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Courtesy of Monterey Jazz Festival
Ultimate Music Festivals
From High Sierra mountains to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, from wine country splendour to dramatic deserts, California’s music festivals are always in fabulous locations. And the music gets a thumbs-up too. Whether you like electronica, vintage jazz, boot-stompin’ country, indie tunes, or good old rock ‘n’ roll, it is all here. Plus, many events make it special with food vans and pop-up restaurants that serve quality California wines and craft beers. In between sets, peruse art exhibits, or just people watch for serious festival styles—sometimes even better than what is on stage.
Apr 12 - Apr 21
April
Beyond the musical acts, the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, held in April at Empire Polo Club in Indio, has morphed into...
Lucas Himovitz
August
It makes sense that the 1960s' home of flower power, historic rock concerts and the Summer of Love is also home to Outside Lands, a...
jareed/Flickr
September
Enjoy three days of world-class jazz at the lauded Monterey Jazz Festival, which has been called 'the grandaddy of jazz events' (...
Courtesy of Monterey Jazz Festival
July - August
With a pine-and-peak alpine setting and a relaxed and friendly ambiance, this appealing event in Bear Valley, roughly halfway between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, includes performances by outstanding musical artists. Launched in 1967, the festival features a full symphony orchestra, international soloists, and legendary entertainers at pretty outdoor venues. Classical works, opera, Broadway show tunes, and opening weekend acts of contemporary and country music are offered, with past guest artists ranging from the Mamas and the Papas, to Big Bad Voodoo Daddies.
October
Pack a blanket, some snacks and your dancing shoes for the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, a massive, free, three-day...
David McSpadde/Flickr
May
Saddle up for Stagecoach, the country cousin held in the same venue—the Indio Polo Grounds south of Palm Springs—as the ...
Courtesy of Stagecoach
September
“Mountains. Magic. Music.' The tagline of the Strawberry Music Festival, a lively, four-day event in May, says it all. Held at the...
Courtesy of Strawberry Music Festival
May
Rock rolls into the wine country with this three-day event in Napa that features 2019 headliners Imagine Dragons, Neil Young, and Mumford & Sons. With more than 80 performers in the May 24–26...
Jessica S./Flickr
June
Fall gets its groove on in San Francisco with this 11-day festival, showcasing a broad phenomenal array of jazz artists—from classic sounds to edgy avant-garde. Hear these unique brands of this...
_jar/Flickr
July
Yoga meets music and alpine wow at Wanderlust Squaw Valley, an om-filled, 4-day July event in...
Christen Vidanoviv/Wanderlust Festival
California: Outdoor
Take one part water, one part sand, one part sun-soaked coastal charm, and you have the recipe for some of California’s most appealing destinations. The Golden State’s...
California: Entertainment
Walk around Civic Center Park, in the town of Hanford, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d time-...
