Mission Bayfest returns to San Diego this weekend, delivering a stellar lineup of beloved stars alongside the next wave of rising acts.
Now in its fourth year, Bayfest has established itself as a premiere destination for reggae rock lovers. Held at Mariner’s Point Park – a scenic location surrounded by water and just a few steps from the sand – this festival is the ultimate vibe. An excellent selection of local food and drink vendors add to the atmosphere, but let’s be honest – it’s the music that really makes Bayfest shine.
Below, we’ve highlighted seven artists we can’t wait to see. From top to bottom, Bayfest’s 2025 edition features an incredible collection of talent – which made our task challenging. To keep things fresh, we decided to include a mix of headliners and lesser known acts. Honorable mention to groups like 311, Steel Pulse and Rebelution who did’t get a full write up below (we’re guessing you already know they’re pretty damn good).
Sublime
Ok, this is an obvious choice. Still, there’s no downplaying the incredible year that Sublime is enjoying. The band has returned to prominence with Jakob Nowell as their frontman, the role previously manned by his dad Bradley. Sublime’s renaissance has been led by “Ensenada,” the hit song that has enjoyed a long run at No. 1 on alternative radio. With a new album on the way – featuring some notable collaborations – there’s no way we’d miss the chance to see Sublime’s Bayfest set.
Slightly Stoopid
We promise this isn’t just a list of headliners – but how could we ignore Slightly Stoopid! These guys have been killing it for 30 years, and the fanbase only gets bigger and bigger. Their latest single, “The Upside Down,” is an absolute jam, featuring guest collaborations by Cypress Hill’s B-Real and Chali 2na from Jurassic 5. Could either of them make a surprise appearance at Bayfest? Could the Stoopids debut new music from their highly-anticipated upcoming album? Nothing is off the table.
Jesse James Pariah
Ok, here’s a smaller print artist we’re showing up early to see. Champion surfer turned singer-songwriter, Jesse James Parriah is one of the most exciting new artists in reggae rock. Already in his career he’s collaborated with DENM and opened for Sublime at Red Rocks. With a soulful voice, engaging lyrics and laid back vibe, this dude seems destined for greatness. His single “Horns Under Halo” turned lots of heads this year, including garnering his first major radio airplay. Don’t surprised if he’s a Bayfest headliner in a few years.
DENM
Is there a hotter name in reggae rock right now than DENM? As a singer, songwriter and producer, this guy can really do it all. His long list of collaborators includes Slightly Stoopid, Dirty Heads, Pepper, B-Real and Shwayze. He won a Grammy Award in 2022 for his work on SOJA’s Beauty in the Silence. Despite all of these achievements, it amazingly feels like DENM is just scratching the surface of his potential for stardom. Hot N Glassy, his latest album, is one of our favorite albums of 2025 and we can’t wait to experience all of these tunes in person.
Hirie
More than a decade into her career, Hirie is something of a known entity to reggae rock fans. The soulful singer has long been held in high regard for her captivating vocals and charismatic stage presence. We already know who Bayfest set is going to be fantastic, but what has us extra excited is her new album, Phases. The LP dropped earlier this month and it features some of the strongest and most personal material of Hirie’s career.
Artikal Sound System
In February, Artikal Sound System dropped Are You Smiling Yet?, their second studio album. Since then, 2025 has been a whirlwind for the band, with music video releases, high-profile appearances and non-stop touring. Of course, all of this activity doesn’t come by accident. Armed with instantly catchy songs – and propelled by electric frontwoman Logan Rex – the group has quickly developed a reputation as a must-see act.
Big B
Big B was a late addition to the Bayfest lineup – he wasn’t announced until late September. It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from the SoCal rapper. Last summer he dropped Wellness Check, his first new album in a decade. The LP featured an array of impressive collaborators, including Killer Mike, Common Kings, Jakob Nowell and G. Love. Since then, Big B has played sporadic shows, but it will be awesome to see him take to the stage at Bayfest. His set on Saturday is sure to get the party started.
