Letting Loose: 5 Awesome Live Musical Festivals in California

Music festivals have been popular in the U.S. since Woodstock. Annual festivals are a booming business, and no state hosts more of them than California. Here is a guide to some of California’s festivals.

Carlsbad

The 17th annual Carlsbad Music Festival will be held July 31st through August 2nd. This is truly an adventure by the beach. Carlsbad features nationally and internationally known artists from different music genres. Attendees must have tickets for the mainstage events. Prominent musicians are showcased on the main stage while free concerts highlight local talent. Festival organizers also want to display the city of Carlsbad.

Carlsbad is home to seven miles of beaches and lots of scenic countrysides. If you plan on attending the festival, make reservations at a resort in Carlsbad. There are several beautiful resorts right on the beach. Tickets are available for a 3-day VIP package. The package includes reserved seating at indoor venues, exclusive entry to the VIP lounge, and free food and drinks. If you can’t afford VIP tickets, bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Coachella

Coachella is probably the best known of California’s festivals. This is largely due to celebrities that attend the festival. This year’s event occurs on the second and third weekends of April. Featured artists include Rage Against the Machine, Frank Ocean, and Travis Scott. Coachella is held in Indio, California, which is near Palm Springs. Attendees are exposed to a wide variety of musicians. The music goes on all day and well into the night.

Most first-time guests try car camping. Basically, they live out of their car and uses a portable toilet. Guests must be at least 18 to attend.  Music fans are advised to plan ahead. Know what musicians you want to see and find out what stage they’ll be on.

Stagecoach

The Stagecoach music festival is also held in Indio on April 24th-26th. It’s a country music festival, and performers include Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, and Eric Church. Guests can stay at a nearby hotel or go safari camping. Safari camping is a step up from car camping. Campers stay in an air-conditioned tent equipped with a queen-sized bed. Lucky campers even receive a ride on a golf cart to the festival’s main stage. Guests may prefer a two-person lodge. The lodge comes with cots and all the linens you need.

Noise Pop

The Noise Pop festival occurs February 24th through March 1st in San Francisco. Music venues are staged all across the beautiful city. This is an “Indie-loving” festival that blends art, film, and music. This year’s headliners include Best Coast and Raphael Saadiq. Many famous acts were actually discovered at Noise Pop, including The White Stripes and Modest Mouse. Attendees can make this a two-for-one trip. Enjoy the music and the sights of San Francisco.

Lightning in a Bottle

This festival started as a birthday party and remained so for four years. The festival was opened to the public in 2004. Lightning in a Bottle takes place May 20th-25th at Buena Vista Lake in central California. The festival is known for its colourful stage names. Lightning features performances by live bands and other artists. The Thunder stage is located by the water and features lots of hip-hop, drums, and bass. Woogie stage is where guests go dancing to house and techno music.

California has lots of things to see and do, and the festivals are not to be missed. Plan your trip today if you’re a music lover. Attending a music festival should be on everyone’s bucket list.  

Thanks for reading xxx