Bayfest 2025 Recap: Good Vibes, Great Music & A Pink Bear State of Mind
The Weather & The Setup
It doesn’t get more San Diego than this — sunshine by day, cool ocean breezes by night, and a sky full of stars over Mission Bay. Bayfest 2025 delivered perfect weather all weekend long.
The SMKFLWR main stage kept its familiar layout, with VIP to the left and GA to the right, while the Ventura Cove stage got a serious upgrade. Last year it was tucked awkwardly under the bridge (and let’s be real, the sound wasn’t great). This year’s expanded setup felt wide open and inclusive — no VIP vs. GA divide, just one big family vibing together.
Security was chill but professional — a nice balance. After last year’s reports of weed confiscations, this year was smooth sailing. People were a little hesitant to spark up at first on Friday, but once the air filled with that unmistakable aroma… the vibe rolled on all weekend long.
After sunset, though, it got dark — like, can’t-see-your-hand dark. A few extra path lights and some solar lights in the porta-potties would go a long way next year (trust us on that one).
The Vendor Village got a glow-up too, now positioned between the two stages, creating a steady flow of foot traffic and giving merchants plenty of love. And the new beachside lounge area — complete with a giant viewing screen, Adirondack chairs, chaise lounges, and umbrellas — was a total win. It was the perfect chill zone to recharge while still catching the tunes.
Food & Drinks
As always, the food and drink options were plentiful but pricey (festival standard). Pro tip for 2026: eat early. Lines got long by evening, and a few vendors sold out before the night wrapped.
The miss? The water refill station ran dry. With so many of us choosing hydration over booze these days, adding a second refill station next year feels like a no-brainer.
The Music
Friday kicked off with San Diego’s own Band of Gringos, followed by Arise Roots, Fortunate Youth, 311, and hometown heroes Slightly Stoopid — an epic opener lineup. Over at the small stage, Sierra Marin, Hirie, Boostive and Artikal Sound System brought the heat.
We wrapped the night at The Harp in Ocean Beach for the Artikal Sound System afterparty. Divina from Boostive warmed up the crowd with her amazing grooves. Miles joined Logan and the boys on stage, as he does — pure love, pure family, pure magic, pure OB.
Saturday was all about that small stage energy, where Kat Hall and our friend Aaron Wolf delivered killer sets. We made it back to the main stage for DENM, Steel Pulse, and Sublime with Jakob Nowell — an unforgettable run. Still kicking myself for skipping The Harp’s afterparty that night… turns out DENM showed up. Next time!
Sunday we went all in on the main stage. Doah’s Daydream, Vana Liya featuring Man of the Forests (Derek Waldmann), Aurorawave, The Hip Abduction, The Elovaters, Pepper, and Rebelution — an unreal lineup from start to finish.
We had two highlight moments on Sunday. Our first highlight moment came midday when Johnny Blaze and his girlfriend Erica joined us for lunch. We chatted for awhile, signed our snapback, and said hope to see you at the afterparty at The Harp (we still needed tix).
Our second highlight came while we were waiting for tix in line at The Harp, we got to chatting with Bowen Bramwell who showed us some of his amazing artwork and gave us this awesome pin (thank you Bo!) – so dope! Bo has created works for Sublime, Stoopid, Bumpin Uglies and many others – simply amazing, check him out.
Hours later — we got in! Secured our spot on the rail for Tunnel Vision, and when The Elovaters came on, Erica spotted me, high-fived me, and Johnny came over to shake our hands in congratulations. Unreal.
Until Next Time
Massive love to Mikey Beats and the entire Bayfest crew for pulling off another unforgettable year. The energy, the organization, the community — it all came together seamlessly.
Huge gracias to The Harp for hosting the afterparties — you’re an essential part of OB San Diego and the Bayfest magic.
Shout out to our friend Steve Nass at Calitrippin Photography for taking and sharing some really cool photos of Bayfest. Check out his work online, amazing. Thanks Steve!
When it takes a week to recover from your weekend, you know it was one for the books.
Shifting Into the Winter Groove
As festival season winds down and the ocean breeze starts to feel a little cooler, we’re shifting gears into cozy layers, vintage vibes, and all things warm and fuzzy. Whether you’re heading to a winter show, a ski-town festival, or just keeping the reggae spirit alive at home, Pink Bears Closet has your winter style covered.
Stay tuned next week for our Winter Vibes Edit, featuring festival-friendly winter looks and boho-chic home finds perfect for the mellow months ahead.
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See you in the sunshine, on the rail, or dancing barefoot in the sand — until next time, keep your heart open and your vibes high.
-Pink Bear
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