High Sierra Music Festival

When: June 29-July 2, 2023

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in the rustic town of Quincy, this camping-centric festival showcases an eclectic mix ranging from jam bands to bluegrass to funk and rock. The 2023 lineup includes Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Marcus King, Cory Wong, S.G. Goodman, Thievery Corporation, Sierra Hull, The Infamous Stringdusters, Katie Pruitt and more. With its laid-back atmosphere, family-friendly camping options and scenic location, High Sierra Music Festival provides an ideal setting to enjoy live performances from both established and emerging artists. The festival’s commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness further adds to its appeal.

Find it: High Sierra Music Festival, Plumas-Sierra Fairgrounds, 204 Fairground Road, Quincy, CA 95971

Northern Nights Music Festival 

When: July 14-16, 2023

If San Francisco’s Portola Music Festival is your happy place, you’ve got to check out Northern Nights. This decade-old EDM festival, nestled behind the Redwood Curtain in the fertile crescent of the Emerald Triangle, sets itself apart for how it embraces cannabis. In 2019, Northern Nights became the first music festival to have legal on-site cannabis sales and consumption. This has continued into its 10th anniversary celebration in 2023, in addition to yoga, art and wellness activities.

In terms of performers, Big Gigantic, G Jones, Mura Masa, Tokimonsta, Dr. Fresch, Bipolar Sunshine and more will be taking over seven stages during this year’s festival. What really sets this festival apart is its location at Cooks Valley Campground, the largest redwood grove campground in the world and set on the picturesque Eel River. You can even float in its lazy waters while taking in the music from one of the riverfront stages.

Find it: Northern Nights Music Festival, Cooks Valley Campground, 83950 RD 442 East, Piercy, CA 95587

Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival

When: July 22-23, 2023

Set against the serene beauty of Lake Tahoe’s luxurious Palisades Tahoe ski resort, this festival celebrates the laid-back rhythms and positive vibes of reggae. Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival brings together renowned reggae and dub artists and is typically a sold-out experience every year. Grammy nominees Rebelution, as well as Stick Figure, Tribal Seeds and Pepper top the lineup in 2023, while the breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and proximity to the lake act as the festival’s other headliners.

Find it: Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival, Palisades Tahoe, 1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, CA 96146; 800-403-0206

Blue Note Jazz Festival

When: July 28-30, 2023

In celebration of jazz and its influence on hip-hop, Blue Note Jazz Festival brings some of the biggest names in music — Mary J. Blige, Nas and Chance the Rapper are the 2023 headliners — to Napa’s Wine Country, setting an intimate vibe for a major showcase. Three stages and more than 40 artists will take over the luxurious Silverado Resort for a weekend of jazz, funk, hip-hop, R&B and soul against the backdrop of its vineyards. This year, Dave Chappelle will host the three-day extravaganza, promising to add an unpredictable edge to the event.

Find it: Blue Note Jazz Festival, Silverado Resort, 1600 Atlas Peak Road, Napa, CA 94558

Holo Holo Music Festival

When: September 9-10, 2023

Holo Holo brings a little bit of Hawaii to Sacramento, showcasing the vibrant sounds of Polynesian music, hula dancing and island-inspired performances. A year after the festival debuted at Stanford, the 2023 lineup includes Oahu-based Kolohe Kai, Grammy-nominated reggae outfit Common Kings, Grammy winners Steel Pulse, J Boog and more for two days of island vibes in Northern California.

Find it: Holo Holo Music Festival, Sutter Health Park, 400 Ballpark Dr., West Sacramento, CA 95691

WinterWonderGrass

When: April 5-7, 2024

Since 2013, winter sports enthusiasts and music lovers have come together at the base of Tahoe’s snow-capped mountains for this celebration of bluegrass, folk and Americana music. It’s an idyllic apres ski event, as 25 bands take over four stages and more than a dozen breweries pour the best stuff over the course of three days at Palisades Tahoe. The most recent lineup boasted Trampled by Turtles, Greensky Bluegrass and Marcus King, among others. The WinterWonderGrass Festival strives to create a feeling of community, where people come together to celebrate music and the beauty of the fading winter season.

Find it: WinterWonderGrass, Palisades Tahoe, 1960 Olympic Valley Road, Olympic Valley, CA 96146

Bottlerock

When: May 24-26, 2024

Bottlerock, which jumps off in the heart of Napa Valley, has emerged as one of the most eclectic music festivals in Northern California. Boasting a lineup of rock, pop, hip-hop and alternative artists, Bottlerock offers a diverse experience that even extends beyond music. Festivalgoers can indulge in culinary delights prepared by renowned chefs, sample local wines and explore interactive art installations. With its combination of world-class music and luxurious amenities, Bottlerock is a must-visit, especially for people who love wine as much as they do music. The 2023 lineup featured chart-topping stars like Lizzo, Post Malone, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Lil Nas X, satisfying music fans across genres and generations.

Find it: Bottlerock, Napa Valley Expo, 575 3rd St., Napa, CA 94559

This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at [email protected].