The buzz is building around KAABOO Del Mar

It’s time to face the music: San Diego has been in dire need of a rocking festival for some time now. We caravan up to Coachella every April, make year-long plans to escape to Outside Lands in San Francisco and dream of having something like Lollapalooza a little closer.

Enter: KAABOO Del Mar .

The three-day arts and entertainment “mix-perience” is making its big debut Sept. 18-20 at the Del Mar Racetrack/Fairgrounds, a well-rounded showcase of big-name bands, elaborate cuisine, craft libations, contemporary art, live comedy and more.

That’s right. San Diego is finally getting the multi-day, A-list talent festival it so deserves.

Of course, this wouldn’t be the first music event to shake things up in San Diego. We witnessed CRSSD Fest make its smashing debut this year at the Waterfront Park (returning again in October), welcoming trend-setting house DJs to create the ultimate outdoor dance party. IndieFest kills it annually with its showcase of Southern California’s thriving independent music scene, and let’s not forget the legendary magic that was once Street Scene, held from 1984 to 2009, as one of the largest annual music festivals in the country.

KAABOO Del Mar hopes to fill a gap of sorts with an eclectic offering that extends well beyond the buzzed-about bands such as No Doubt, The Killers, Zac Brown Band, Train, Snoop Dogg, Foster the People, Slightly Stoopid, 311, Counting Crows, Young the Giant and more performing across multiple stages. Throughout the Del Mar Racetrack/Fairgrounds layout, various scenes will be constructed to create this sort of “elevated” experience you’ve always wished existed, but never knew could.

Things like long lines will be alleviated, seating will be widespread and the food and drink won’t send you home with a serious stomach ache. In fact, the food selection dubbed “Palette” will feature 18 top local restaurants and chefs such as Bracero Cocina de Raiz, Cucina Enoteca, L’Auberge Del Mar, Puesto and Searsucker. Not to mention, 30 exclusive California wineries will be pouring over 100 different wines and 30 craft distilleries are set for sampling small batch tequila, mezcal, bourbon and gin.

Once the sun sets, KAABOO will keep the party going from 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. with “Encore,” a late-night dance party featuring extended performances by bands like Icona Pop, Girl Talk, Cherub, Griz and more.

There’s also “Humor Me,” the comedy club that’s indoors and air-conditioned, offering a welcomed respite from the outdoor heat. Laugh away to the comedy of Joel McHale, Chris D’Elia, Tig Notaro, Tim Meadows and Anthony Jeselnik.

Stay tuned for our upcoming KAABOO Del Mar coverage on DiscoverSD, including what to eat and drink, what to wear, a guide to the art on display and a full map of the event.

Happy KAABOO, San Diego! Visit kaaboodelmar.com for more.

Source: DiscoverSD