Joshua Tree Music Festival may be a multi-day affair in the Southern California desert, but this is no Coachella. This festival is more suited to those who want to escape — to those who want to dance all day, but also participate in tea ceremonies and camp out under the stars.
Joshua Tree Music Festival returns to the Mojave Desert each year for a spring and fall run. From May 18 to 21, New Orleans jazz-funk band Galactic will headline alongside vocalist Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, with extra support from incendiary rockers The Last Internationale and electronic instrumentalist Balkan Bump. The music will also move beyond the States and into international territory with Dutch-New Zealand band My Baby and Tuareg group Tamikrest.
While there will be plenty of movement on the dance floor, the gentle motions of yoga and Qi Gong flourish in the Om Zone. Mindfulness is encouraged in many of Joshua Tree Music Festival’s activities, from cacao journeys at the Astro Mojo Dojo to the display of queer and trans art at the Queer Salon. With activities ranging from face painting to magic shows, Kidsville has plenty to entertain the younger crowd. Kids are not only tolerated — the festival encourages you to bring them along.
To get the full festival experience, most attendees choose to camp among the natural beauty of Joshua Tree National Park. Away from the light pollution of Los Angeles, the stars sprinkle the night sky like glow in the dark confetti over the cactus-strewn desert, making for a much-needed getaway.
The Specs
- Less than 4,000 people are expected to be at the festival each day
- 4 day festival passess start at $295, with reduced prices available for kids and teens. Single day tickets are also available for varying prices. Find the full breakdown here.
- Camping is automatically included with the festival wristband, and spots are filled on a first come, first served basis.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s Guide to Joshua Tree.
FAQs
What is the best way to get to the festival? Attendees can drive to the festival and park in the available lot. People are encouraged to carpool using RickyRides.
Is the festival accessible to people with disabilities? Yes, the festival has reserved accessible parking spaces, and accessible camping can be arranged by email [email protected].
Can I bring alcohol onto the festival grounds? Yes, but only if it is packaged in plastic and is a reasonable amount for personal consumption. Kegs will be confiscated.
