Escape to the beautiful Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ventura Beach, CA for the first annual Summer Dead Fest, a three-day inclusive experience celebrating the timeless music and vibrant community of the Grateful Dead. Immerse yourself in a weekend of live performances, dancing, connection, and exploration, all set against the backdrop of stunning ocean views.
We've curated a lineup of incredible regional bands, performing across two iconic stages: the majestic Top of the Harbor Grand Ballroom with music starting at sunset both nights and the beautiful Oceanfront Daytime Stage at the Aqua Bar & Patio. Get ready to dance the night away with high-energy performances upstairs, and enjoy the vibrant sounds of live music outdoors with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.
And to keep the party going, Sunset Vibes presents the Silent Disco with live DJs, Dead playlists, and more... until 3am both Friday and Saturday nights in the Grand Ballroom.
This Year's Highlights 5 bands will perform in the Top of the Harbor Grand Ballroom Friday Night Lineup: Cubensis, Prescott JRAD, Peoples Dead Saturday Night Lineup: Easy Wind, Shaky Feelin', Peoples Dead Late-night SILENT DISCO presented by Sunset Vibes on Friday and Saturday night to keep the party going late into the night, with live DJs, Dead playlists, and more... Free Outdoor Stage: 7 Bands will perform outside on the Oceanfront Stage at the Crowne Plaza's Aqua Bar and Patio, including an acoustic performance from Cubensis on Saturday afternoon. A hands-on guitar workshop with Nate LaPointe of Cubensis! (Limited Space – to sign up, select the Guitar Workshop Add-On when purchasing your tickets!) An open acoustic jam session hosted by Dan Stein of The Peoples Dead! (Sign up by selecting the Acoustic Jam Add-On when purchasing your tickets!) "Shakedown Street" Vendor Village: Explore a vibrant marketplace featuring unique arts, crafts, and merchandise from talented artisans. And so much more! We're adding new surprises and activities all the time.
Beyond the Music The Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach offers a variety of on-site restaurants and bars to satisfy your cravings throughout the weekend. Plus, you'll be just steps away from the heart of downtown Ventura, with its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Summer Dead Fest is more than just a concert; it's a gathering of kindred spirits, a celebration of Grateful Dead music and the history of the time they spent and the legacy they left in Ventura, CA. Join us for a weekend you won't forget!