Noise Pop Festival is back in San Francisco February 18–28, 2027, bringing 11 days of independent music and arts across the Bay Area. The festival just revealed its first wave of performers, with 24 artists announced so far and more to come.Continue Reading

Darker Waves 2026 returns to Huntington Beach City Beach on Saturday, November 14, with Morrissey, The Smashing Pumpkins, Simple Minds and more. The one-day festival brings more than 35 artists across three stages.Continue Reading

Portola Music Festival returned to Pier 80 in San Francisco on September 26–27, 2026, bringing together electronic music fans, legendary artists, rising talent, and some seriously great festival outfits. On the bus heading to the festival, I overheard a conversation between two guys. “How old are you, bro?” “I’m 29.” “I’m 30. We’re getting too...Continue Reading

Everywhen in the Woods is back October 2–4 in the Santa Cruz Mountains, turning the redwoods into a three-day, two-night festival of music, art, camping, and creative experiences. This fall’s theme, Creatures Come Out at Night, is your excuse to get out of the city, put on a costume, and spend a weekend in the...Continue Reading

Portola Music Festival returns to San Francisco for its fifth anniversary, bringing two days of music to Pier 80 on September 26–27. Portola Week keeps the party going across the city with pre- and after-parties featuring artists from the festival lineup and beyond, making it one massive weekend of music from the waterfront to San...Continue Reading

Real Neato Music Festival is officially returning on Saturday, August 29, 2026, for its 8th annual celebration, bringing the absolute best of Bay Area indie music to the majestic coastal redwoods of Guerneville's Rio Nido Roadhouse. Running from 2 to 10 p.m., this one-day West Sonoma County favorite packs two stages full of live music,...Continue Reading

Portola Music Festival is officially back at Pier 80 on September 26–27, 2026, and for its fifth anniversary, they are going ridiculously big. If you've been to the San Francisco waterfront for this before, you already know the vibe, but this year's mix of electronic, hip-hop, indie, and full-on dance-party sets is next-level. Just remember...Continue Reading

BottleRock 2026 returned to Napa Valley May 22–24, blending headliners, celebrity chefs, incredible food, and elite people-watching into one unforgettable weekend. It was about a lot more than just the music. The crowd skewed noticeably younger this year, so in the interest of journalistic accuracy, this BottleRock recap has been translated into the primary language...Continue Reading

Lightning in a Bottle 2026 returned to Buena Vista Lake near Bakersfield, California, May 20–24, with what organizers called their most ambitious lineup yet, blending music, art, and community into a uniquely immersive experience. For me, this year’s LIB was a strange one. Not bad by any means. It’s just that we’ve been going to...Continue Reading

Dirtybird Campout x Northern Nights returns July 17–19, 2026 at Cook’s Valley Campground in Northern California. Set along the Eel River in the redwoods, the collaboration between two of the region’s most established independent festivals continues after a sold-out 2025, with a focus on curation, community, and a music-first experience that blends Dirtybird’s playful energy...Continue Reading

The Balanced Breakfast Austin showcase during SXSW week is made possible in part thanks to a group of partners who believe in supporting independent artists and creating real opportunities to perform during one of the biggest music weeks of the year. Integrity Home Integration stepped forward to celebrate its 20th anniversary by helping send artists...Continue Reading

BottleRock 2026 in Napa Valley is taking place May 22–24, 2026, it is one of the most dynamic festival experiences in the country. Set in the heart of Napa, California, it blends world-class music with elevated food, premium wine, craft beer, and art in a way few festivals can match. Over the years, BottleRock has...Continue Reading