Ohana Festival Brings Pearl Jam and Ocean Sunsets to Dana Point

Every fall, Dana Point trades a little of its laid-back surf town calm for a weekend of live music on the sand. This year carries extra weight, because Ohana Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary at Doheny State Beach from Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27. If you are looking for things to do in Orange County before the holiday season takes over the calendar, this is one of the best coastal events on the list.

A Decade of Music on the Sand

Ohana was founded by Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, and it has grown into one of the most talked about festivals on the West Coast without losing its easygoing beach feel. The 2026 edition brings more than 35 performances across three stages, with a lineup that moves between classic rock, indie, Americana, and Latin rock. Gates open at noon each day and close at 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday and 10 PM on Sunday, so plan on a full afternoon that rolls into the evening.

Who Is Taking the Stage Each Day

Friday is headlined by Eddie Vedder and Friends and the Mexican rock band Maná, with Billy Idol, Bad Religion, and Courtney Barnett also on the bill. Saturday belongs to Tyler Childers, joined by Alabama Shakes, Jon Batiste, and Men I Trust. Sunday closes with Pearl Jam, along with Fontaines D.C., Pixies, Rilo Kiley, The Format, and Tom Odell. Set times for each day are posted on the festival schedule, and it is smart to check the official lineup again right before you go in case anything changes.

Ocean Talks, Art, and Giving Back

Ohana has always paired music with a conservation message, and you will find it in The Cove. Storytellers, presented by Ford, offers talks and exhibits centered on the ocean, activism, environmental justice, art, community, and Indigenous voices, while The Cove Gallery adds artwork to the mix. Sponsor lounges and photo spots give you a few places to cool off and take a break between sets. A portion of proceeds supports local causes, including the Doheny State Beach Foundation and the San Onofre Parks Foundation, through the Vitalogy Foundation.

Eating Well Between Sets

The food lineup leans toward West Coast favorites, with roughly twenty vendors serving wood fired pizza, Texas barbecue, Hawaiian plates, fried chicken, Philly sandwiches, and noodle bowls. Mini donuts, espresso, and ice cream cover the sweet side. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, and dairy free options are available, and you can filter the food and beverage vendor list by dietary need before you arrive. The festival is also cashless, so bring a card or use your phone.

Tickets, VIP Perks, and Bringing the Family

Tickets are sold through the official ticket page, and the festival says very few remain, so availability can change quickly. At the time of writing, one day general admission starts at $199, with Friday and Saturday available and a waitlist for Sunday. Three day general admission starts at $535 and is currently waitlisted. VIP passes start at $639 for a single day and $1,620 for all three days, and they add perks like exclusive lounges, elevated viewing, and quicker entry. There is also a two person Ultimate VIP package and group tickets for parties of ten or more. Out of town guests can pair a ticket with a stay through the hotel and ticket packages.

Ohana is an all ages event. Children five and under can enter without a ticket when accompanied by a ticketed adult, with a limit of two children per adult, and that exception does not apply to Ultimate VIP.

Who Will Feel at Home at Ohana

Pearl Jam fans are the obvious crowd, but the lineup is wide enough to work for anyone who loves alternative rock, indie, roots music, or Latin rock. Families will appreciate the all ages policy and the relaxed daytime pace. People who care about ocean health and coastal conservation will find plenty to do in The Cove. And if you are new to the area or thinking about a move, a weekend like this is a great way to see how Orange County people actually spend their time.

Getting to Doheny Without the Parking Stress

The festival grounds are at 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive in Dana Point. Parking passes had to be bought in advance, with no sales on site, and both the general and premium options are currently listed as sold out. Overnight parking is not permitted either, so it helps to plan another way in. Rideshare drop-off is inside the park on Park Lantern Drive, and pickup is at the Dana Point Community Center on Del Obispo Street. The Dana Point Trolley will run until midnight on Saturday and 11:30 PM on Sunday, and the San Clemente Trolley's Blue Line will run until 1 AM Saturday and 12:30 AM Sunday.

Coming from farther away, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner stops in San Juan Capistrano, and from there you can take the 91 bus or a short rideshare. John Wayne Airport is the closest airport, while San Diego and LAX are each about an hour away. Drivers can take I-5 to Exit 79 toward PCH, and cyclists will find bike parking near the main entrance, though you need to bring your own lock. The festival's full transportation guide covers the details.

Packing Smart for a Beach Festival

The festival's bag policy is strict, and all bags are searched at the gate. Backpacks and purses are not allowed, with a few exceptions. Small clutches and fanny packs that are 6 by 9 inches or smaller with a single pocket are fine. Clear bags up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches are allowed, as are empty hydration packs with no more than two pockets. The policy is subject to change, so check it before you go. Lockers can be reserved through the festival site, and guests who need accommodations can find accessibility information in the help center. Since coastal evenings cool off quickly this time of year, a light layer is a good idea.

Turn the Festival Into a Dana Point Weekend

Doheny sits right beside Dana Point Harbor, where you will find waterfront dining, shops, and whale watching tours. Dana Point has earned its reputation as the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World, so a morning on the water fits nicely around a night of music. Visit Dana Point has ideas for dining, beaches, and lodging, and the City of Dana Point website lists community events and local attractions if you want to stay a little longer.

Bottom Line

Ohana is a good snapshot of why so many people fall for Orange County: a historic state beach, a working harbor, and a music festival with a conscience, all within minutes of each other. If you are thinking about buying, selling, investing, or moving to Orange County, you can connect us at Whitestone Real Estate for local guidance. In the meantime, grab a ticket if you can, pack light, and enjoy the weekend.