In the words of Dylan, “You can have your cake and eat it too.” That’s the vibe of Luna del Lago, a new musically-diverse festival held at Pleasant Harbor, a marina, camping resort and event space on the shores of Lake Pleasant, Arizona. The festival purports to have it all: it’s next to nature, but not too far from Phoenix’s urban sprawl, brings in everything from spunky newgrass to hard rock, mixes and matches local acts with national headliners. It’s tent and RV camping-friendly, but close enough to the city for an easy day trip.
“This is 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix. It’s essentially no different than going to a Cardinals game in Glendale. You can drive home after the event and sleep in your own bed,” said organizer Brannon Kleinlein, who has helmed another Arizona favorite, the Apache Lake Music Festival. “With [Apache], so far away and a tougher drive, you were kind of committed to camping if you went out there.”
Headlining this inaugural year are two multiplayer ensembles from San Francisco: the Monophonics, a big ol’ funkadelic soul band, and The Brothers Comatose, a five-piece string rodeo who rock out on grungy newgrass and Americana folk. Ballyhoo!, the reggae rock jam band from Maryland, will also perform, as well as local AZ favorite, chameleon-rock group Spafford. You can also expect music fest staples like food trucks, hippie-adjacent vendors and beer gardens.
Pleasant Harbor also has water ski, boat, and paddleboard rentals for pre- or post-festival vibing on the lake. Don’t forget sunscreen.
The Specs
- It’s a new festival, so who knows who’ll show. But Pleasant Harbor can hold up to 5000 waterlogged music lovers.
- 3-day GA passes are $149, 3-day VIP passes (which include private seating areas and a bar) are $275. Single day passes start at $55. Kids 10 and under are free.
- Camping not your jam? Check out Phoenix’s Found:RE Hotel and sleep amidst art galleries and desert design. And here’s our guide to Arizona.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to the Luna del Lago Festival?
Fly into the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, then rent a car to get to the Pleasant Harbor Marina and RV Resort (44 miles, 40 minutes northwest).
What’s the deal with camping?
RV, car, and tent camping are all offered on-site and close by, but must be purchased separately from admission passes. Check out Pleasant Harbor’s options here, and offsite options at Lake Pleasant Regional Park here.
If you’re staying on-site at Pleasant Harbor, Make sure to choose a site close to Ramada 11-14, where the music will be held.
Which artists are on the Luna del Lago Festival lineup?
Monophonics, The Black Moods, Vandoliers, Emily Wolfe, Wyves, The Deadbeat Cousins, Fayuca, Ballyhoo!, Black Joe Lewis, Aris Roots, Banana Gun, Kyle Smith, Groovesession, Bear Ghost, Sydney Sprague, Las Calakas, Spafford, The Brothers Comatose, The Higgs, Sensi Trails (with Kyle Rising), Kush County, Las Chollas Peligrosas.
2023 Poster
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