A music festival in Joshua Tree was voted one of the best in the United States earlier this year. Now, it’s genre-blending spring festival is about to kick off.
USA TODAY 10Best revealed what the best festivals are nationwide, from art to music festivals, and eight different festivals in California — and not just Southern California either — were recognized. 10Best, which has experts nominate entries to be voted on by readers, released the lists in March.
Nearly earning the No. 1 spot for the best music festival category was the Joshua Tree Music Festival, a multi-day event that brings an eclectic mix of music to the desert and offering community to its attendees.
Its next festival kicks off Thursday, May 15 and wraps up on Sunday, May 18.
Barnett English, the founder of the Joshua Tree Music Festival, who topped the list in 2024, spoke to the difficulties independent music festivals are experiencing, noting that many have faced cancellations or have gone out of business over the past year and said “it’s a huge honor to actually be on the list” as a smaller, independent operation.
“It creates a lot of buzz. I was surprised last year to realize how many people see this and read about it and that USA TODAY readers are tuned into us,” English told the Desert Sun earlier this year.
Located at the Joshua Tree Lake Campground, the self-described family-friendly festival takes place twice a year. This year’s spring lineup includes Wajatta, the musical duo of comedian Reggie Watts and electronic music producer John Tejada and Steve Poltz of San Diego’s the Rugburns (who you may also know from his collaborations with Jewel).
How do I get tickets for the music festival in Joshua Tree?
Joshua Tree Music Festival is committed to “radical inclusion” and fun for all ages
Tickets can be purchased on joshuatreemusicfestival.com. There are single-day tickets for adults starting at $70 and four-day festival passes for adults starting at $295.
What other festivals were selected in California as among the best in the US?
Nabbing a spot across various categories were:
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Concern Foundation Block Party, Best City Food Festival list
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L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, Best City Food Festival list
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Salute Your Shorts Film Festival, Best Film Festival list
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NewFilmakers Los Angeles, Best Film Festival list
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San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, Best Film Festival list
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Pan African Film and Arts Festival, Best Film Festival list
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Festival Napa Valley, Best Music Festival list
Desert Sun reporter Brian Blueskye contributed to this article.
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Music festival in Joshua Tree, voted among best in US, is almost here