San Diego's NEW Wonderfront Festival 2019

For years, the biggest music festival in San Diego was Kaboo, held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, until Wonderfront Festival came along.

Wonderfront is a 3 day premier music extravaganza, taking place along the ENTIRE waterfront of Downtown San Diego, stretching from the Hilton Bayfront Hotel up to the Broadway Pier. It was so super huge, that we were only able to hit 5 stages that were located on or close to the Embarcadero North and surrounding areas. However, even with those stages, it was a phenomenal time, and we would surely do it again in a heartbeat. 

What did we love about this festival? Awesome bands, side by side stages (in some cases), a positive atmosphere, dope 'gram photo spots, many pop up stages, and beautiful setting. Not to mention great security that didn't make you feel as if you were a criminal (unlike other fests we have encountered), with in-and-out privileges (also unlike other fests). 

Going into this festival, we weren't sure what to expect. It was the first year for this fest, which could have been filled with issues, but it wasn't. In fact, we found ourselves walking through, experiencing the ambiance, and realizing that it was the first fest in a long time that made us really proud of San Diego. This could really be THE premier festival that it strives to be, if they don't change what we love about it, and keep improving as they go.

Hands-down, the standout performance of this festival was Michael Franti & Spearhead. With the positive lyrics, the intro video (a letter to his son), crowd engaging stage performance, and dance party in the GA pit, this was everything we could have wanted in a performance and more. We felt as though we were becoming better people just by being in the audience, and left ready to help change the world. 

Another unforgettable performance was that of Guitar Legends 3. This all-star packed lineup included Billy Gibbons, Charlie Starr, Ellis Hall, George Thorogood, Martin Guigui, Nancy Wilson, Steve Lukather, and Warren Haynes, to name a few. For anyone who loves great guitar rock, this was a performance not to be missed, and an honor to be present for.

Check out our photo gallery below, and keep an eye out for announcements for the next Wonderfront Festival. You're surely not going to want to miss it!

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019

Pepper on the Uncle Ed's D*mn Good Vodka Stage at Embarcadero North:

Michael Franti & Spearhead on the Uncle Ed's D*mn Good Vodka Stage at Embarcadero North:

Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals on the Uncle Ed's D*mn Good Vodka Stage at Embarcadero North:

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2019

Common Kings on the Uncle Ed's D*mn Good Vodka Stage at Embarcadero North:

The Vandals on the SDG&E "It's On" San Diego 250 Stage at Ruocco Park:

Slightly Stoopid on the Uncle Ed's D*mn Good Vodka Stage at Embarcadero North:

Pennywise on Saturday, November 23, 2019, on the SDG&E "It's On" San Diego 250 Stage at Ruocco Park:

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2019

Tribal Seeds on the Uncle Ed's D*mn Good Vodka Stage at Embarcadero North:

WALK THE MOON on the Uncle Ed's D*mn Good Vodka Stage at Embarcadero North:

Busta Rhymes on the C3Bank Stage at Embarcadero North:

Suicidal Tendencies on the SDG&E "It's On" San Diego 250 Stage at Ruocco Park:

Guitar Legends 3 on the Uncle Ed's D*mn Good Vodka Stage at Embarcadero North:

All photos taken by Sue Shaw, CEO/Photographer, Sun Drenched Vibes, LLC.