Joshua Tree Music Festival may be a multi-day affair in the Southern California desert, but this is no Coachella. This festival is more suited to those who want to escape — to those who want to dance all day, but also participate in tea ceremonies and camp out under the stars.
Joshua Tree Music Festival returns to the Mojave Desert each year for a spring and fall run. You may not recognize names in the line-up yet, but the festival has a keen eye for artists who are about to make it big: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, the Avett Brothers, and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Bernie Worrell and Dick Dale have all graced JTMF’s intimate stages. This October, funk out with headliners Lettuce and euro-electronica trio Kerala Dust. You’ll also catch the Afro-Latin beats of Novalima–and listen for the synocapated Colombian instrumentation behind the charismatic lullabying of queer pop-rock queen Lido Pimienta.
While there will be plenty of movement on the dance floor, the gentle motions of yoga and Qi Gong fill up the Om Zone. Mindfulness is encouraged in many of Joshua Tree Music Festival’s activities, from cacao journeys at the Astro Mojo Dojo to the display of queer and trans art at the Queer Salon. With activities ranging from face painting to magic shows, Kidsville has plenty to entertain the younger crowd. Kids are not only tolerated — the festival encourages you to bring them along.
To get the full festival experience, most attendees choose to camp among the natural beauty of Joshua Tree National Park. Away from the light pollution of Los Angeles, the stars sprinkle the night sky like glow in the dark confetti over the cactus-strewn desert, making for a much-needed getaway.
The Specs
- Last year, around 3,000 people attended. (Pre-Covid numbers were closer to 4,000.)
- 4-Day Early Bird Passes are now on sale for $270. Single Day tickets will be available at a later date. Find the full breakdown here.
- Walk-in tent camping is automatically included with the festival wristband, and spots are filled on a first come, first served basis. Car & RV camping is available for purchase.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s Guide to Joshua Tree.
FAQs
How do I get to the Joshua Tree Music Festival?
Fly into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP about 50 miles), or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX about 150 miles). Attendees can drive to the festival and park in the available lot. People are encouraged to carpool using RickyRides.
Is the festival accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, the festival has reserved accessible parking spaces, and accessible camping can be arranged by email [email protected].
Can I bring alcohol onto the festival grounds?
Yes, but only if it is packaged in plastic and is a reasonable amount for personal consumption. Kegs will be confiscated.
Which artists are on the Joshua Tree Music Festival lineup?
Lettuce, Kerala Dust, Novalima, Lido Pimienta, Ron Artis II, High Step Society, LADAMA, Diggin Dirt, Al-Qasar, Q.Varo, Shabaz, DJ Dragonfly, NYChillharmonic, Nicky Genesis, Madalitso, Father Taj, Mak Nova, Mikey Reyes and The Feeling, Ding Dong, TV Broken 3rd Eye Open, Baila Nova, Apollo Bebop, Lisa Sanders & Brown Sugar, Las Tias, Wildlife Freeway, Son of the Velvet Rat, Rosa Pullman, Davis, Rags Rosenberg, Wrecka, Ian Winters, Sparkle & Swagger Drag Show.
