Ohana Festival is a music festival hosted annually by the band Pearl Jam’s lead singer Eddie Vedder, and this year, I was able to attend on September 29th, 2024. This was my first year attending it, but I’m excited to report my positive experience.

As for the festival’s background, the tradition began in 2016 when Vedder held it for the first time on Dana Point, California’s shoreline. It was created with the intention of benefitting the Doheny State Beach and the San Onofre Park Foundations, and since then, the event has emphasized protecting the environment. When I went to the festival, there was a large section of the grounds dedicated to nonprofits, and generally just booths focused on kindness and sustainability. To me, it felt like Ohanafest was more than just a music festival, but it also stood for the kind of community Vedder sought to create with this festival.

As for my personal experience attending the festival, the day started with a mile-long bike ride along San Juan Creek’s riverbed to the beach. Many other attendees also rode bikes along the trail, too, because it led straight to the entrance of Ohana. After that, I watched the bands The Breeders, Idles, Alanis Morissette, and Pearl Jam perform. My unexpected personal favorite was Alanis Morrisette; she’s an incredible vocalist and I would highly recommend anyone reading to see her sing live!

The lineups are different every year, and the only musician that stays constant is Eddie Vedder himself. Nevertheless, I urge everyone to consider attending next year’s Ohana Festival!