The 5th Annual San Diego Bayfest will be taking place on Saturday, July 20th, 2024 at the scenic Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego. With doors opening at 12pm, fans will be met with high energy musical performances accompanied by local food vendors, as well as bartenders pouring an assortment of Craft Beers & Cocktails.
With no overlapping sets, all of the days performances will be taking place on one stage with some of San Diego's finest DJ's playing between sets. Tickets for Bayfest go on sale Friday, April 26th at 10am. General Admission is $70, Limited VIP Passes will be available for $294 and very limited “Extreme VIP Tickets” can be purchased for $2,994.00. Purchased tickets here:
Sublime - Sublime, the Long Beach, CA, reggae-punk/alternative rock trio, was founded in 1988 by Eric Wilson, Bud Gaugh and Bradley Nowell. On May 25, 1996, however, lead vocalist and guitarist Nowell tragically passed away and the band collapsed, but the eponymous SUBLIME was still slated for a July 1996 release. On the strength of the chart-topping alternative radio hit “What I Got,” the album was certified gold by the end of 1996. Sublime has gone on to sell over 18 million RIAA certified albums in the US, and their genre-defining music and their cultural influence is stronger today than ever before. In late 2023, Bradley Nowell’s son Jakob Nowell joined original Sublime members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson on stage for the first time to perform at a benefit concert for Bad Brains’ H.R. With an undeniable musical synergy between Nowell, Gaugh and Wilson, and overwhelming reaction and support from fans across the world, the trio decided to move forward and continue the Sublime legacy, starting a new chapter of the band with Jakob Nowell as front man.
Atmosphere - In their 25-plus years as a duo, Atmosphere’s rapper Slug and producer Ant have built a legacy that is embedded in the fabric of underground hip-hop. Rising in the ranks of Minneapolis, their debut album, Overcast! was released in 1997. Presented as a flurry of vignettes, and paired with an unending touring schedule, the album was a springboard from which the group was able to become a fixture in the midwest music scene. It wasn’t long before their songwriting evolved from telling inventive third-person tales to delivering introspective first-person eviscerations, and by the early 2000’s Slug would jokingly birth the phrase “emo rap” in an interview before publications began running with the genre tag to describe them and others.
In the decades since their debut, Atmosphere has maintained a course of rigorous output, releasing over two dozen studio albums, EP's and collaborative side projects in as many years. The venerated duo have built a legacy out of bringing honesty, humility and vulnerability to the forefront of their music. Slug has proven masterful at storytelling and writing compelling narratives, leaving a trail of his own influence while paying homage to the rappers and songwriters that helped shape him.
Goldfinger - Goldfinger formed in 1994 and has since been regarded as a contributor to the revitalization of ska music’s popularity in the mid-1990s before leading the charge on the 2000’s pop-punk movement. They were founded in California by John Feldmann on vocals and guitar, Simon Williams on bass, "Dangerous" Darrin Pfeiffer on drums, and Charlie Paulson on guitar. Their full length debut self-titled album “Goldfinger” was released in 1996 with their biggest single "Here in Your Bedroom" hit the California Ska/Punk scene and they have never looked back. Outside of their music, Goldfinger has always been active and outspoken about a variety of political and social issues, especially animal rights.
Barrington Levy - Barrington Levy born in Kingston, Jamaica, as a youngster in the 80’s arrived on the dancehall scene and swiftly remodeled it in his own image. Levy was one of the few with staying power, and he continued releasing massive hits well into the 90’s. Barrington Levy continues to tour extensively, selling out shows all over the world.
Makua Rothman - Makua was born on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. An accomplished professional big wave surfer and aspiring musician, Makua was crowned the 2015 Big Wave World Champion. Makua’s first win came at the age of 18-years-old where he won the 2002 Billabong XXL Award for riding a 66-foot wave at Jaws (the largest wave known to be surfed anywhere in the world that winter). This surfing champion is now pursuing another passion in music as an accomplished ukulele player and singer. He has been taught by the likes of legendary musicians such as Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, Ledward Kaapana and John Cruz. Makua is very passionate about being the ambassador of Aloha to the world through his music – playing to crowds around the globe. His music is a good-vibe, Hawaiian infused sound to get you smiling and enjoying your day no matter where you are!
Kyle Smith - Reggae rock singer-songwriter Kyle Smith, from Ventura, California, offers his blend of Southern California style reggae with Ska, Punk Rock, & Hip Hop that is catchy, truthful, and humorous. Kyle's roots come from years of his troubled youth and addiction while living in Long Beach, CA. His songs explain his life as a young addict with songs like “Dope Fiend” and “Jaded” all the while keeping an uplifting spirit and tempo. Kyle is a warrior, and a beacon of light whose goal in life is to give hope and spread positive vibes with his music. His talent is raw, natural, and unforced. Whether solo with his guitar, or backed with a band, Kyle stands tall and proud. With a flash of his smile he immediately warms up the room and invites you into his world.
DJs set provided by Sleeping Giant Music – You cannot have a conversation about the DJ scene in San Diego without talking about the city’s premier talent agency, Sleeping Giant Music. SGM booked the DJs who will keep the vibes alive during set changes.
We couldn’t be more proud of the bands, DJ’s, vendors alongside the County and City staff who have stepped up to stand with us as we roll out San Diego’s most anticipated event of 2024.
“I mean seriously, look at this bill. If it was a burrito, it wouldn’t need any hot sauce because it is FIRE!” - Mikey “Beats” Beltran, Bayfest Founding Partner
