Cali Roots 2025: Weathered Skies, Elevated Vibes By Music Coast

Cali Roots 2025: Weathered Skies, Elevated Vibes By Music Coast

Returning for its second year covering Cali Roots, Music Coast was once again on-site to capture the heart of the festival—and 2025 didn’t disappoint. Despite a weekend of heavy overcast skies, the energy remained sky-high, with crowds unfazed and the vibes as strong as ever.

Smaller Spaces, Smarter Moves
One noticeable shift this year was the downsized embarc cannabis cannabis smoker lounge. Still a popular hangout, the area saw reduced seating and a smaller footprint compared to previous years. Meanwhile, the smoker lounge outside the OG stage was nowhere to be found—a move that likely reflects efforts to stay compliant with safety regulations and cannabis laws. Still, the embarc cannabis cannabis-sponsored area kept the community element alive.

VIP Perks Get an Upgrade
In contrast to last year’s more relaxed giveaway atmosphere, VIP access underwent a structural shift. This year, guests received personalized QR-coded lanyards used to track swag bag distribution—adding a level of exclusivity and control. It’s a more streamlined approach that seemed to reduce chaos while preserving the VIP experience.

Merch Moment: Thermos Evolution
Cali Roots regulars know the annual thermos drop is part of the tradition. In past years, however, the thermoses often displayed outdated dates—creating a bit of confusion. In 2025, the festival course-corrected with a sleek, black thermos stamped “Cali Roots 25.” Minimalist in design but finally accurate in year,it felt like a subtle nod to getting back on track.

Artist Energy & Interview Highlights
Despite the clouds, artist spirits were high. Every musician interviewed this year brought excitement and authenticity to the table, embracing the festival’s collaborative vibe. A standout moment was the chance to interview Dan Sheehan, co-founder of Good Vibez Presents. His passion for the community and commitment to growing the culture made for one of the most meaningful interviews of the weekend.

A Final Burst of Sunshine
By Sunday, the last day of Cali Roots 2025, the sun finally broke through the thick weekend cloud cover—right during Sensory Tribe’s set. It felt symbolic. After two days of grey skies and steady energy, that sudden sunlight hit the crowd with a fresh wave of warmth and brightness, capping off the weekend on a high note.

Looking Ahead
As Music Coast wrapped its second year at Cali Roots, the sense of growth—both from the festival and within our own journey—was undeniable. From shifting policies to sharper logistics and ongoing creative evolution, Cali Roots 2025 proved that even in cloudy conditions, the spirit of the festival shines through.

Here’s to many more years of coverage, collaboration, and community.

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