Mission Bayfest 2025: Day One

Mission Bayfest 2025 was finally here! Day One started on Friday, October 17th with perfect energy. The classic warm San Diego breeze filled Mariners Point Park and everyone showed up for the fall festival comeback.

It felt like the whole city was there.

Once the gates opened and the sun began to set, the park filled with blankets and people were already dancing before the first bass line even hit. It was awesome to see. Things got fiery on the SMKFLWR Stage right away: DJ Green T was the best wakeup call ever, basically pulling people in off the street and yelling at anyone still in line to get their butt inside! Then, Band of Gringos dropped some surf rock that was absolutely made for being right there by the water. Arise Roots brought those perfect, head-bobbing reggae grooves after all, which got everyone swaying together like one big, happy, stoned-out family.

The sky was turning that crazy golden hour color when Fortunate Youth brought their pure energy to the stage, as always, shouting lyrics back and forth with the crowd. But when 311 came on? Forget about it. Their set I was the most excited for, since I’d never seen them, so I went nuts with the crowd — jumping and rocking out. Finally, San Diego’s hometown heroes Slightly Stoopid closed Day One out with friends! It was the ultimate locals-only party on the sand… or a full-blown family reunion, but with way better music.

Down at Ventura Cove, the vibe was just as strong. DJ Lady Lafs and Sierra Marin started the day with sunny, soulful goodness before DJ Selecta Olmeca and Artikal Sound System took us deep into good times territory. DJ Pocket kept the flow silky smooth, leading into Boostive, who had live horns, keys, and bass so heavy, it shook the ground while the daylight faded. Finally, HIRIE crushed the stage close with her amazing, powerful vocals and super uplifting anthems.

Day One set the perfect tone for the whole weekend.

Between sets, people were just chilling, grabbing some food, and watching the sky do its whole beautiful color-changing thing, while finding new friends and favorite artists. Honestly, everywhere you looked, it was friends linking up, strangers being nice, and everyone snapping photos with the bay looking gorgeous in the background.

It was all about the coastal life, amazing live music, and just a massive community hang. This recap is only a little slice of the whole feeling: the sun, the lights, and literally thousands of people sharing a Slightly Stoopid soundtrack on a perfect San Diego night. Seriously, it was the best and I couldn’t wait for Days Two and Three!

Photography by Olivia Valdes

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