Since debuting in San Diego in 2015, the CRSSD and KAABOO Del Mar festivals have been mainstays of both the local music-lovers’ scene and the growing international music festival industry. Building momentum since their respective premieres, both festivals have enjoyed rising crowds and reputations, bolstered in part by the impeccable daytime vibes of world-class musical talent in two unmatched locations: San Diego’s Waterfront Park and the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Though the festivals differ in their genres and style, both festivals are slated to return in fall of 2019 and promise fans a chance to enjoy craft beer and gourmet food, along with top musical acts and performers.
New this year, the Wonderfront festival extends the season into November, when San Diego often continues to enjoy summer-like weather, and takes over downtown San Diego on both land and water, featuring after-parties in Gaslamp Quarter nightclubs and yacht parties on San Diego Bay.
For travelers who wish summer would never end, these three San Diego music festivals are sure to please.
SAN DIEGO’S TOP MUSIC FESTIVALS
- Held at the seaside Del Mar Fairgrounds during Sept. 13-15, 2019, the all-ages KAABOO features performances on six stages by more than 60 musical acts including Snoop Dogg, Wu-Tang Clan, Kings of Leon, Duran Duran, and more. The festival, which draws an estimated 40,000 attendees each year, also includes a dedicated comedy stage featuring acclaimed comedians Tig Notaro and Bob Saget, plus VIP amenities, food and beverages from local and celebrity chefs, craft breweries and local wineries and an extensive arts village.
- Now in its fifth year, CRSSD Festival, the two-day electronic music and dance fete in San Diego’s Waterfront Park, will return Sept. 28-29, 2019, with performances by Portugal.The Man, Hot Chip, FISHER and more. The twice-a-year extravaganza has previously garnered a daily audience of 15,000 visitors, who are undoubtedly drawn by the 21-and-up festival’s craft beer and cocktails, gourmet food, sunsets on the bay and headlining musical acts and DJs performing on CRSSD’s three outdoor stages just steps from the water.
- New in 2019, the inaugural Wonderfront music and arts festival will celebrate San Diego’s culture and beach lifestyle. Held Nov. 22-24, 2019, Wonderfront festivities will take place at Embarcadero Marina Park, Seaport Village, Broadway Pier and a number of other downtown locations, and will also include yacht parties with live performances held on San Diego Bay. In addition to hearing live music from top acts like Vince Staples, Ben Harper and MGMT, attendees will be able to rent paddleboards and kayaks, ride jet boats, play volleyball and enjoy other quintessentially San Diegan activities on the festival grounds.