Not all festival experiences require a two-hour drive to the desert, only to be subjected to sweat-inducing sprints across a polo field. Case in point: Kaaboo Del Mar, San Diego's three-day music, food, and comedy fest that's the breezy, seaside answer to that dusty bonanza that rhymes with boachella. (You know the one.)
Now in its third year, the entertainment wonderland returns to San Diego's Del Mar Fairgrounds Friday, September 14 to Sunday, September 16. There's something for the audiophiles, foodies, comedy enthusiasts, and art lovers of every age, whether they're a Baby Boomers, Gen X-er, or Millennials. The bill promises more than 60 bands and artists across a variety of genres and generations, a packed menu of gourmet culinary options and craft beverages, murals and art installations (yup, gotta get that 'gram), massage and spa services, and even a sandy beach area and a "Vegas-style pool club."
As far as the music, the Foo Fighters are the headliners for Friday, when Blondie, Halsey, Post Malone, Gucci Mane, Jimmy Eat World, and others are set to play. The star of Saturday is Imagine Dragons, who'll wrap up the day after shows by Earth, Wind, and Fire; N.E.R.D.; Billy Idol; Cake; Big Boi; and Stone Temple Pilots; to name a few. Katy Perry (who's even offering a special $89 pass for fans who plan on attending just for her) and the legendary Robert Plant and the Sensational Shapeshifters close out the fest on Sunday, which also promises performances from acts like Whiz Kalifa, Slash, Alice in Chains, Jewel, TLC, and many more.
Then there's the food lineup. Serious gourmands can buy the Palate pass, which scores access to artisanal dining and drinking experiences powered by award-winning superstar chefs like Marc Forgione, Michelle Bernstein, Richard Blais, Ludo Lefebvre, Daniela Soto-Innes, and more.
If that sound of that artisanal smorgasbord doesn't make your belly ache, then you'll definitely be grabbing your sides thanks to all of the cool comedians hitting the stage. Funny folks include Craig Ferguson, Tom Papa, Nikki Glaser, Erik Griffin, Whitney Cummings, Louie Anderson, Orny Adams, Judd Apatow and friends, Kevin Nealon, and Pauly Shore. (Phew.)
As far as tickets, single day entry ranges from $139 for general admission to $339 for VIP Hang Five passes. Three-day passes are $279 for general admission and $949 to $3,799 for VIP Hang Five an Hang Ten options. Curious about the perks? While Hang Five includes premium spots by the stage, private bathrooms, and the option to upgrade your culinary offerings, Hang Ten includes all of the above plus access to on-stage seats, golf cart access, free food and drinks, meet and greet opps, and more swanky perks.
Into it? Learn more about all of Kaaboo's goings-ons, complete schedules, and full ticket optons — including the VVVIP $15,000 Ultimate Hang pass — over on the event's website and buy tickets here.
KAABOO Del Mar
Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
