A general view of the atmosphere at Trestles during the 2016 KAABOO Del Mar at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on September 17 2016 in Del Mar, California. (Photo by Brian Spady/WireImage for Kaaboo Del Mar via imageSPACE)
Thousands flocked to the race track this past weekend for the 'Mix-Perience' of a lifetime, KAABOO Del Mar . Over 75,000 attendees enjoyedan incredible musical lineup, craft libations, hilarious comedians, inspiring contemporary art, personal indulgences, and more over the course of the weekend.
The festival managed to squeeze almost 40 hours packed full with memories and it has all of the makings of a "comfortable" event. Notable acts included: Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, Aerosmith, Capital Cities, The Chainsmokers, Ludacris, Steve Aoki, Jack Johnson, Fall Out Boy, Atlas Genius, Echosmith, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Citizen Cope, Grouplove, Lenny Kravitz, Flo Rida, Third Eye Blind, as well as renowned comedians such as Sarah Silverman and Jeff Ross, and many more.
Joe Perry and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith perform on the Sunset Cliffs stage during the 2016 KAABOO Del Mar at the Del Mar Racetrack on September 17, 2016 in Del Mar, California. (Photo by C Flanigan/WireImage for Kaaboo Del Mar via imageSPACE)
Over the weekend guests were able to take in the ArtworK from various artists over the festival while challenging their palates to exquisite cuisine. Local and regional delicacies, delectable with sprits from exclusive wineries, craft distilleries, and local craft beers brought a sense for a true taste of San Diego while onsite. The experience showcased a variety of live mural paintings, installations, and exhibitions from over 100 globally acclaimed artists.
A general view of the Rock'N Chef Competition at the LOCALE stage during the 2016 KAABOO Del Mar on September 17, 2016 in Del Mar, California. (Photo by C Flanigan/WireImage for Kaaboo Del Mar via imageSPACE)
There wasn't a shortage of delicious and savory bites over the course of the weekend. A few of the participating Palate Restaurants are: Alforon, Angel's Salumi & Truffles, BCN, Beerfish, Bobboi Natural Gelato, Bottega Americano, Bugsy BBQ, Buona Forchetta, Ca'Momi, Chef Javier Plascencia's Booth, Cream, Jake's Del Mar, JINYA Ramen Bar, JSix, Lanai Island Grinds, Poseidon, Puesto, Roti Rolls, Saiko Sushi, Searsucker, Seaside Market, So Rich Chocolate, The Milk Bar, Toastada & City Tacos, and many more.
Comedian Jeff Ross performs at the Humor Me Stage during the 2016 KAABOO Del Mar at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on September 16, 2016 in Del Mar, California. (Photo by Christopher Victorio/WireImage for Kaaboo Del Mar via imageSPACE)
Featured Chefs at KAABOO were: Richard Blais, Brian Malarkey, Josiah Citrin, Marcel Vigneron, Timothy Hollingsworth, Ray Garcia, Michael Fiorelli, Steve Samson, and many more.
Dancing the day and night away can get a little tiring. Luckily KAABOO offered there INDULGENCES, where guests need to take a break from the festival for quick touch-ups and spa treatments. Presented in partnership with MEET ME AT THE SPA, this experience provided the perfect opportunity to take a little "me-time," to refresh.
Musician Ludacris performs on the Encore Stage during the 2016 KAABOO Del Mar at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on September 17, 2016 in Del Mar, California. (Photo by Chris Tuite /WireImage for Kaaboo Del Mar via imageSPACE
Although there was shade and seating, actual restrooms, minimal dirt, dust and mud this festival still has a lot of growing to do. For starters scheduling and traffic flow. With an event reaching ticket sales that doubled since last year location and scheduling were key. While major hits such as Aerosmith and Third Eye Blind were held on outside stages other top contenders such as Ludacris and Steve Aoki were held at an inside venue - the Encore stage.
DJ/Producer Steve Aoki performs on the Encore Stage during the 2016 KAABOO Del Mar at the Del Mar Racetrack on September 17, 2016 in Del Mar, California. (Photo by C Flanigan/WireImage for Kaaboo Del Mar via imageSPACE)
It's been said that the venue only holds 4,000 people. Not allowing access to the other festival goers created madness. The sheer fact that thousands of attendees were denied access should have been clearly stated at the time people bought wristbands. Many festival goers not only felt 'cheated' but as if their lives were in danger. Security and police were brought to the scene to settle the 'unruly' crowd, however, many felt that the cops made the situation worse. Tasing and pepper spraying a crowd is not going to end well," said one festival goer. "If I had known access was limited I would have left early." Another festival attendee continued, "I've never been to a festival where I became fearful."
Take a look at Pow! Wow! Antelope Valley, supported by the Lancaster Museum of Art and History and Thinkspace Gallery. Featured artists are Amandalynn and MEGGS. Photo Credit: @bshigeta Project: Mural festival supported by @moahlancaster @thinkspacegallery @powwowworldwide
KAABOO is only in its second year. Although ticket sales are increasing, we can only hope that they deliver when it comes to safety and awareness for the years to come as it could have the ability to become one of the greats.
