By Mikey Beats
Every year, when Mission Bayfest rolls around, I take a step back and look at what we’ve built, not just the stages, the lineup, or the logistics, but the feeling. The vibe. That thing you can’t quite put your finger on, but you know it when you’re standing in the grass at Mariner’s Point Park, surrounded by good people, great music, and the Mission Bay shining behind it all.
Bayfest didn’t come from a big agency or out-of-town investors. It came from three San Diego locals — myself, Dominic Coleman, and Joe Rinaldi — who grew up going to shows, throwing backyard parties, and wanting to bring something real to the city we love. We didn’t want to recreate Coachella or build some flashy scene. We just wanted something that felt like us.
And in 2025, that feeling is bigger than ever. With three days of music and an expected 45,000 people over the weekend of October 17-19, Bayfest will officially be the largest concert event Mission Bay has ever seen. That’s a big milestone but it’s not about breaking records. It’s about bringing people together, the way San Diego has always done best: laid-back, outdoors, and centered around live music.
The lineup this year is stacked with legends of American reggae and the California sound including Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, 311, Pepper, plus England’s own Steel Pulse, hip hop legend KRS-One, and over 30 more acts. These are the bands that helped shape a genre and provided the soundtrack to life in San Diego for decades. Most of their roots were grown right here in SoCal, just like ours.
But just as important as who’s on stage is where the stage is. Mariner’s Point Park is one of the most beautiful spots in San Diego. Surrounded by water, grassy, wide open, and just a few steps from the sand makes it the perfect musical locale. And with the addition of the new Ventura Cove stage this year, we’re expanding the experience in a really natural way. That stage is set under trees, surrounded by bay water, and it just adds another layer of connection to the setting. It’s not just a venue it’s part of the whole San Diego vibe.
We’ve also kept things rooted in the community, from the food and drinks to the local artisan marketplace. The tacos? Local. The cocktails? Made by real San Diego bartenders. The art, clothing, and gear? All created by makers from right here. Whether you’re kicking back in the VIP area or exploring the festival grounds, the details all reflect the place we’re proud to call home.
Mission Bayfest isn’t about hype. It’s about heart. It’s about celebrating San Diego culture, by San Diegans, in one of the most beautiful locations the city has to offer. And whether you’re a local or coming in from out of town, our goal is simple: to give you a weekend that feels real, relaxed, and unforgettable.
This is the music we grew up on. This is the city that raised us. And this festival, a love song to America’s Finest City, is our way of giving back to both.
Hope to see you out there.
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Mission Bayfest 2025 takes place October 17-19 at Mariner’s Point Park in Mission Bay. Get full festival info and tickets at: www.bayfestsd.com.
Mikey Beats, born and raised in San Diego, is a DJ, co-founder of Sleeping Giant Music, and the driving force behind Mission Bayfest/San Diego Bayfest.
