Situated in the heart of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the second-coming of KAABOO came and went this past weekend, providing festivalgoers with a cornucopia of live music, interactive art, contemporary food, and comedy performances.
This year’s KAABOO featured more than 100 musical and comedy acts during a three-day weekend, including Jimmy Buffet, Aerosmith, Lenny Kravitz, Goo Goo Dolls, Third-Eye Blind, Jack Johnson, Steel Pulse, The Chainsmokers and Steve Aoki, as well as comedy acts such as Dana Carvey, Sarah Silverman, and Cheech and Chong. The massive music festival is quickly becoming a staple of the eclectic San Diego entertainment scene. “I came to the event because I wanted to see some great music and comedy,” said La Jolla resident Nicole Nestojko, who was taking a break from the music and enjoying a cold brew with her husband on Saturday. “And we are also sampling some great craft beer.”
The festival, which seeks to redefine the music and arts festival experience, also served up an impressive lineup of nonmusical VIP amenities like swimming pools and viewing stands, as well as infusing a combination of San Diego traditions like local craft beer, upscale dining, and a beach-life atmosphere that KAABOO dubbed its “mix-perience.” The artwork experience showcased an array of contemporary art, including dozens of international, national and regional artists, with art installations and live mural paintings during the weekend. In terms of food, KAABOO offered a slew of local and regional dishes paired with drinks from wineries, craft distilleries and local craft breweries.
“It gives you something to do in your downtime,” said San Diegan Dove Kirby. “Instead of just walking around you have somewhere to go.”
Although KAABOO hasn’t released official attendee numbers, sources say that on Saturday the event hosted more people than the first KAABOO received during all three days last year. Tickets for KAABOO 2017 have already gone on sale, as event organizers look to take next year’s festivities to new heights.