DEL MAR — As Dave Matthews Band launched into "Ants Marching" under a canopy of stars at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Saturday night, tens of thousands of festival-goers sang along with a bittersweet energy that defined the entire weekend. This was KAABOO Del Mar's farewell — the final edition of the premium music festival at the venue that had been its home since 2015 — and the crowd was determined to make it count.
KAABOO had announced earlier in the year that the 2019 edition would be its last at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, with organizers citing a desire to "evolve the brand" with events in other markets. The news hit the local music community hard. Over its five-year run, KAABOO had become a signature event for North County San Diego, drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually and generating significant economic impact for Del Mar, Encinitas, Solana Beach, and surrounding communities.
Local restaurateurs in Del Mar described how the festival had transformed September weekends over its five-year run. KAABOO weekend, they said, was their biggest weekend of the year — hotels were full, restaurants were packed, and the energy was incredible. Many said they would really miss it.
A Festival Built Different
KAABOO distinguished itself in the crowded festival market by targeting an older, more affluent demographic with a "comfort-first" philosophy. The Del Mar Fairgrounds' permanent infrastructure meant real buildings, paved walkways, and clean restrooms — a sharp contrast to the dusty fields of Coachella or the muddy grounds of Bonnaroo. The festival also invested heavily in comedy, contemporary art installations, and culinary programming that set it apart from a simple concert series.
The final weekend's lineup reflected KAABOO's eclectic booking philosophy. Beyond DMB's headlining set, the weekend featured Mumford & Sons, Duran Duran, Kings of Leon, Black Eyed Peas, and dozens more across multiple stages. The comedy tent hosted sets by Martin Short, Gabriel Iglesias, and Nikki Glaser, while the art installations — always a festival highlight — included immersive experiences that blurred the line between visual art and performance.
As the final notes faded and the crowd filtered out of the fairgrounds for the last time, the mood was reflective. KAABOO had given San Diego something unique — a world-class festival experience in its own backyard. Whatever comes next for the brand, the memories of five September weekends at the Del Mar Fairgrounds will endure for the thousands of fans who made KAABOO a tradition.