Whether you’re catching indie bands at Happy Sundays and Echo Park Rising or dancing all day at HARD Summer and Rhyme Fest, trust these curated picks selected by real human music bloggers, not an AI preview of generic and/or outdated garbage without a soul. Los Angeles turns up the volume each summer with an eclectic mix of music festivals that span genres, neighborhoods, and vibes. To help you plan the perfect festival season, the Grimy Goods music bloggers have handpicked the best summer music festivals happening across the city and nearby. From the return of the legendary Vans Warped Tour and local favorite Happy Sundays, this guide features the best music festivals in Los Angeles and why we love them.
Rhyme Fest, August 16
With Rhyme Fest coming for one day on August 16 at The Torch at the LA Memorial Coliseum, it single-handedly proves that old school hip-hop never left. This year’s lineup is fire featuring Xzibit with a live band, Dilated Peoples, The Alchemist, Dead Prez, VISIONARIES, Tha Alkaholiks, DJ Qbert, J. Rocc, C-Minus, to name a few. There’s a lot to look forward to at Rhyme Fest (especially for 90s hip hop lovers).
Why We Love Rhyme Fest
There’s no denying that festivals that cater to current hip-hop artists and rappers know how to put on a show. But it’s equally important that festivals such as Rhyme Fest remain in rotation, especially in a hip-hop scene as influential as Southern California. Since starting in 2013, they have consistently put iconic hip-hop at the forefront, giving them their flowers for their timeless music to take center stage.
