Ohana Fest to Bring Eddie Vedder and Jack Johnson to SoCal’s Doheny State Beach

Jordan Bailey

The second annual Ohana Fest is gearing up for a fall weekend on the beach in Orange County. This two-stage boutique festival is as intimate and relaxing as they come. Sitting seaside at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, Ohana will feature three days (Sept. 8-10) of rock, pop and folk as the waves crash in the background.

For year number two, Ohana has recruited another stellar lineup of unique talent not often found in today’s festival scene. Punk legends and California natives Social Distortion will close out opening night. Lead singer Mike Ness stated earlier this year that he’s in the midst of writing the “record of (his) career.” Jack Johnson will take a break from his summer tour for a headlining set at Ohana. Johnson’s new album “All the Light Above It Too” is slated for release on Sept. 8, just two days before he takes the stage. Consider this his album release party. Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder nabbed a headlining slot as well. As one of the most prolific songwriters of all time, Vedder has a stacked catalogue of tunes to choose from, including from past performances with Jack Johnson himself.

Other acts will include the Pixies, TV on the Radio, The Orwells and younger brother of The Who’s guitarist Simon Townshend on Friday night. Preceding Vedder on Saturday will be folk singer Ray Lamontagne, Fiona Apple, Glen Hansard and The Frights. Haim, The Naked and Famous, Dr. Dog and Vérité will all lead up to Jack Johnson’s close-out set on Sunday. These, among many more acts throughout the weekend, are bound to light up the coastal extravaganza.

The best part is, as a ticket holder, your money will not only be giving you access to a weekend of concerts, but a portion of the overall proceeds from the festival will be donated to the San Onofre Parks Foundation and Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association in order to help preserve and protect the very park which Ohana calls home.

Craft beer, artisan food and signature cocktails, all from local restaurants and food trucks, will be amongst the lush grass of Doheny. For an even more relaxing weekend, check out their VIP packages, which include a private beach bar, Ohana merch and shaded hammocks and cabanas. To continue the comfort post-show, look into boutique hotels offered in nearby Laguna. Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa mixes historical seaside architecture with modern villa aesthetics and amenities. Their spa is something to behold with its private, outdoor soaking tubs overlooking the Pacific. 14 West is another boutique, but this time focusing on a more design-ridden local feel. Their “Live Like a Local” motto comes from their 14 studio-style rooms which are in walking distance to the many nearby beaches, allowing guests to avoid feeling like a tourist. If you’re looking for a closer stay, Blue Lantern Inn sits atop a bluff overlooking Dana Point itself. Described as a traditional seaside inn, this boutique is cozy, sophisticated and the perfect California beach retreat to accompany a weekend of music.

Ohana Fest will take place from Sept. 8-10 in Dana Point, Calif. Tickets can be purchased here.