest is set to return to Marina Green Park June 7-8 featuring Gwen Stefani and Sublime with Rome.
July
Warped Tour Long Beach
It’s official: The highly anticipated Warped Tour is returning on July 26-27. The lineup has yet to be announced, but expect the biggest names in emo and rock at the legendary festival at the Downtown Long Beach Shoreline Waterfront.
September
Same Same but Different
The three-day waterfront music, art, and wellness festival is returning to Lake Perry on September 12-14.
October
Off the Grid Campout
The beloved grassroots underground festival is returning from October 9-13 though the location is to be determined.
Escape Halloween
Insomniac’s Escape Halloween returns with its elaborate stages and immersive production from October 31-November 1 at the NOS Events Center.
Southern California is poised to host many epic acts throughout the year, a departure from last year’s unfortunate cancellations. There is a genre and setting for every musical taste in a variety of locations, from stadiums to campgrounds.
