Festival Recap: KAABOO Del Mar Music & Arts Festival 2018

Walking into Kaaboo Music & Arts Festival I instantly realized what the festival was all about. As their goal states, “Kaaboo is everything a typical music festival is not.” Those words couldn’t ring truer. This is not just a music & arts festival, it’s a whirlwind for all five senses. As I walk through the gates I’m greeted with not only sights and sounds, but also the feeling of sand beneath my feet. Kaaboo, of course, is located just feet from the ocean shores in Del Mar, California. The perfect backdrop for a festival this innovative. There are artists lining the alleyways in every direction working on live murals and renowned chefs around each corner working on delectable cuisine.

Kaaboo has seen major growth in just four short years. Garnering some of entertainments biggest talents in recent installments. This year’s lineup was bigger and better than ever, and people took notice. 2018 was the first sellout for the festival. No doubt due to its profound music and comedy lineup. Headlining this year’s event were Foo Fighters, Imagine Dragons and Katy Perry. Leading the comedy lineup were superstars Craig Ferguson, Iliza Shlesinger and Judd Apatow. With a total of four live music stages, a comedy club and a culinary cooking stage. The festival featured unique lineups for each of its three days. Each holding within them surprising stand out performances.

Day 1 saw the likes of Incubus, Post Malone and Halsey take the stage. Each filling out the crowds and exciting everyone in attendance. Foo Fighters closed out day 1 with a rousing performance from frontman Dave Grohl touring some of the bands greatest hits. Day 1 also featured comedians Nikki Glaser and Craig Ferguson bringing the laughs in the comedy club Humor Me.

Day 2 of Kaaboo featured a more interesting lineup consisting of varying genres. Artist’s murals were starting to take shape lining “Kaaboolevard” and renowned chef Marc Forgione was crafting some delectable eats on the culinary stage Palate. Co-headlining day 2 were Imagine Dragons and Earth, Wind & Fire. Each bringing their own unique styles to the shores of Del Mar. The standout performance from day 2 had to be Creature Canyon. The opening performance of the afternoon, these San Diego locals drew one of the biggest crowds of the day.

Check out the KAABOO Del Mar 2018 lineup video here.

Day 3 saw a closing performance from Katy Perry and Wiz Khalifa. Each performance echoing throughout all of southern California. The final night of Kaaboo 2018 provided its strongest performance of the festival. Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin fame closed out night 3 of the festival with a truly remarkable performance. Featuring some of Led Zeppelin’s favorite hits as well as work from Plant’s solo career. At the young age of 70, Robert Plant’s voice is still as lively as ever hitting the highest of high notes with his unique singing style.

Just like that Kaaboo 2018 Music & Arts Festival has ended. Painted murals are finished and all the food has been eaten. As I leave Kaaboo for the last time I remember back to what the aim of the festival was in the first place. To engage all five senses in a positive and thoughtful way and with that, it was a tremendous success. I have seen some amazing artwork and listened to every music genre imaginable. I’ve tasted food from some of the greatest chefs in the world, touched the sand and smelled the ocean. Kaaboo 2018 is a wrap!

For tickets and more information on the upcoming 2019 installment of Kaaboo Del Mar, head to www.kaaboodelmar.com.