Cali Roots
The California Roots Music and Arts Festival offers great music, food, and that quintessential Californian vibe, the perfect summer adventure trip.
Event information
The California Roots Music & Arts Festival transforms the Monterey County Fairgrounds into a reggae paradise each Memorial Day weekend, and celebrated its 14th year in 2025 on May 23-25. This three-day festival features over 11,000 daily attendees enjoying world-class reggae, hip-hop, and conscious music acts across multiple stages. Founded in 2010, Cali Roots has grown into one of the largest reggae festivals in the United States, pioneering environmental sustainability as California's first certified green event. The festival runs from 11 am to 11 pm Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm Sunday, creating a zero-waste experience that combines authentic music culture with California's stunning coastal backdrop. For RV travelers, the festival's location puts you minutes from both the event and Monterey's world-famous attractions, making it the perfect destination to blend festival vibes with California coastal exploration. Whether you're seeking weekend adventure or extended Pacific Coast discovery, an RV rental delivers the freedom to experience both the festival magic and the breathtaking Monterey Peninsula.
What is the Cali Roots Festival?
The California Roots Music & Arts Festival is the premier reggae and conscious music celebration on the West Coast, bringing together world-renowned artists and emerging talent for three days of positive vibrations. Founded in 2010 by Jeff Monser, the festival began as a one-day event featuring Dirty Heads and Tribal Seeds, growing into a multi-day experience that draws over 13,000 attendees daily.
Cali Roots isn't just a music festival—it's a multi-layered experience curated for music lovers who want to bring more than just stage performance memories home. The festival features reggae-rock, hip-hop, folk, and live art alongside interactive experiences that celebrate music culture and environmental consciousness.
The festival takes place on the same historic grounds where Jimi Hendrix famously set his guitar on fire during the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, adding layers of musical heritage to every performance. Beyond music, Cali Roots showcases live painting, artisan vendors, conscious food offerings, and community partnerships that align with the festival's values of sustainability and positive impact.
For festival-goers planning your Cali Roots adventure, discover Monterey RV rentals perfect for your reggae weekend, or explore our selection of San Jose RV rentals just 90 minutes north of the festival grounds.
When and Where is the Cali Roots Festival Held?
- Dates: May 23-25, 2025 (Memorial Day Weekend)
- Location: Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairground Rd, Monterey, CA 93940
- Hours: Friday-Saturday 11 am-11 pm, Sunday 11 am-10 pm
- Gates: Open at 11 am, music starts at 12 pm
- Attendance: 13,000+ visitors daily
Tickets
How Much Do Cali Roots Festival Tickets Cost?
Cali Roots offers various ticket options, including single-day passes, three-day festival passes, and VIP experiences. The festival organizers prioritize accessibility through early bird pricing, payment plans spanning 5-6 months, and regular promotional discounts to ensure the experience remains attainable for music lovers.
Tickets typically go on sale two days after each year's festival concludes, offering the lowest prices for early planners. Payment plans have become increasingly popular, allowing festival-goers to spread costs over several months rather than paying one lump sum.
Military personnel, veterans, and first responders can access promotional tickets through VetTix (www.vettix.org) and First Tickets Foundation (www.1sttix.org) - just create an account to check availability.
Check the California Roots Festival website for current ticket pricing and availability.
How Do I Rent an RV Near Monterey for the Festival?
The Monterey Peninsula serves as an exceptional hub for RV rentals, offering everything from nimble Class B campervans perfect for navigating coastal roads to spacious travel trailers ideal for festival groups seeking comfort and convenience.
Monterey RV rentals position you right in the heart of the action, just minutes from both the festival grounds and iconic attractions like Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The area's well-developed RV infrastructure makes festival logistics simple and stress-free.
San Jose RV rentals provide excellent value about 90 minutes north, offering easy highway access via Highway 101 South directly to Monterey. This Silicon Valley hub features numerous rental options and serves as an ideal starting point for exploring both the festival and California's diverse regions.
Most rental locations offer convenient pickup near major highways, ensuring you can collect your rig and reach the festival grounds within two hours of most pickup points throughout Northern California.
Explore Cali Roots RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Driving to Monterey County Fairgrounds
The fairgrounds are conveniently accessible from major highways throughout California, making road trips seamless from across the state.
From the San Francisco Bay Area (2 hours): Take Highway 101 South to Highway 156 West, then Highway 1 South directly to Monterey.
From Los Angeles (5 hours): Take Highway 101 North through San Luis Obispo to Highway 156 West, connecting to Highway 1 South.
From Sacramento (3 hours): Take Highway 99 South to Highway 152 West, connecting to Highway 101 North toward Monterey.
Parking areas
Parking will be located at Monterey Pines Golf Club within walking distance of the festival grounds. Space is limited and available on a first-come basis from 10 AM to 12 midnight each day. Purchase parking passes in advance as they often sell out.
The festival strongly encourages carpooling and alternative transportation to reduce environmental impact, aligning with their zero-waste mission.
Public Transportation
Monterey-Salinas Transit operates bus routes throughout the peninsula, providing eco-friendly access to the festival. The festival also offers a free Bike & Skate Valet near Gate 8, where staff watch your bikes or skateboards during performances—just remember to bring lights for evening departure.
Where to stay
Onsite
Cali Roots organizers often partner with local campground facilities to provide camping close, but not directly on, the venue site. Guests can expect to see a limited number of camping options through these sources including RV sites, Glamping, and tent camping. These sell out almost as soon as they go on sale, so you’ll need to act fast. If you can’t get your hands on these, you’re bound to find a suitable campground or RV park nearby.
Nearby
The Monterey Peninsula offers outstanding RV camping options that put you within easy reach of the festival while showcasing California's spectacular coastal beauty. The region's established RV infrastructure ensures comfortable stays with convenient festival access.
Top RV Parks Near the Festival:
Monterey County Fair & Event Center provides the ultimate convenience for festival-goers, serving as both the venue host and offering nearby RV sites. This centrally located option puts you steps from the festival gates while providing full hookups, Wi-Fi, restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.
Marina Dunes RV Resort offers premium amenities just 10 minutes from the festival grounds. The resort features full hookups, laundry facilities, a clubhouse, exercise room, outdoor patio areas, playground, recreational facilities, and a gift shop stocked with RV supplies and snacks.
Salinas/Monterey KOA provides full-service camping with family-friendly amenities about 20 minutes inland. This location offers excellent value while maintaining easy festival access via Highway 68.
Carmel by the River RV Park delivers a family-owned experience in scenic Carmel Valley, featuring full hookups with cable and Wi-Fi, premium sites with individual patios, restrooms and showers, plus a general store stocked with groceries and RV supplies.
For adventurous festival-goers, several California state parks offer more rustic camping experiences within reasonable driving distance, providing opportunities to explore Big Sur, Point Lobos, and other coastal treasures.
Getting around
You can easily get around the venue on foot. No bicycles, skateboards, or personal motorized vehicles will be allowed inside the festival grounds. However, you can use your bikes and skateboards to get to the venue and drop them off at the free valet. Cali Roots is a fully accessible event, and special services like mobility assistance will be provided.
What to pack
Clothing
Cali Roots is an excellent opportunity to show off your most stylish summer clothing. You can expect to see festival-goers in bright colors and denim accents with plenty of personality. The vibe of the event is mellow and relaxed. Put your own unique spin on your outfit by wearing some fun jewelry or stylish sunglasses.
Gear
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a lightweight blanket are essentials. Small and medium-sized backpacks are allowed. It’s a good idea to take an empty water bottle to refill at the free hydration stations. Also, make sure you carry a valid photo ID and a credit card, debit card, or cash to purchase food or merchandise.
Health & Safety
Free water refill stations will be available throughout the festival venue, so make sure you stay hydrated at all times. If you are with children, it is recommended to get child ID wristbands. This way, anyone who is lost can quickly be reunited with their families. No alcohol or illegal substances are permitted.
Where to eat
Cooking
Cooking is restricted to the campground areas associated with Cali Roots or your selected campground. Outside food of any kind will not be allowed inside the festival site. Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of tasty food and drink options at the venue. If you'd like to prepare some of your own meals, it’s a good idea to check in advance what regulations your campsite or RV Park may employ.
Restaurants
Monterey is known for its legendary seafood. People from all over the globe visit the city to eat at its famous seafood restaurants. It is a popular vacation destination, so you will be able to choose between well-known options, mom & pop selections, and fine dining. You can find plenty of great dining destinations frequented by locals in the know, so expect to find your new favorites.
Vendors
You’ll find plenty of delicious, healthy food choices at Cali Roots. Expect to enjoy some great seafood and deserts apart from the typical festival fare. There are also several vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free food options on offer. Wine bars and craft beer stations will be present throughout the venue offering delicious drinks for purchase.
Safety
Security
Your bag will be checked upon entry, and security personnel will be present at the venue on all of the days of the event. Anyone violating the festival rules or carrying banned items will be escorted out of the site without a refund. There will also be a lost and found booth where missing items can be reported.
Weather
Cali Roots is typically held during the summer, so you can expect plenty of Californian sunshine. The weather is likely to be pleasant, with the cool ocean breeze keeping it from getting too hot. If sudden showers do occur, the festival will still go on since it is a rain or shine event.
Medical
First aid stations will be present in different parts of the venue. They will be visible from afar and marked on the festival map. Medical support will be available for attendees throughout the event. Well-equipped, medically trained staff will be making the rounds and will gladly provide assistance as needed.
