Lose It for Music: Bay Festivals

Illuminate Live at the Bandshell

If you have a busy schedule this fall but still want to fit in a couple of concerts here and there, Illuminate Live at the Bandshell might be the music festival for you! Illuminate Live is a series of over 100 free live music performances every weekend from March to November. Don’t worry, because there are so many concerts, the festival is totally commitment free; if you miss one weekend, just catch the next! The series features a variety of music genres, including R&B, jazz, funk, soul, indie, and psychedelic rock, so you’re sure to find a band that you love!

Breakaway Festival

Breakaway is a highly anticipated two-day festival that will be hosted at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco from October 13-14. This year, the festival boasts an incredible lineup that includes well-known artists such as DJ Snake, Madeon, and Alan Walker. With an exciting group of top-notch artists and a vibrant atmosphere, Breakaway is a must-visit event for any music enthusiasts looking for a traditional concert experience!

SF Music Day

SF Music Day is back at San Francisco’s War Memorial and Performing Center on October 15th. SF Music Day is a free one-day music festival that celebrates a blend of older and newer music. This year, the festival will host 25 local ensembles with over 100 performers. The festival was founded over 15 years ago and, since its debut, has become one of the Bay Area’s most anticipated live music events, so be sure to check it out!

Bottlerock

Looking forward to 2024, many are already gearing up for Bottlerock! This festival, located in Napa Valley, offers a unique blend of world-class music and delicious food. Since Bottlerock debuted in 2013, it has quickly become a cultural institution in California. Not only is Bottlerock an incredible event, but the festival played a key role in expanding Napa Valley’s demographics. As one of the West Coast’s largest festivals, it has brought in a diverse group of musicians and visitors. Tickets can be pretty pricey, but if you’re a dedicated fan, the festival is definitely worth the splurge! The festival’s 2024 lineup has not been released yet, but get excited to see a group of incredible artists!

Coachella

An annual event held at the beautiful Empire Polo Club, Coachella is one of the most sought after music festivals in the world! The festival will return in 2024 for two weekends from April 12 to 21. Each year, Coachella brings in some of the most famous artists across a variety of music genres. The 2024 artist lineup has yet to be released, but many are already predicting that groundbreaking artists like Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, and SZA could be headlining the festival! Because attendees come in from all over the globe, ticket prices definitely tend to run high, so make sure to save up!