There are many returning bands/music artists in 2023, but a few new ones, too. You may consider yourself a metal head, raver, reggae fanatic, rocker, or even a jazz connoisseur, there’s most likely a festival for it happening in Southern California and beyond in the new year.

Starting in February, there is Cali Vibes, a reggae/ hip-hop festival headlining the 3-day festivals on Friday are Rebelution, Stick Figure, and 311. On Saturday, Dirty Heads, Damian “Jr Gong” Marley, and Cypress Hill. On the last day of the festival are Slightly Stooped, Tash Sultana, Ben Harper, and the Innocent Criminals. With many more amazing bands like Method Man & Redman, Common Kings, Collie Buddz, Iya Terra, Ozomatli featuring Chali 2na & Cut Chemist, and dozens more. To put the cherry on top with a special preface from Snoop Dogg, and Jack Johnson. The festival is happening on February 17-19 and is in Marina Green Park, 386 E. Shoreline Drive, Long Beach.

In March one of the biggest festivals is going to take place and it is Rolling loud. The nationally known hip-hop festival brand will make its mark in Southern California in Hollywood Park which sits perfectly adjacent to the SoFi Stadium. The West Coast edition will have performances by Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, Future, Lil Wayne, Saweetie, City Girls, Ice Spice, and many more. This festival will take place on March 3 and go to the 5th.

The next festival is Boots In The Park. This festival is a local in silver lakes Norco. It is a one-day event taking place on the 11th of march. It is featuring Cole Swindell, Flo Rida, LOCASH, Blanco Brown, Chase Matthew & Presley Tennant.

In April, there are going to be two of the biggest festivals such as Coachella and Stagecoach. 

Coachella is one of the most famous festivals of all time established by musical artists as well as emerging artists and reunited groups. They have a huge lineup of upcoming artists and world-wide known artists, such as Bad Bunny, BLACKPINK, and Frank Ocean headline the show. It will take place on April 14-16 and April-21-23. 

Stagecoach is one of the most know country festivals. The annual three-day country music festival will be headlined by Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, and Chris Stapleton. Other performances include Jon Pardi, Riley Green, ZZ Top, Old Dominion, Gabby Barrett, Brooks & Dunn, Tyler Childers, Parker McCollum, and many more. It will take place in Empire Polo Club, on April 28-30.

In May there is the I Love RnB Festival. It is a new festival and it’s in Queen Mary Festival Grounds long beach. It is an all-day 90’s party experience that features Ashanti, Ja Rule, Fabolous, Mya, Pleasure P, and many more.

In June there is the Newport Jazz Festival. It’s a 3-day festival and will feature upcoming artists. It’s happening on June 2-4.

In September there is the Same But Different Festival. Its three-day waterfront music and wellness festival will return to Lake Perris. It’s happening on Sep. 28-Oct.1.

In October we will have the Aftershock rock and metal festival. It’s a 4-day festival happening on Oct. 5-8. The lineup is yet to be announced but it is going to be a good one.