The fourth annual Wonderfront Festival returns to San Diego’s Embarcadero Marina from May 16–18 this year. Since launching in 2019, the festival has grown steadily—bringing bigger names, wider audiences, and more reasons for San Diego music lovers to celebrate.
Its inaugural year featured Slightly Stoopid, MGMT, and Ben Harper as headliners, while this year’s top ticket names include Peggy Gou and Daniel Caesar on Friday; Anderson Paak & The Free Nationals and Foster the People on Saturday; and Khruangbin, Jason Mraz, and Gary Clark Jr. closing out Sunday night.
But beyond the mainstream acts, this year’s Wonderfront Festival also delivers a stacked undercard of emerging talent. To help you map out your plans for the weekend and ensure you don’t miss some of the lesser-known artists, too, we put together a list of 10 bands you can’t miss this year.
Khruangbin
Sunday @ 8:35 p.m. | Events.com Stage
Must Listen Track: Maria También
“Where are the lyrics?” “What’s with the wigs?” You’ll likely ask yourself these questions while listening to Khruangbin. Khruangbin—which means “airplane” in Thai—gained recognition in 2022 with their EP featuring Leon Bridges (which does have lyrics, though much of their music does not). They were also recently featured in the third season of The White Lotus.
But even if you’ve never heard of them before, avid fans know that nearly a decade after their debut and six subsequent albums they’re finally getting the recognition they deserve. The Grammys, fashionably late as always, finally nominated the group for “Best New Artist” last year. They might just be this generation’s Grateful Dead, with their sprawling, instrumental sets and international influences. Guitarist Mark Speer’s dreamy guitar takes center stage, supported by bassist Laura Lee and drummer Donald Johnson Jr., creating a lush, meditative groove that’s irresistible.
Magdalena Bay
Saturday @ 3:20 p.m. | Cypress Ascendant Stage
Must Listen Track: Killshot
If you’re into Charli XCX and FKA Twigs, check out Magdalena Bay, an LA-based indie pop band making waves. Comprised of Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin, the duo began creating music together in high school, crafting mixtapes and eventually full-length albums with a sound and aesthetic that nods to early internet culture.
Their sophomore album, Imaginal Disk, blends futuristic pop and electronic dance music with touches of funk. The album cover—a CD being inserted into Tenenbaum’s forehead—perfectly captures the 2000s influence. Their sound is futuristic and pulsing, yet deeply nostalgic. The duo’s music videos extend this vibe with a DIY aesthetic—not as chaotic as 100 Gecs, but with a charming green screen visual that pairs with their Y2K electronica. If they’re not already on your radar, they will be soon.
Daniel Caesar
Friday @ 7:30 p.m. | Cypress Ascendant Stage
Must Listen Track: Best Part
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Daniel Caesar is one of R&B’s hottest artists today. With an upbringing shaped by the gospel music at his father’s church, Caesar broke into the mainstream with his 2017 debut album Freudian, earning widespread acclaim and Grammy nominations. Caesar’s blend of gospel with modern ballads produces music that feels both timeless and contemporary. While rap and pop dominate the mainstream currently, it seems that R&B may be experiencing a comeback thanks to artists like Caesar.
Orion Sun
Saturday @ 5:05 p.m. | Hazy Stage
Must Listen Track: Antidote
If you like SZA and Frank Ocean, you’ll probably like Orion Sun, the moniker of Tiffany Majette. Her music bridges R&B and indie rock with a sound rooted in personal struggle and resilience. After being kicked out for coming out to her parents, she turned to music, drawing influence from Nina Simone and Billie Holiday, whose struggles enriched their art. Her 2013 debut track “Voicemail” gained traction on YouTube, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp, and her 2020 album A Collection of Fleeting Moments and Daydreams introduced her soulful lyricism to a wider audience. In 2023, she opened for Daniel Caesar’s Superpowers tour and followed up with a self-titled album in 2024 that further fuses indie rock with her signature lo-fi beats.
Peggy Gou
Friday @ 8:40 p.m. | Events.com Stage
Must Listen Track: (It Goes Like) Nanana
For electronic music fans, Peggy Gou is a must-see. The South Korean DJ and producer has been gaining the attention of EDM fans worldwide, first with mixtapes and remixes before putting out her 2024 studio debut album I Hear You. Her music channels ’90s nightclub vibes—glowsticks, zebra prints, high-BPM loops—while resonating with millions worldwide and has massive hits including “(It Goes Like) Nanana” which has over 600 million streams.
Gou has transitioned from her underground techno roots to house-pop stardom, all while maintaining a distinct throwback sound. In today’s saturated music landscape, she’s one of those artists hiding in plain sight—just off the fringes of your Discover Weekly.
Anderson .Paak
Saturday @ 8:35 | Events.com Stage
Must Listen Track: Am I Wrong
Playing drums is tough—but rapping while drumming? That’s next level. Anderson .Paak has solidified himself as one of this generation’s most talented drummers and has racked up seven Grammy wins and another 11 nominations. Raised in Oxnard, California, he began drumming at his family’s church at age 11 and continued pursuing music despite a difficult home life. He later studied at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, where he met the Free Nationals—an R&B band he would go on to collaborate with throughout his career. His 2014 debut album Venice earned critical acclaim, and his follow-up, Malibu, caught the attention of the biggest names in R&B and rap.
Paak’s next projects showcased his musical range—spanning funky ’70s-style ballads with Bruno Mars in his Silk Sonic collaboration to jazzy, underground beats with Knxwledge as part of his NxWorries project. His solo work blends soulful R&B with collaborations across genres, from Dr. Dre to Kaytranada. If his newer material doesn’t immediately grab you, start with Malibu—you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for his music.
STRFKR
Saturday @ 2:20 p.m. | Events.com Stage
Must Listen Track: Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second
If you like Tame Impala or the Strokes, you’ll probably like STRFKR, and chances are you’ve heard the band’s music without knowing it. The Portland-based group began as a solo project by Joshua Hodges in 2007 and has since become a mainstay in indie rock. STRFKR was instrumental in shaping the indie sound of the 2010s. They’re known for melancholic lyrics paired with compressed, snappy guitar riffs, layered with electronic keyboards and tight vocal harmonies. Their 2013 album Miracle Mile remains a fan favorite, and their latest release, Parallel Realms, continues to expand upon the band’s beloved formula. After all, why fix what isn’t broken?
Gary Clark Jr.
Sunday @ 7:20 p.m. | Cypress Ascendant Stage
Must Listen Track: Bright Lights
For fans of old-school rock and blues, Gary Clark Jr. is your guy. Inspired by legends like Hendrix and Muddy Waters, Clark cut his teeth in Austin clubs as a teenager before catching the eye of Clifford Antone, Stevie Ray Vaughan’s mentor. Clark’s breakout came with a performance at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2010, leading to his studio debut, Blak and Blu. Since then, he’s collaborated with music’s biggest icons including Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, the Rolling Stones, and Alicia Keys. His searing guitar solos and gritty vocals keep the blues alive and well.
Bombargo
Sunday @ 2:45 p.m. | Harbor Club Stage
Must Listen Track: Let It Grow
If you enjoy the upbeat music of Vance Joy or the retro grooves of Parcels, Bombargo is worth checking out. The indie band hailing from Saskatchewan formed in 2013 when Nathan Thoen and Spencer Chilliak were inspired by the Sasquatch Music Festival. Since then, they’ve evolved into a seven-piece group known for their high-energy “vintage pop” sound—warm guitar riffs, tight vocal harmonies, and bursts of saxophone that add flair to their feel-good tracks. Their wardrobe is straight out of the ’70s (in the best way possible), and their sound reflects their fondness for the past. In 2018, the band gained mainstream popularity when Taylor Swift featured their song “Mr. No Good” to her Songs Taylor Loves playlist. Expect Bombargo to kick off Saturday’s Wonderfront lineup with good vibes and grooves to get you moving.
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When is the 2025 Wonderfront Festival?
The festival runs from Friday, May 16, through Sunday, May 18, 2025. Gates open daily at 12 p.m., with performances concluding by 10 p.m.
Where is the Wonderfront Festival held?
The event takes place across multiple downtown San Diego waterfront venues, including Embarcadero Marina Park North, Seaport Village, and Ruocco Park.
Where can I buy tickets for the 2025 Wonderfront Festival?
Tickets are available online at the Wonderfront Festival’s official website. General admission tickets are priced at $165 for a single day and $375 for a three-day pass.
What items are allowed at the 2025 Wonderfront Festival?
Attendees may bring:
- Small purses or fanny packs (maximum size: 6” x 8” x 3”)
Clear backpacks that comply with the festival’s bag policy - Binoculars
- Blankets
- Strollers for children
- Hydration packs
- Towels
- Empty water bottles (up to 1 liter)
- Sunscreen (non-aerosol containers)
For a comprehensive list of permitted and prohibited items, please refer to the festival’s official guidelines.
