Have you been struggling to return to the office this week? Catching yourself daydreaming about dancing under the sun while taking in the savory smell of Island Noodles? You might be experiencing symptoms of the Post-Chella Blues. Now that Coachella 2025 has finally wrapped another epic year, the urge to bask in that sun-soaked bliss hasn’t gone anywhere.
But where might the intrepid raver search for the enchanting melodies that will complete this summer’s soundtrack? Fear not, for Electric Hawk is here with a rundown of this summer’s hottest Cali festivals.
Starbase Music Festival (April 25-26)
No need to wait until the summer solstice for SoCal’s newest festival addition, Starbase Music Festival. Only a short drive from Los Angeles, the camping festival hosted by Slander boasts a bass-heavy lineup along lakeside views. The festival hosts will be performing in 5 sets throughout the weekend, including B2Bs with NGHTMRE and Dimension, as well as two sets under their techno alias Before Dawn. Playing music until sunset across 3 unique stages (with no set conflicts), this festival serves as the perfect chaser to Coachella.
Lightning In A Bottle (May 21-25)
Coachella regulars may already recognize The Do LaB for bringing a talented array of underground electronic artists to the spotlight over the years. Outside of their acclaimed Coachella stage, The Do LaB has hosted Lighting In A Bottle for over 20 years, building a dedicated community of loyal attendees. Along with festival headliners John Summit and Khruangbin, this year’s Lightning In A Bottle lineup once again highlights the festival’s dedication to the underground electronic scene. Be sure to stop by their bass-heavy stage, The Stacks, to catch sets from trailblazing artists like Phrva, Mantra Sounds, and Zen Selekta.
Dirtybird Campout x Northern Nights (July 18-20)
Perhaps you’re already familiar with this cannabis-friendly festival tucked away among the redwood trees of Northern California. But, for the first time in the festival’s history, Northern Nights is joining forces with Dirtybird Campout to host this unique experience. So get ready to join the morning stretch sessions, take a nap in one of the hammock lounges, or take a sip from an infused cocktail as you float down one of two river stages.
This year’s lineup brings Dirtybird champions Justin Martin, Walker & Royce, and VNSSA to the stage along with electronic heavyweights Zeds Dead and Levity. But don’t sleep on the undercard – with rising artists like Beat Kitty and Nikita, the Wicked, along with so many others, there’s no shortage of underground powerhouses.
Outside Lands (August 8-10)
If you’re looking for an eclectic mix of electronic DJs and radio hitmakers, look no further than Outside Lands. With a stacked lineup including superstars like Tyler, The Creator, Hozier and Doja Cat to renowned disk jockeys such as BLOND:ISH and Claude VonStroke, it is the perfect festival for pop-lovers and house-heads alike.
Same Same But Different (September 26-28)
Known for being an immersive combination of music, arts and side quests, Same Same But Different returns to Lake Perris for its seventh anniversary this September. From late night pop-ups to meditation & yoga, this intimate 3 day affair combines beachside fun with innovative sounds in a vibrant atmosphere curated to foster wellness and creativity.
This year’s lineup has yet to be announced, but if previous lineups are any hint then we can expect big things from this small festival. Last year’s edition included headliners like Ganja White Night, LSDREAM and Big Gigantic. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for a lineup announcement in the near future!
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