Cali Vibes 2025 in the LBC

Cali Vibes isn’t just another music festival—it’s a Long Beach staple. From its laid-back music and beach city atmosphere, Cali Vibes creates a space where music, culture, and community converge. Set against the backdrop of the breezy LBC, this festival blends laid- back vibes with a growing and deep sense of community, and creativity. More than  a weekend of music, Cali Vibes is a celebration of everything that makes the strong streets of Long Beach unique. 

This year marked a shift: from three days in February to two in June- but none of the magic was lost. Actually, this year it felt more focused, and more alive. Over the course of two days , reggae legends shared the stage with rising stars, emotional tributes that got the crowd in their feels, and the spirit of the city shone through every performance.Capping it all off, true reggae masters Steel Pulse closed out the show, delivering a powerful finale that reminded everyone why Cali Vibes continues to be a loved Summer  tradition.

Day 1 Highlights:

Emily Brimlow made her Cali Vibes debut on the Greens Stage, setting the tone with sunny, upbeat originals that helped push the June gloom away. Her vibe matched the morning perfectly and gave the day a bright start.

Chad Tepper opened the main stage for the first time—a major leap forward for the Orlando native who’s no stranger to the grind. Once homeless as a kid, Chad’s story is rooted in resilience. His sound blends influences from Michael Jackson and Rancid to Lil Peep and Sublime, making him a genre-fluid force to watch. He’s been a guest at past Cali Vibes with Matisyahu and Silverback Music artist  DENM but this time was different—it was his name on the lineup. He told me his dream is to one-day headline Cali Vibes—and with tracks like “California” and a new single dropping June 20th with The Expendables, that dream feels less like a fantasy and more like a future date on the calendar.

At the Vibes stage during our golden hour was the Dirty Heads. For the Huntington Beach crew, this was essentially a hometown show—and it felt like it. They ran through fan favorites, dropped a brand-new song, and brought out Rome Ramirez for a crowd-pleasing performance of “Lay Me Down.”

Other standout sets came from Artikal Sound System and Collie Buddz, who both lit up the crowd with their high-energy performances.

Closing out Day 1 was Stick Figure, joined of course by the beloved Cocoa the Tour Dog. The set felt like pure paradise, with smiles all around, and with a surprise guest appearance from TJ O’Neill. They wrapped the night with a fireworks-and-flames pyrotechnic show that felt as big and bright as the city itself.

And what’s a festival without food?

This year, I went with Dave’s Hot Chicken—and I’ve got no regrets. The hot sandwich and coleslaw combo hit just right. Safe to say, I’ll be making more stops there in the future.

 

Day 2 Highlights:

Silverback Artist Fortunate Youth brought nothing but good vibes to their Sunday afternoon set, turning the Greens Stage into a reggae-fueled family reunion. Their latest track, “Cali Vibes,” lived up to its name— elevating the crowd into a collective groove under the SoCal sun. As the haze rolled in and the energy climbed, the band turned it up another notch, bringing out Dread Kennedy and John Landry for a fiery version of “Riddim Rydah.” The crowd was all in—dancing, swaying, and soaking up every beat.

Next up: Pepper. Straight outta Kona Town and into the blazing afternoon, they brought the heat—literally and musically. Their set leaned hard into their punk-infused reggae roots, delivering gritty guitars, big hooks, and zero apologies. The energy was wild and raw, with the kind of edge that only Pepper can bring. Then came the moment: Miles Doughty of Slightly Stoopid hit the stage for a guest appearance, turning the set into one of those unforgettable, only-at-Cali-Vibes experiences that fans come back for year after year.

 

 

Hirie knew exactly what time it was—and so did the crowd.

Hirie perfectly timed the final notes of “I Love the Way You Roll” to land right at 4:20, sending the Greens Stage into a celebratory haze. Performing just months after giving birth, Hirie brought more than just music—she brought purpose. Taking a moment between songs, she addressed the ongoing ICE situation, using her platform to speak the truth and advocate for change. It was a powerful reminder that festivals can be about more than fun—they can also be about voice, visibility, and impact.

Just south of Long Beach, in Ocean Beach, Slightly Stoopid has been carrying the torch of California reggae rock for decades. Introduced by Chali 2na, the band lit up the stage with their laid-back power, legacy, and love. Their set paid tribute to the late Bradley Nowell– the Sublime frontman who signed them to Skunk Records in the ’90s—with a soulful cover of “Slow Ride,” a nod to the Look at All the Love We Found anniversary compilation.

Then came a wave of collaborations: B Real and Chali2na for a high-voltage performance of “Upside Down,” followed by Kaleo from Pepper joining the band for “Got Me on the Run.” It was one of those legendary sets that reminded everyone why Slightly Stoopid is still a cornerstone of the Cali Vibes legacy.

Cypress Hill proved why they’re legends—their set was absolutely explosive.

From start to finish, their energy was relentless, and at the center of it all was DJ Lord. A true master of turntablism, and live performance energy. Whether he was dropping breaks, slicing between hip-hop and rock, or flipping vinyl like it’s a weapon, DJ Lord stands in a league of his own. His presence didn’t just support the show- it powered it.

The lineup didn’t let up, either. YG Marley carried the torch of his family’s legacy with soul and purpose, while Rebelution laid down their signature coastal grooves, that washed over the crowd like a warm ocean breeze. Then came Santigold, who brought more than just her genre-bending brilliance- she brought heart. An incredible artist with a truly unique sound, Santigold lit up the stage with her dancers and her voice of creativity. Offstage, she was just as radiant- gracious, grounded, and genuinely kind in conversation. Her music clearly struck a chord with the crowd, who danced non-stop, singing along and living fully in the moment. It was one of those sets that reminded you why she’s so adored—not just as a performer, but as a person.

Ludacris tore up the stage with raw charisma and high-octane energy and took the energy to another level entirely. A true icon of the 2000s and still one of the most dynamic live performers in the game, he delivered hit after hit with sharp lyricism that made him a household name.

The crowd was locked in – rapping along word-for-word, feeding off his energy. He had total command of the Greens stage, proving that he’s not just a rapper but a full-blown entertainer. The way he connected with the audience, hyping the crowd, and dropping enough nostalgia to make it a celebration.

As night fell over Long Beach, Kid Cudi closed out the main stage for a performance that felt less like a concert and more like a cinematic spectacle. Behind him loomed a colossal statue of himself—just from the waist up—with glowing white eyes and an illuminated mouth perfectly synced to the spotlight on Cudi. Surrounded by stunning visuals and atmospheric lighting, Cudi captivated everyone in attendance with every note.

 

Closing out the Greens Stage, Steel Pulse commanded a devoted crowd—fans who showed up to witness true reggae legends in action. The bass was absolutely off the hook, vibrating through the ground and into the hearts of everyone present. With decades of music behind them, these guys aren’t just performers—they’re reggae royalty. Timeless, powerful, and effortlessly commanding, Steel Pulse reminded everyone why their legacy remains unmatched and why they continue to hold a sacred place in the hearts of reggae fans worldwide.

 

At its core, Cali Vibes 2025 was a celebration of what makes Long Beach special—a spirit of unity fueled by music, a deep appreciation for authentic culture, and the power of coming together. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a visitor from miles away, the festival welcomes everyone to share in that unmistakable Cali Vibes energy—the very force that keeps this city connected and thriving. As the music fades, the true magic lingers: a reminder that Long Beach’s heart beats strongest when we celebrate together.