How BeachLife Became the South Bay’s Most Iconic Music Festival

There are music festivals… and then there’s BeachLife.

Every May, Redondo Beach transforms into a coastal wonderland of guitars, good vibes, and cold drinks. This past weekend was no different—the 6th Annual BeachLife Festival hit harder than a wave at El Porto, and if you were anywhere near the South Bay, you felt it.

The skies stayed mellow, but the energy didn’t miss. The music was loud, the beer lines were long (in a good way), and the beach was packed with fans—from locals in flip-flops to folks I met who drove in from Napa, San Bernardino, even Bakersfield. People came in for the weekend, and BeachLife gave them a reason to stay.

It’s not just a music festival anymore. It’s a South Bay tradition.

Let’s break it down.

Lenny Kravitz: The Icon, The Legend, The Fountain of Youth

Let’s be real—Lenny Kravitz stole the damn show. I mean, how does this man look like a Marvel superhero at 60? His shirt was buttoned just enough to call it a shirt, sunglasses on, voice smooth as ever, he absolutely owned the HighTide stage.

He kicked things off with “Bring It On,” setting the tone for a night of pure rock energy. The setlist was a journey through his hits and fan favorites, including “Always on the Run,” “Believe,” and my personal favorite “American Woman.”

The crowd was electric, singing along to every word, especially during “Fly Away” and “Are You Gonna Go My Way.” He closed the night with a soulful rendition of “Let Love Rule,” leaving everyone in awe.

Some artists perform. Lenny embodies it—cool, confident, and completely in control.

🌴 Sublime: Same Spirit, New Voice

Sublime didn’t just show up—they showed out. With Jakob Nowell (son of the late Bradley Nowell) now fronting the band, this year’s set felt less like a tribute and more like a passing of the torch.

Backed by visuals that felt like a time capsule—lo-fi skate clips, old home movies, psychedelic flourishes—they opened strong and never let up. The set was packed with classics:
Santeria, What I Got, Badfish, Smoke Two Joints, and of course, Doin’ Time.

Jakob’s voice doesn’t just sound like his dad—it channels him. But this didn’t feel like imitation. It felt like evolution. There was heart, grit, and that slightly reckless energy Sublime always carried. You could feel how much it meant to him, too—he even shouted out how good it felt to be at BeachLife, surrounded by family, friends, and the kind of crowd that gets what Sublime stands for.

By the time they hit “Doin’ Time” and “Wrong Way,” it was a full-blown beach party. People were dancing, singing, smoking (let’s be real), and just being in it.

This version of Sublime isn’t a reboot—it’s a revival. And if you were there, you know: the legacy’s in good hands.

🎶 Day 3: Alanis, Mt. Joy & a Proper BeachLife Sendoff

The final day of BeachLife had a different kind of energy. The skies stayed gray, but the music stayed strong.

Mt. Joy delivered one of the most talked-about sets of the day—dreamy, emotional, and totally in sync with the crowd. Songs like “Silver Lining” and “Sheep” hit especially hard, and it was clear from the reaction that this band has officially leveled up.

Alanis Morissette closed out the festival with a set packed full of the anthems people came to hear. “Ironic,” “You Oughta Know,” “You Learn,” and “Head Over Feet” all made the list, and the crowd sang along like every word still mattered—which they do. Even with no sun and some sore feet by day three, it was a powerful ending to a stacked weekend.

From the big names to the local moments, BeachLife wrapped with heart, nostalgia, and just the right amount of grit.

🎤 Beyond the Headliners: Legacy Acts, Crowd Favorites & Local Surprises

While the headliners pulled the biggest crowds, BeachLife was loaded with standout moments all weekend.

The Beach Boys brought the surf-rock nostalgia, complete with John Stamos on drums—and yes, the crowd went wild. Train dropped “Drops of Jupiter” and triggered mass singalongs (and maybe a few tears). The Pretenders delivered a raw, high-energy set that reminded everyone Chrissie Hynde is still a total badass. She even paused mid-show to make sure a fan in the crowd got medical attention—pure rock ‘n’ roll class.

Skip Marley brought reggae soul to the LowTide Stage, mixing originals with Bob Marley classics, while Sugar Ray turned their set into a full-on '90s beach party—complete with Mark McGrath’s signature charm and tan.

The festival’s four stages made it easy to bounce from CAKE to O.A.R., from rising acts like Devon Thompson to local legends at the Speakeasy Stage, curated by Pennywise frontman Jim Lindberg. Whether you were planted front row or just drifting between sets, there was always something worth hearing.

🍴 Food, Drinks & Brand Pop-Ups That Brought the Flavor

While BeachLife continued expanding its VIP culinary offerings (like the new California Surf Club), the real energy was out on the sand—where the brand pop-ups brought their A-game.

Casa Herradura was a clear standout. Their activation delivered on both flavor and atmosphere, serving up smooth tequila cocktails and bites that matched the beachside vibe. Toyota was out giving away swag and keeping people engaged between sets, and Skechers drew crowds with exclusive slip-ons, giveaways, and a strong hometown presence.

Grillo’s Pickles, holding it down as sponsor of the Speakeasy Stage, brought their signature style and crunch—adding a little bite to the festival mix (in the best way).

From drinks to demos, the activations added a whole other layer to the BeachLife experience. It wasn’t just about the music—it was about the vibe all around it.

🌊 BeachLife Hits Different

You don’t go to BeachLife just for the headliners.

You go because it’s one of the rare weekends where everyone’s on the same wavelength. Where someone you haven’t seen in a year suddenly pops up next to you at the pizza stand. Where the guy beside you knows every word to a song you forgot you loved. Where time slows down just enough to feel it all.

It’s not about chasing viral moments or perfect photos. It’s about kicking off your sandals, singing with strangers, and letting the music carry you through it.

That’s what BeachLife does best—it brings people together. And in doing that, it’s become something bigger than just a festival. It’s the South Bay’s soundtrack—a reminder of why we live here and what happens when music, ocean air, and community all collide.

If you missed it this year, don’t stress—BeachLife Ranch is just around the corner (lineup coming soon). And if you were there? You already know.

We’ll be talking about this one all summer.

🎸 Stay Tuned, South Bay

We’ve got more live music, local gems, and weekend plans coming your way—always with that laid-back South Bay vibe. If you’re into good tunes, good food, and knowing what’s up before everyone else, hit subscribe and stick around.

In the meantime, check out @BeachLifeFestival for photos, video highlights, and next year’s drops.

Catch you on the strand,
Jaime
Chief Enjoyment Officer @MySouthBay