by Matt King
Did you know that the Coachella Valley is home to a nationally acclaimed music festival besides Coachella and Stagecoach?
Global music, endless artistic expression, and an embracing community have combined at Joshua Tree Music Festival (JTMF), ranked as one of the 10 Best Music Festivals by USA Today, the event has been highly praised for its immaculate desert experiences. It’s part music festival, part meditative retreat, part family-fun event!
Music festivals are a marathon, not a sprint, so it’s best to be prepared before heading into the High Desert for a four-day weekend. Here are some sets to catch, vendors to visit, and activities to explore!
This year’s edition takes place May 14-17 at the Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground.
JTMF’s lineup is a meeting-place between eclectic global acts and creative local talent. Here are a few highlights from both categories.
Thursday: Warm up for the festivities with Mitchum Yacoub and The Brass Empire (7:30 p.m.). Afrobeat sounds and cumbia rhythms intend to serve as the perfect JTMF welcome!
Friday: Start your Friday off early with a rhythmic set from Joshua Tree outfit Ahead Change (12:00 p.m.). These psychedelic groove-sters are sure to get your body moving! High Desert artist Palo Xanto (4:45 p.m.) will perform singer/songwriter tunes with a hip-hop edge. Don’t miss this showcase of spittin’ and shreddin’! Bay Area–based Filipino rapper Ruby Ibarra (6:30 p.m.) was the winner of the 2025 Tiny Desk Contest, and for a good reason. She’ll take audiences through a journey of beats, soft funk vibes, and ethereal folk sounds.
Saturday: Mojave maven Pearl Charles (1:15 p.m.) will enchant the JTMF grounds with cosmic country tunes. Expect ballads, disco, and deep jams, all with a charming twang. LA band ÖLÜM (6:30 p.m.) provides a musical history lesson, as the band’s catalogue is reworkings of Turkish folk songs. It’s a psych-funky good time, with some culture sprinkled in. Thumpasaurus (10 p.m.) bring unapologetic-funk, clashing dance-party sounds with harmonies that range from Bee Gees to opera.
Sunday: Black Cashmere (1:45 p.m.) wade through numerous genres while maintaining a jazzy serenade. Harmonious vocals lead musical passages that shift from psych-soul to electronic-dance. Ronkat Spearman’s Katdelic (6:30 p.m.) is led by former Parliament Funkadelic guitarist Ronkat Spearman, so expect the funky vibes. Don’t miss this shakin’ set of tunes. Locals Morongo Robinson (8:15 p.m.) offer a multi-genre experience through folk, alternative rock, soul, and more. They return to JTMF after making their debut as a band there last year.
Great music can take up your whole weekend, but if you need a break, there’s plenty of pop-ups to explore when in need of sustenance or seeking to escape sensory overload. Here are a few can’t-miss spots.
JavaGogo Coffee Co has got your caffeine cravings covered. Stay energized throughout the weekend with plenty of great sips of coffee, matcha, tea, and more.
Poppin’ Off Pies is a Coachella Valley favorite, thanks to their delicious hand-tossed pizzas. During a festival filled with choices, make time to grab a comforting, reliable slice of irresistible ‘za!
Nepali Fusion Kitchen has the vegans and vegetarians covered. Experience cultural offerings from Nepal, and traditional dishes with plenty of modern flavor. Nepali food is designed to fuel your body, and the vegan/vegetarian style of the dishes will ensure some healthy, powerful bites during the weekend.
Ben & Jerry’s just hits the spot after a hot festival day. It will make your eventful JTMF experience even sweeter. Plus, who could say no to ice cream?
Fugitive Art offers exclusive, one-of-one art pieces. Browse a selection of art posters that you won’t find elsewhere and become the sole owner of a one-of-a-kind design!
SoulCraft will have some intricately designed blankets and shawls perfect for those often-chilly desert evenings. The owners, from Ecuador and Sweden, pour culture and compassion into their psychedelic designs and comfortable materials.
DSRT Drip IV Club welcomes all who are in need of a pick-me-up. After being drained by the sun and the crowds, stop by DSRT Drip IV Club for some IV therapy that will energize, hydrate, and get you back to feeling your best self.
Another Realm In’s selection of clothing and accessories truly feels otherworldly. Artistic boots, pattern-heavy dresses, tops, and sparkly earrings are just the tip of the iceberg, as the stop also features hair jewelry, tinsel, and feathers.
Kat’s Creations will be selling handmade batiks. Batik is a unique dyeing technique, using wax to create detailed, colorful patterns on clothing. Grab some intimately crafted unique and bright designs in shirt or dress form that are sure to impress wandering eyes.
Positive Vibration Station is the hub for good vibes. Stop by during the weekend for yoga, meditation, healing music, dancing, and more.
Queer Salon is the safe space for all QTBIPOC and LGBTQIAA+ fest-goers. The space will feature drag performances, talks, music, a mixer, and more.
Sanctuary offers opportunities to be mindful and introspective. Experience deep conversations from local business owners and opportunities to connect with others, or yourself, on a deeper level.
Astro Mojo Dojo hosts a number of tea times. Sip on some refreshing tea while jamming with musicians, exploring the power of herbs, or just share a yerba mate with a stranger.
Healing Oasis reminds you to take care of yourself during the weekend. Stop by for massages, healings, readings and more!
Passes are still available, and you can grab a day ticket, or a weekend pass. Single day tickets are $50.46 for Thursday, $138.28 for Friday, $138.28 for Saturday, and $82.66 for Sunday. Kids (age 5-10) can get in for $28.62, and Juniors (age 11-17) can get in for $39.54. Weekend passes start at $316.73 and are $61.38 for kids and $93.27 for juniors. Ages 4 and under get in free. For tickets and more info, visit https://joshuatreemusicfestival.com/
In need of some post-festival relaxation? Check out these unique wellness retreats in the California Deserts and feel recharged and ready to keep exploring!