DANA POINT — Eddie Vedder's Ohana Festival returned to Doheny State Beach for its third edition this weekend, and what began as a boutique passion project has grown into one of Southern California's most anticipated annual music events. The three-day festival, curated by the Pearl Jam frontman himself, drew thousands of fans to the oceanfront venue in Dana Point with a lineup that mixed rock legends, indie darlings, and emerging artists.
Vedder, an avid surfer who has long called the Southern California coast his spiritual home, created Ohana as a celebration of music, community, and the ocean. The festival's name means "family" in Hawaiian, and that spirit permeates the event. Unlike the sprawling corporate festivals that dominate the industry, Ohana maintains a deliberately intimate feel, with just two stages and a capacity capped to preserve the beachside atmosphere.
During his headlining set Saturday night, Vedder told the crowd that the festival represents the opposite of everything he dislikes about festivals — no corporate sponsors plastered everywhere, no VIP areas blocking the view. Just good music, good people, and the Pacific Ocean. That, he said, is the ohana.
A Lineup That Reflects Vedder's Taste
The 2018 lineup showcased Vedder's eclectic taste, ranging from classic rock to punk to folk. Local SoCal acts were sprinkled throughout the undercard, reflecting Vedder's commitment to the regional music scene.
For North County San Diego residents who made the drive up the coast to Dana Point, the festival felt like a natural extension of the laid-back beach culture that defines life in Encinitas, Solana Beach, and Carlsbad. Several groups of friends from Leucadia set up camp on the sand near the main stage, splitting time between watching bands and bodysurfing between sets.
With its third successful year in the books, Ohana has established itself as a fixture on the SoCal festival calendar. Vedder has hinted at expanding the event's community and environmental programming, including surf clinics for underprivileged youth and ocean cleanup initiatives. For now, though, the music remains the main draw — and with Vedder curating, the quality is guaranteed.