The end of summer doesn’t mean less to do. The kids going back to school means more time for adult fun! San Diego’s fantastic weather means there are outdoor activities year-round. One of my favorite fall events is the KAABOO Del Mar Music festival, and today I’m going to give you the inside scoop.
What is KAABOO?
KAABOO is a music and art festival for adults held at the Del Mar Racetrack in mid-September from Friday, September 13 to Sunday, September 15. An all-around artistic experience, not only does it have an amazing music line-up, it also features galleries of art and great food.
Who’s Playing?
KAABOO has an amazing music lineup with artists featuring a wide range of music! From rock bands like Kings of Leon, Dave Matthews Band, Mumford & Sons, and OneRepublic, to hip-hop artists such as Snoop Dogg and Wu-Tang Clan, to even new-wave bands like Duran Duran and pop artists like Colbie Caillat, KAABOO has music for every music lover.
There’s also a comedy club featuring nationally renowned comedians such as Pete Holmes (from TV show Crashing) and Jimmy O. Yang (Silicon Valley, Crazy Rich Asians).
Check out their full lineup online here.
What is There To Do?
With a full lineup, there’s plenty of music to listen to. But if music isn’t your jam, then there’s also a comedy club for some laughs. They also have a lineup of mural and installation artists, as well as galleries full of exhibiting artists. It’s really an all-around artistic experience.
Part of the fun of festivals is eating and drinking, and KAABOO doesn’t disappoint with PALATE, dedicated to chefs making gourmet delicacies paired with great drink. And, since this is a place for adults to escape the grind of everyday life, there’s also a spa! It’s great to get to relax with a massage or try out new treatments like IV nutrient therapy. And, it wouldn’t be a San Diego getaway if you didn’t have a chance to enjoy a pool. KAABOO also has a Vegas-style pool club in partnership with MGM Resorts called BASK, where you can party in the ever-sunny San Diego weather.
Getting There and Parking
Located at the Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds, KAABOO is easy to get to from all around San Diego county. There are lots of ways to get to KAABOO using public transportation, their shuttle service, or driving.
If you’re coming from further away, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner stops at the Solana Beach station and a shuttle bus will take you straight to the main gates. If you’re already in the area, the NCTD or the MTS bus are running on their regular schedule as well.
Otherwise KAABOO has a shuttle service running from Oceanside, San Diego, and San Marcos that’ll get you right by the main entrance. It’s a great way to get to the festival without having to worry about the stress of parking.
Finally, there’s on-site parking available during the day at the racetrack and fairgrounds. Since you can purchase the parking in advance, it’s a way to guarantee yourself a parking spot so you’ll have your car near you all day.
Staying Nearby
One of the fun parts of going to a festival is getting to take a mini-vacation and not have to worry about the house. KAABOO has several hotel options that offer discount rates, such as the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Check out all of their hotel options on their site here.
Buy Tickets
If you’re interested in going to KAABOO, you can get your tickets online right now from their website. They have weekend passes as well as day passes starting from $129.00. What are some of your favorite festivals? Leave me a comment below
