Now in its 13th year, California Roots Music and Arts Festival is the biggest reggae festival in the country, bringing nearly 40,000 visitors to the Monterey County Fairgrounds over three days. Things you can expect: giant inflatable joints that may or not literally knock your hat off and small pre-rolls passed around between friends and strangers. Reggae red, green and yellow-gold on jackets, bags and signs amidst the rainbow tie-dyes in the crowd. Everyone’s favorite seven-pronged leaf printed on t-shirts or ground up in clear plastic bags. And reggae, of course, though you’ll get a blend of hip hop and rock, too, across the festival’s three stages.
Among the headliners at California Roots Music and Arts Festival, you’ll see the gamut of the genre, with reggae legends Ziggy Marley, Damian Marley and Stephen Marley; award-winning reggae-rock band Rebelution and a good dose of hip-hop with a collaboration between E-40 and Too Short and a set by west-coast hip hop rapper Ice Cube. You’ll also get your fill of island reggae, with Pepper’s self-titled “Kona Dub-Rock” music, American-Samoan reggae singer JBoog and roots-reggae band The Green from Hawai’i.
There’s bound to be a lot of weed in the air, but there are smoke-free safe zones if you need it, as well as organized activities for kids like crafts and painting. You’ll see a number of children of all ages — several returning patrons have brought their families multiple years in a row.
The Specs
- At least 40,000 people across three days.
- Single-day GA tickets start at $140, and VIP tickets are $780 (for 3 days). There are also group GA and VIP tickets available.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to California here.
FAQs
Where is California Roots Music and Arts Festival 2024 located?
Monterey County Fairgrounds. 2004 Fairgrounds Rd, Monterey, CA 93940
What is the closest airport to California Roots 2024?
Monterey Regional Airport is just a few minutes away from the venue (and about 10 minutes from the downtown area), while San José Mineta International Airport is a little over an hour away (70-75 miles).
Is California Roots 2024 ADA accessible?
Yes. ASL interpretation requests can be made at least 30 days in advance, and there’s a separate ADA entry lane.
Is California Roots 2024 family-friendly?
Yes—Kids under 10 can enter for free with their guardians, though if you have a VIP pass, you need to purchase one for any child above the age of 3.
Which artists are on the California Roots 2024 lineup?
Ziggy Marley, E-40 & Too Short, Damian ‘JR Gong’ Marley & Stephen Marley, Rebelution, Ice Cube, Burning Spear, J Boog, The Elovaters, Fortunate Youth, Xavier Rudd, Living Legends, Kabaka Pyramid, Tropidelic, Arise Roots, Tribal Seeds, The Expendables, Souls of Mischief, Rawayana, L.A.B, Claire Wright, The Eyed Kids, Pepper, Lupe Fiasco, Collie Buddz, The Green, Little Stranger, Artikal Sound System, Coyote Island and DMP.
Poster
