By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–The beloved North Park Music Fest returns to San Diego on June 7 with a new, decentralized format that transforms the vibrant neighborhood of North Park into a walkable, multi-venue experience, reflecting the community’s indie spirit and long-standing support for the arts.
The fourth annual celebration will include fence-free stages for over 40 performances throughout the day. From noon to 10 p.m., music lovers can enjoy intimate sets in iconic neighborhood spots such as Queen Bee’s, U31, The Office Bar, Seven Grand, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Pretzels & Pints, and Art Produce Garden—with additional venues still to be announced.
The lineup boasts an eclectic mix of national and local talent across a wide range of genres. Headliners include high-energy rockers The Schizophonics, punk legend John Doe, surf-punk outfit Strawberry Fuzz, hip-hop trailblazer Afrika Baby Bam of Jungle Brothers, and Portland’s rising rock band The Macks.
To help attendees navigate the sprawling festival, the Walkabout app is offering a custom digital navigator designed specifically for North Park Music Fest. The tool allows users to map performances, discover new venues, and track favorite acts in real-time.
General admission tickets are priced at $25 (plus fees) and include a wristband granting access to all participating venues. Guests must present valid ID for entry into 21-and-up locations.
Enhancing the festival’s artistic focus, this year’s event will also include More Than Music: The Creator Fair, a free, all-ages street fair co-curated by Verbatim Books and Visual Gallery and Visual Art Plus Supply.
Over 40 local zinesters, artists, small presses, and independent creators will showcase their work. A free outdoor community stage at The Pretzels will host live performances all day long.
“This new venue-driven format is about bringing music and art lovers together to enjoy neighborhood venues and our eclectic mix of businesses in a unique way,” said Jim Sakrison, North Park Main Street Board Member and one of the festival’s organizers. “It’s about rediscovering our neighborhood, supporting local business, and showcasing the incredible range of homegrown talent in a way that feels authentic, intimate, and uniquely North Park.”
The festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Ray Street and North Park Way. For updates, showtimes, and venue details, follow @northparkmusicfest on Instagram.
Parking is available at the North Park Garage at 3829 29th Street, which offers 350 spaces. The neighborhood is also accessible by MTS bus lines 2, 6, 7, and 10.
