Sunny skies kissed by ocean breezes, reggae beats floating through the air, and an electrifying vibe set the scene for an epic weekend as Cali Vibes took over Marina Green Park in Long Beach, CA, on June 6th and 7th. Nearly 50,000 fans gathered by the shore to witness show-stopping performances from headliners like Kid Cudi, Stick Figure, Rebelution, and Dirty Heads, while legends like Cypress Hill, Pepper, and Fortunate Youth ignited the crowd with their unmatched energy. The grooves didn’t stop there—with the soulful rhythms of Boomyard courtesy of BLVK H3RO and Mystic Marley, Cali Vibes delivered magic at every turn, cementing its place as the West Coast’s unrivaled reggae-rock festival.
The opening day of Cali Vibes ignited Long Beach with an unstoppable energy, thanks to powerhouse performances by Stick Figure and Dirty Heads. Dirty Heads paid homage to their Huntington Beach roots with a high-octane set that had the crowd jumping, swaying, and belting out every word to hits like “Medusa” and “Vacation.” The air buzzed with unity as fans danced under the stars, turning the night into a joyous celebration of music and connection.
Stick Figure kept the momentum soaring, delivering a soul-stirring performance that blended reggae grooves with a modern edge. Scott Woodruff’s magnetic stage presence mirrored the crowd’s chilled-out vibe, creating an effortless bond between artist and audience. Highlights of the set included the unforgettable “Choice is Yours” and “World on Fire,” but the true show-stealer was Cocoa the Tour Dog, whose cameos sent waves of delight rippling through the audience. It was a night that epitomized the spirit of Cali Vibes—music, movement, and moments to remember.
Day two of Cali Vibes brought the heat with Kid Cudi and Rebelution delivering performances that were nothing short of spectacular. Rebelution kicked things off by guiding the crowd through a vibrant mix of beloved classics and fresh new tunes, their polished yet playful energy setting the perfect tone for the weekend vibes.
Then came Kid Cudi, closing out the night with an electrifying set that lit up the stage. His introspective lyrics collided with explosive hits like “Pursuit of Happiness” and “Day ‘n’ Nite,” creating moments that felt larger than life. The visuals dazzled as Cudi’s boundary-pushing artistry blurred the lines of hip-hop, leaving the audience mesmerized and craving more.
Amid the star-studded Cai Vibes lineup, a few performances carved their names into the festival’s storied history with sets that were unmatched in my opinion:
Cypress Hill: Bringing unmatched swagger to the stage, Cypress Hill delivered an electrifying fusion of hip-hop and reggae that left the crowd buzzing. The set was a triumphant homage to their legendary album Black Sunday and was performed in its entirety to the delight of fans both old and new. B-Real was a force of nature, effortlessly commanding the masses, while anthems like “Rock Superstar” and a high-octane cover of House of Pain’s “Jump Around” sparked waves of pure adrenaline. It wasn’t just a performance; it was an unforgettable celebration of music and highlighted just how amazing this band truly is.
Pepper: These Kona brothers were an undeniable highlight, radiating their signature aloha energy in a punchy, high-spirited set that had the crowd moving from the first chord to the final beat. Kaleo, Bret, and Yesod tore through fan favorites like “Crazy Love,” “Stone Love,” and “Give It Up,” commanding the stage with effortless flair. Their unmatched charisma and playful banter created an intoxicating fusion of nostalgia, party vibes, and pure island reggae magic. The balance they struck between feel-good anthems and lively showmanship turned their performance into a sun-soaked celebration fans won’t soon forget.
Fortunate Youth: From just down the road in Hermosa Beach, Fortunate Youth delivered a performance bursting with warmth and soul, perfectly embodying the festival’s reggae heartbeat. Lead vocalist Dan Kelly was a revelation, his silky, emotive harmonies showcasing an incredible vocal range and magnetic stage presence. The band’s set was a masterclass in connection and craftsmanship, featuring beloved tracks like “Cali Vibes,” “Burn One,” and “Good Times (Roll On),” each one met with waves of fan devotion. What sets Fortunate Youth apart is their unique blend of fresh, modern vibes steeped in a soulful sound that calls to mind the timeless charm of classic reggae crooners. Their performance wasn’t just music; it was a heartfelt experience that left the crowd feeling the love.
Amid the weekend’s powerhouse performances, there were a few intimate sets on The Greens stage that really shone. BLVK H3RO and Mystic Marley were pure gems, offering a soulful reprieve that immediately drew fans into their orbit. BLVK H3RO infused the air with modern reggae melodies that were both uplifting and thought-provoking, anchoring his status as a rising voice in contemporary reggae. Mystic Marley, carrying her family’s legendary legacy with poise, captivated the crowd with a serene yet commanding presence. Her heartfelt performance resonated deeply, creating reflective pockets of magic that stood out against the festival’s high-energy backdrop. Together, these trailblazing artists not only enriched Cali Vibes but underscored the vibrancy and evolving future of true reggae music.
Cali Vibes 2025 delivered an unforgettable weekend, a paradise for lovers of rock, rap, and reggae that hit all the right notes. With a staggering 50,000 music fans converging over two sunlit days, Long Beach became the epicenter of good vibes during the first weekend of June. Marina Green Park’s sprawling, picturesque landscape set the perfect stage for this celebration, offering open grassy spaces where attendees could lounge, laugh, and soak up the ocean breeze between electrifying sets. The buzz of unity and joy electrified the air (alongside some truly exquisite cannabis aromas), bringing together a brilliantly diverse crowd bonded by one powerful common denominator—a shared love of music.
But for those who attended, Cali Vibes wasn’t just a festival; it was a living, breathing masterpiece that seamlessly fused music, art, and community into a soul-stirring celebration. From blockbuster headliners rocking the main stage to the intimate, goosebump-worthy sets tucked into cozier corners, every moment felt crafted to etch itself into the hearts of festival-goers. Vibrant energy flowed freely, amplified by an atmosphere brimming with top-notch food, endless laughter, and the kind of sunshine that only California can offer. Whether you came for the world-class playlists, the irresistible eats, or simply to bask in the golden glow of connection, this year’s Cali Vibes was one for the ages. Long Beach, the countdown to next year begins now!
CALI VIBES JUNE 6, 2025
CALI VIBES JUNE 7, 2025
