California Coast Music Festivals For Your Bucket List

Nothing beats spending a day or a weekend enjoying your favorite music―nothing, that is, except enjoying it by the beach. As we prepare for darker days and winter weather, our minds tend to wander to a warmer time. Here are some coastal music festivals to plan ahead for.

Lucidity Festival

This music festival is early in the year (April) and takes place near Cashuma Lake between Santa Barbara and the Solvang area. They have several performance stages and many “experiences” to make this event worth hanging out for three days. Get your tix early and book a spot in Live Oak Campground then too.

Redwood Coast Music Festival, Eureka

The Redwood Coast Music Festival offers 25 bands and 100 sets of live music including jazz, swing, blues, country and rockabilly. The dates are May 9 – 12 for 2019. Some of the local hotels are offering special rates, and while you’re there you can explore historic Eureka.

Twilight Concert Series at the Santa Monica Pier

It’s more of an LA tradition than a festival, but every summer you can head to the Pier in Santa Monica for weekly free concerts. To the locals, this really signifies the start of summer. Check out the Twilight Concerts List.

Venice Beach Music Fest

Head to the beautiful Venice Beach in July and August for their annual FREE music and arts festivals. It’s a great way to learn more about the local music and arts scene while soaking up the sunshine.

Outside Lands at Golden Gate Park

Outside Lands is one of the larger annual music festivals on the coast of California. This year it is happening in August. The venue at Golden Gate Park is outstanding and Ocean Beach is nearby.

Kaaboo in Del Mar

Kaaboo is a combo of big names music, comedy acts, crazy tasty food, and Southern California fun. It’s happening in September at the Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds and should be on your bucket list.

Long Beach Jazz Festival

This annual weekend jazz festival is held at Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach in August. The lineup always includes top artists, and private cabanas are available for rent for a more exclusive experience.