Diana Ross closed out San Francisco’s Stern Grove Festival with a free, unforgettable show. At 81, Miss Ross dazzled with three costume changes and timeless hits like “I’m Coming Out” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Stern Grove remains a Bay Area tradition — world-class music in a stunning outdoor setting.

We start this week’s episode catching up with Vanessa about her trip to Eminence before Sunny and Clark share all the stories from Outside Lands 2025. From the sets that had the crowd going wild to the funny little moments that made the weekend unforgettable, it’s a laid-back recap of San Francisco’s biggest music festival!

In this episode of Festies, Sunny & Vanessa break down the unwritten rules of festival crowd etiquette—from personal space and totem tips to hot debates like shoulder-riding and group spot-saving.

We share real stories from festivals like BottleRock and Lollapalooza, plus practical festival survival tips to help you navigate packed crowds with grace. Whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned pro, learn how to create good vibes, avoid eye rolls, and be the festival friend everyone wants nearby.

Sunny's Festival Corner:

Dry Diggins Music Festival

POP Montreal International Music Festival

Outside Lands is next weekend (!!) and we’ve got your back. This episode is for all the first-timers—we answer your questions about what to wear, how to plan your day, and what to expect. We’re also introducing a new segment: Festival News, where we cover the Tomorrowland stage fire, the heartbreaking loss of a festival-goer, and updates from Bonnaroo. Plus, Sunny and Clark are going to Outside Lands, so stay tuned for some live updates next week 👀

Festival transportation can seriously shape your weekend, especially when it comes to getting in and out.

In this episode, we’re talking about how to plan your arrival and exit so you’re not stuck in a sea of people, lost in a parking lot, or paying $90 for an Uber that never shows up. We cover what to consider before you go, how to keep your Festie's crew connected, and why just a little planning can save a lot of stress.

We’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to.

Follow us @festiespodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more Festie's content!

Sunny's Festival Corner:

Outside Lands Music Festival

Gathering of the Juggalos

Ultra Japan

Vanessa's fiancé Ed makes his Festies debut to recap their wild ride at Bonnaroo 2025 - all one day of it! They talk travel mishaps, glamping, the EIGHT performances they saw on Thursday, and even meeting some of their podcast heroes. The weekend started out STRONG...until Friday's rain shut it all down.

With Roo cancelled, they pivoted to a Nashville weekend with their Festie, Alex. They explore the behind-the-scenes challenges that led to cancellation, the community's mixed reactions, and how the "Bonnaroovian spirit" shined through despite the circumstances. The episode offers fascinating insights into festival operations, weather contingencies, and finding joy in unexpected situations.

Have you ever had a festival experience cut short? We'd love to hear your story in the reviews!

Note: This episode was recorded before Bonnaroo announced it will return next year, June 11-14, 2026! YAY!

Artists we saw:

The Droptines Kitchen Dwellers Wilderado The Lemon Twigs Marcus King Luke Combs Daniel Donato Insane Clown Posse

Sunny's Festival Corner:

Splash House

Guster's on the Ocean Weekend

SUNANDBASS

This one’s for our Bay Area Festies! We’re recapping two totally different but equally iconic San Francisco summer festivals: the San Francisco Jazz Festival and Stern Grove Festival.

From legendary jazz sets in the city to blanket dancing in the trees, we’re sharing the full behind-the-scenes of our weekend. Sunny and Clark hit up SF Jazz Fest on Friday and Saturday, and Sunny went back on Sunday to celebrate Father’s Day. Meanwhile, Clark kept the music going at Stern Grove with friends. We’ve got stories, standout moments, and all the little things that made this a classic Bay Area festival weekend.

Artists we saw:

Mark Lettieri Salami Rose Joe Louis Kassa Overall Charles Lloyd Jahari Stampley Trio Somi Theo Crocker Ms. Lisa Fischer Stanley Clarke & Gonzalo Rubalcaba Brandon Woody's Upendo Tyreek McDole Orrin Evans Dave Holland & Lionel Loueke Patrice Rushen The Dip California Honey Drops

Sunny's Festival Corner:

Hinterland Music Festival

Neon Nights Country Music Festival

Rhyme Fest

Join us for a full Festies recap of the 2025 Mill Valley Music Festival — one of Northern California’s most beloved boutique festivals! In this episode of Festies, we break down the lineup highlights, share our favorite artist sets, and discuss the laid-back community vibe that makes this two-day event so special. From delicious local food to kid-friendly zones, Mill Valley delivers a unique experience that blends music, nature, and hometown charm.

Whether you missed it or want to relive the magic, Festies has you covered with behind-the-scenes insights and honest thoughts on what made this year stand out.

Artists we saw: Marin School of Arts Band Meels Flamingos in the Tree Ghost Note Vieux Farka Touré The Crosby Collective Gary Clark Jr. Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble IrieFuse Mission Delirium Thee Sinseers Sister Nancy Monophonics Nile Rodgers & Chic

Sunny's Festival Corner:

Red Ants Pants Festival

Sound Haven Music and Arts Festival

Long Beach Jazz Festival