Del Mar’s KAABOO Festival to Fuse Some of the Biggest Names in Music With Comedy, Visual and Culinary Artists

Southern California is quickly becoming mecca for music festivals, and KAABOO in San Diego stands out as one of the best. This year’s event, at the Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds, will take place from September, 16-18 and is set to feature headliners like AerosmithFall Out BoyLenny Kravitz, Jack Johnson, The Avett Brothers, Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band and Hall & Oates. EDM will also rear its ever-expanding head with icons like Steve Aoki alongside newcomers The Chainsmokers and Matoma The bill goes on and on with acts like DJ Snoopadelic (Snoop Dogg’s DJ set), Cypress Hill, Ludacris, Goo Goo Dolls, Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, Sugar Ray, Chris Issak, Macy Gray and The Shelters. A little old, a little new and a whole lot of eclecticism.

KAABOO markets itself as an event free of such traditional festival woes as port-a-potties, tired feet and sweaty camping. Instead, KAABOO provides attendees with flushable toilets, plenty of shade and seating, an indoor spa, boutique shops, even a sandy pool area offering private cabanas with stage views. While the live performances shut down at 10 p.m., organizers have you covered with Encore, an afterhours dance party with a club vibe. Comedy will also play a major role this year, with SNL vets Dana Carvey and Darrell Hammond, the cast of HBO’s Silicon Valley and Comedy Central’s roast masters Jeff Ross and Natasha Leggero.

The festival is saying goodbye to your standard food stalls and substituting them for some of the best local restaurants and chefs showcasing their best dishes. Palate, as they’ve deemed it, will feature two-star Michelin chef Josiah Citrin, Top Chef All-Stars winner Richard Blais and SoCal restaurateur Brian Malarky among many others. Also on the menu will be samplings of small batch craft tequila, bourbon, gin, vodka and every other spirit imaginable. There will also be a chef’s competition where budding culinary artists will vie for the affection of diners with mind-blowingly creative dishes.

Artwork will of course play a role as well in the pop-up city that is KAABOO. Local galleries will be exhibiting their specially curated work, as well as artists themselves getting the chance to showcase their out pieces. All this alongside live art demonstrations by mural and sculpture artists like Askew, Caratoes and Jason Botkin. You’ll even have a chance to take some art home with you at the massive art marketplace.

KAABOO puts forth their best effort in providing festival goers with a memorable event, and San Diego is, without a doubt, an ideal setting. It’s a match made in sunny, Southern California heaven. While in town, you’ll likely want to spend your off time in stunning downtown San Diego. Here you’ll find the not only a gorgeous cityscape and damn near perfect beaches, but also world-class restaurants, bars and hotels. Allow Entertainment Voice to guide your way.

Eat
Herb & Wood has really chosen the perfect name for their downtown eatery as their menu is rife with oh-so-enticing rustic plates. Try the pork country style pate or go big and indulge in the dry aged rib eye. One Door North in the city’s North Park neighborhood, is a modern, design friendly take on, shall we say, indoor camping. The walls are lined with life sized photos of trees, tent canvas and camping style dining amenities. Their menu is country style, albeit very contemporary with entrees like campfire trout with chimichurri and coriander coleslaw. To find the city’s first restaurant, brewery and winery all in one look no further than The Cork & Craft. Located just outside the city in Rancho Bernardo, The Cork & Craft invites guests to sample their in-house brews and vinos alongside a first class dining experience.

Drink
If you’re not looking to travel far from the festival to get a glass of the regions finest wine, try Del Mar’s own Tasting Room. They not only feature a menu of fine wines but also a beer lineup that leaves nothing to be desired. North Park’s Polite Provision is a throwback to the historical medicine era, where tonics and elixirs reigned supreme. Their menu is absolutely stacked with amazing hand crafted cocktails like the Spice Hunter featuring tequila, lime, pineapple, cinnamon and habanero bitters; a concoction sure to cure what ails you. Kindred in the South Park neighborhood is an offbeat vegan joint that doesn’t skimp on the rad-ness. Stop by this eclectic bar for a Rosé, grapefruit and cucumber aperitif, or perhaps you’re in the mood for beer cocktail served in a take-home Kindred tiki mug.

Stay
San Diego boasts has some fine hotels, and Urban Boutique Hotel in Little Italy is a premiere destination. With a European inspired design, this downtown hostelry combines the best of old world sensibilities and modern amenities. Andaz in the city’s historic, lively Gaslamp District is a true gem. Contemporary, chic and featuring a stunning rooftop pool and lounge, Andaz is a great place to recharge after a long day of festivities. Also in the Gaslamp, and also with an amazing rooftop lounge, is Hotel Indigo. This environmentally friendly hotel is even pet friendly, if your furry friend is into great hotels, that is.

KAABOO will take place from Sept., 16-18 at Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds in San Diego. Tickets can be found here.