In a world before influencers … there were hipsters. And if there’s one thing hipsters know how to do, it’s come-of-age. On a balmy weekend in Pasadena, Calif., Just Like Heaven is doing just that. Now celebrating its 5th birthday, this dreamy single-day affair has matured into what can best be described as Coachella’s nostalgic baby cousin. Sprawled across Brookside Golf Club, the lush lawn adjacent to Rose Bowl Stadium, JLH’s bread-and-vegan-butter is indie bangers of the late 2000s. The benefit of having just two performance spaces at this smaller, newer festival is not having to travel far to catch huge acts like Death Cab for Cutie, Passion Pit, Two Door Cinema Club and The War on Drugs. With a general admission ticket, concertgoers can mosey across the grass for their must-see bands either at the main stage, Orion, or the Stardust stage. If you’re unsure where to start, festival promoter Goldenvoice (which also produces Coachella) has made the event’s official playlist so you can plan your sets in what they call their “Pasadena Paradise.”
While the Just Like Heaven website drips with creamsicle clouds and puffy pink bubbles (plus the event’s unofficial mascots, a team of sexy chrome robo-aliens), the real-life event leans more tropical. Flop down on the putting green for a picnic from local food vendors under the palms – last year’s offerings included a doughnut truck, bento boxes and vegan burgers. As for programming this year, don’t just expect a typical day of blue skies and indie throwbacks: there’s also a genuinely special guest. Just Like Heaven is one of the firsts to welcome back Gossip, the dance-punk group who, on March 22, released their first record after an eleven-year hiatus. And when it’s all over at 11:00 p.m. sharp, if you’re still feeling nostalgic, you can still post your Polaroids from the night on Tumblr.
The Specs
- Over 30,000 people are expected to attend.
- Tickets: GA starts at $159 + fees, with VIP and Clubhouse tiers starting at $369 and $659 respectively + fees.
- Need recs for the rest of your West Coast weekend? Look no further than Fifty Grande’s California guides.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to Just Like Heaven?
The biggie option is always gonna be LAX, though it’ll be almost 30 miles from Pasadena. For a shorter commute to Just Like Heaven, fly into Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), but expect to shell out more on flights.
Where is Just Like Heaven happening?
Brookside Golf Course at The Rose Bowl. For navigation, type 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103 into your GPS app. If you opt for rideshare, there’s a designated dropoff point at Lot H.
Can I bring kids?
All ages are welcome at Just Like Heaven.
I’m driving, where should I park?
GA parking passes are available for purchase ahead of time, or for $10 on the day (by credit card only). From there, you’ll take a free shuttle to the venue.
Which artists are on the Just Like Heaven lineup?
The Postal Service, Phoenix, Death Cab for Cutie, The War on Drugs, Miike Snow, Passion Pit, Alvvays, Two Door Cinema Club, Phantogram, Metric, Tegan and Sara, Washed Out, Broken Social Scene, Sleigh Bells, Warpaint, CSS, Be Your Own Pet, The Go! Team, Them Jeans, Chris Cruse, Gossip and A Club Called Rhonda.
Poster
