Following two touch-and-go years for in-person events, California music festivals are now back in full swing. From venues circled by pine groves in the High Sierra to outdoor stages along the Pacific coast, the backdrops can’t be beat. Whether you’re a fan of classical music performed by orchestral ensembles or you want to see a live set from a Grammy-nominated country star, build your summer plans around this lineup of festivals across the state.
Newport Beach Jazz Festival, June 3–5
The longest-running music festival in Orange County, Newport Beach Jazz Festival returns in 2022 for its 26th year. Enjoy a weekend of jazz, soul, and R&B from artists like CeeLo Green and Brian Culbertson on Newport Beach's beautiful Back Bay.
Country Summer, June 17–19, Santa Rosa
Head to Santa Rosa to join 30,000 country music fans watch A-listers like Kelsea Ballerini and Blake Shelton at one of Northern California’s biggest music-themed events. Camp on the festival grounds or choose from one of Sonoma County’s luxury resorts.
Insomniac Day Trip Festival, June 25–26, Long Beach
Created with the simple idea of “strictly house music all day long,” this festival transforms Long Beach’s Queen Mary Waterfront Park into a two-day party. Hit up the disco ball–adorned stages to catch acts like Artbat, Chromeo, and Diplo.
High Sierra Music Festival, June 30–July 3, Quincy
Celebrate Fourth of July weekend in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at this event in Quincy. Enjoy performances from over two dozen artists, including Joe Russo’s Almost Dead and The Disco Biscuits, and take part in expert-led Pilates, guided stretching, and hoop dancing classes—all in the middle of a majestic pine forest.
Fillmore Jazz Festival, July 2–3, San Francisco
Dubbed the “Harlem of the West,” San Francisco’s Fillmore Street boasts a jazz tradition dating back to the 1940s when Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday played the nightclubs lining the strip. Celebrate the local legacy with the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast, featuring stars, up-and-comers, artisans, and great food.
Mendocino Music Festival, July 9–23
Each July Mendocino welcomes hundreds of musicians for its two-week festival, held at an outdoor concert hall perched atop coastal cliffs. Listen to music styles ranging from big band to contemporary while overlooking the ocean at Mendocino Headlands State Park.
Carmel Bach Festival, July 14–30
With a very impressive run, the Carmel Bach Festival will usher in its 85th season in 2022. California's oldest music festival includes 14 days of performances centered on John Sebastian Bach and those he influenced. Soak up intimate performances at the 718-seat Sunset Theater in Carmel-by-the-Sea, home to the main concert series.
Surf Rodeo, July 15–17, Ventura
Live music and surf culture collide at Surf Rodeo, held on the Ventura Pier. Watch surfers compete rodeo-style (drawing sticks to see which retro board will serve as their trusty steed), as well as more than 40 bands play at beachside bandshells. A massive beach bar and mechanical bulls keep the good times rolling all weekend.
Festival Mozaic, July 23–30, San Luis Obispo
Find classical, jazz, and contemporary music alongside exceptional Central Coast wine at this annual SLO County festival. Concerts include Grammy-winning Christian McBride at the Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center and a Baroque concerto performance at the beautiful Serra Chapel. Select wineries will offer exclusive tasting for festival guests.
SAC Waterfront Fest, July 31, Sacramento
Visitors flock to the Old Sacramento Waterfront year-round for Gold Rush–inspired scenery, riverboat cruises, and more than 125 attractions. For the first time this July, the district will host the SAC Waterfront Fest. This family-friendly country music festival features headliner Jimmie Allen, fresh off his Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
Concord Jazz Festival, August 3–7
For more than 50 years, Concord has welcomed thousands of visitors for a multi-day celebration of everything jazz. Home to music legend Dave Brubeck and record label Concord Jazz, the city celebrates the musical genre with outdoor performances at Todos Santos Plaza, a 2.5-acre greenspace in the heart of downtown.
Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza, August 4–7
Party among the pines with ice-cold craft beer and blues music in the mountain town of Mammoth Lakes. More than 85 breweries and cideries will showcase their best libations, while 20-plus bands rock out in the name of rhythm and blues.
Outside Lands, August 5–7, San Francisco
Green Day, Post Malone, SZA, Jack Harlow, and Phoebe Bridgers are just a few of the musicians slated to perform at this year’s star-studded festival. The celebration also brings together food, wine, beer, art, and Bay Area culture for three unforgettable days in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
DAY.MVS XL, August 6–7, San Diego
Back for its second year, DAY.MVS XL (Day Moves Extra Large) brings some of the biggest names in house, techno, and EDM to San Diego’s Waterfront Park. The two-day fest will feature headliner Eric Prydz, as well as Anna, Claptone, and Spencer Brown.
This Ain’t No Picnic, August 27–28, Los Angeles
This indie-rock festival first debuted in 1999 and 2000—and after a 20-plus years’ hiatus, it’s back in a major way at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Stadium. The stacked lineup includes The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, and Le Tigre, who will play their first live show in more than a decade.
