TVD Live Shots: Ohana Festival 2025, 9/26

DANA POINT, CA | Gracing the shores of Doheny Beach, Ohana Festival came alive for three days of legendary performances, sun-soaked vibes, and a community united by music—proving that at its heart, “Ohana” truly means family.

Founded by Eddie Vedder, the Pearl Jam singer would frequent the stage over the coming days with a familiarity that made the festival feel like a homecoming. “This is our ninth year!” he exclaimed. “The fact that we have three days of beautiful weather ahead of us and apparently a swell coming in on Saturday, Sunday, Monday—lose your minds!”

Attracting 15 thousand attendees a day, the all-ages crowd spanned self-proclaimed beach bums to punk fans to children getting their first taste of live music and everything in between. A truly unique experience, I can confidently say I’ve never heard the words “good vibes” said so much at a music festival, nor have I witnessed such an intensely positive atmosphere and “look out for your neighbor: approach.

2:15PM: Hitting the stage five minutes past schedule, all female rock band Hinds wasted no time firing up the crowd. “I hope you don’t remember us as being late—I hope you remember us as being the best! We came here all the way from Spain and only have a 30 minute set—so let’s go!”

Playing original songs as well as a cover of “Girl, So Confusing” by Charlie XCX, the four-piece lit up the afternoon crowd with their signature garage-rock energy and playful banter.

2:45PM: Introduced as a “living legend” by none other than Eddie Vedder himself, Kim Deal—original bassist and co-vocalist in The Pixies as well as front woman of The Breeders—delivered a set full of nostalgia and seasoned skill.

3:35PM: Next up to the Tiki Stage: Welsh rock band Stereophonics—again, introduced by Vedder. Making note of their beginnings “playing Pearl Jam covers in the pub,” the group reflected on their journey before launching into a high-energy performance that proved just how far they’ve come.

4:30PM: Making a name for himself outside of his legendary father, Willie Nelson, Lukas Nelson affirmed his stage presence and natural born talent from the first note of his 45 minute set. With Vedder joining him, the pair performed Pearl Jam cover “Just Breathe”—a truly breathtaking moment that left the audience, myself included, spellbound.

5:25PM: By the time rock band Garbage took the stage, the air was thick with anticipation as the crowd continued to pile in. Kicking off their set with 2025 release “There’s No Future in Optimism” the electricity was immediate as the group reminded the crowd they still had their signature edge.

Gushing over her fellow artists, lead singer Shirley Manson took a moment to address the crowd: “We emerged in the ’90s, and of course, Eddie Vedder was king. And Eddie Vedder has remained king. Kelly is another one—the lead singer of Stereophonics was one of the few men to treat me well and I’ve never forgotten it.”

6:20PM: As the sun began to set, I noted concert-goers draping their towels over the barricade—a familiar act, albeit more reminiscent of a lazy day at the beach than this world-class music festival.

6:30PM: Making his way back to the stage, Vedder emerged to a thunderous cheer that set the tone for the night.

“When this idea first came upon us—doing a festival on the beach, and building a stage and having music and surf closer than we’ve ever seen before—this is one of the groups we thought of first. And being close friends of mine, I thought ‘well, they’ll do it!’ But still, it took nine years. Take great care of my friends, Kings of Leon!”

Commanding the coast with their signature sound, the American rock band poured every ounce of passion into an hour-and-a-half set spanning both hits and deep cuts. Ending

8:40PM: “Isn’t that the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s drummer?” I hear a younger fan behind me strain to get a peek of Chad Smith who has taken a seat behind his drum set. Joined on stage by an all-star backing band including Andrew Watt and Glen Hansard, the history and iconic range was palpable for Eddie Vedder and the Earthlings headline performance.

Playing an epic 21-song set, fans were treated to covers, solos, witty banter, and moments that reminded everyone why Ohana isn’t just a name. Across generations, the festival brought artists and attendees together, celebrating music, camaraderie, and the unshakable sense of belonging that defines this weekend.

Ending the night with Neil Young cover “Rockin’ in the Free World,” Vedder and company sent the crowd into a euphoric singalong, with the closing note feeling less like an ending and more like the ignition of a weekend-long celebration.

As the buzzing crowd made their way home (many planning an early Saturday surf before returning to the festival in the afternoon) the anticipation for two more days of sun-soaked music was evident—Ohana had only just begun.

KIM DEAL