Even though Mark Twain allegedly said the coldest winter he ever spent was summer in San Francisco, the Bay Area is pretty hot when it comes to music festival season. From the iconic, long-time multi-day affairs to the uniquely Bay Area offerings, there’s pretty much something for everyone. Take a look at the music festivals in the Bay Area that KALW is looking forward to this summer.
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Every week is a festival week thanks to the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. From May to October, you can catch the Thursday Lunchtime Series where touring musicians and homegrown Bay Area artists perform on the garden’s lawn. The sounds of Yerba Buena include every genre imaginable for one amazing hour each Thursday starting on May 15th. Don’t forget about the Saturday shows as well, featuring some KALW local favorites like The Seshen, Madison McFerrin and La Dona. We’re an official partner of the festival, so keep an eye out for your favorite KALW personnel at each concert, we’d love to see you there.
Mill Valley Music Festival
Produced by the Mill Valley Chamber and Noise Pop Industries, the Mill Valley Music Festival is a Marin County classic taking place May 10 - 11, 2025 at Friends Field. This year’s lineup features the likes of Gary Clark Jr., Nile Rodgers & Chic, KALW favorites reggae legend Sister Nancy and Vieux Farka Touré, plus a number of local bands from around the Bay. Festival goers can also enjoy delicious eats from Mill Valley restaurants, and a market featuring local artisans and artists. Don't forget about the breathtaking scenery, as the event takes place just below Mount Tam.
Strawberry Music Festival
The summer campout meets the music festival at the Spring Strawberry Music Festival, which takes place amongst the conifer trees at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, California from May 21-26, 2025. The multi-day, family-friendly affair features folk and bluegrass performers including KALW favorites like Darlingside and Chuck Prophet, The Black Opry Revue as well as vocalist Anna Moss Some Bay Area residents may be turned off by the nearly three-hour drive to get there, but the intimacy within the tree-lined campground makes it hard to resist a trip. Plus, you can explore the restaurants and shops in Grass Valley and nearby Nevada City.
BottleRock Napa Valley
You can't whine about the amazing food and wine(!) at BottleRock Festival, which takes place at the Napa Valley Expo from May 23-25, 2025. The stacked lineup includes everyone from big artists like Green Day, Sublime, and Khruangbin alongside up and coming acts like Napa's own Weekend Youth. Plus some under the radar goodies like Sofi Tukker and La Lom (listen to their interviews with Marcus Rosario!) . The culinary stage also features presentations from celebrity chefs, setting the festival apart from others. Did we mention the amazing food and wine? It is Napa Valley, after all.
Stern Grove Festival
If paying for a multi-day festival is not your thing, there’s always the spectacularly summerery Stern Grove Festival, San Francisco’s original free music festival taking place on Sundays from June to August at the beautiful Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove. This year's lineup features a diverse range of artists from The California Honeydrops and Channel Tres, to actual legend Diana Ross. Be sure to get to the festival early as well, as many of the shows will include a set from one of our amazing KALW DJ's.
Mosswood Meltdown
Do you like the idea of seeing "The Warped Woodstock"? How about "A**hole-free Altamont"? Then you're in for a treat at the John Waters-hosted Mosswood Meltdown taking place July 19 - 20, 2025 at Mosswood Park in Oakland. You may have an uncontrollable urge to see acts like the OSees, Shannon and the Clams, Bratmobile, and Devo. It's not all punk though, there’ll be great food vendors and a beer garden for when you need a mosh break.
Outside Lands
Northern California's answer to Coachella, this huge summer festival draws tens of thousands from all over the West Coast. Taking place each year in Golden Gate Park and spanning three days of music, food, and cannabis, this year’s event is one of the most loaded in years. Acts like Tyler the Creator, Hozier, Doja Cat, Anderson.Paak and Vampire Weekend are on the bill, while the abundance of stages allowsr festival-goers to experience countless indie bands, like Vansire and Kate Bollinger. Outside Lands takes place from August 8 – 10, 2025, and if you plan on going, consider leaving the car at home (parking for the festival is infamously difficult).Regardless of your transportation, it’s hard to imagine a more fun weekend than one spent at Outside Lands.