By Sophie Spickard
Dana Point’s annual Ohana Festival returned in full force over the weekend of Sept. 26–28. Held at Doheny State Beach, the three-day event drew huge crowds, with up to 20,000 people attending each day to see more than 35 artists perform live. Tickets started at $198 for a single day and $530 for a three-day pass. Additionally, VIP admission started at $624 for a single day and $1,589 for the whole weekend, which offered lounges, premium viewing areas, and other perks. This year’s lineup spanned rock, folk, blues, and indie. Eddie Vedder headlined Friday, Hozier Saturday, and Green Day closed out Sunday. Other notable acts included Kings of Leon, Leon Bridges, and Cage the Elephant. Beyond the music, Ohana Fest featured the “Cove Gallery,” showcasing beach-themed art, and “Storytellers in the Cove,” where speakers focused on ocean conservation, environmental justice, and the arts. Senior Anna Fazzalaro, who attended both Saturday and Sunday, said, “I go every year—this was probably my fifth year going. This year was really good because Hozier has been one of my favorite artists since I was little.” Food was another standout. Hawaiian-inspired dishes and local vendors complemented the beach vibe. Fazzalaro said she “got the most amazing teriyaki chicken bowl with pineapple.” Junior Lily Gosney, attending for the first time to see Hozier, agreed the food was great, “especially the churros.” However, she added that “there was so much secondhand smoke, it was disgusting.” A portion of festival proceeds supported environmental causes, including the San Onofre Parks Foundation and other nonprofits. Despite long lines and heavy crowds, Ohana Fest 2025 once again delivered a memorable weekend of music, art, and beach-side community.
Photo By: Spin.com