Summer Dead Fest at the Crowne Plaza Hotel 2025

Escape to the beautiful CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL IN VENTURA BEACH, CA for the expanded SUMMER DEAD FEST, now a four-day musical celebration (including our NEW FREE Thursday night pre-party!) This inclusive experience celebrates the timeless music and vibrant community of the Grateful Dead. Immerse yourself in a weekend of live performances, dancing, connection, and exploration, all set against the backdrop of stunning ocean views.The Music Never Stops: Lineup & Stages We've curated an incredible lineup of regional and renowned bands, performing across two iconic stages, plus a special pre-party to get things started! NEW! Thursday, July 24th: Kickoff Pre-Party (FREE!) • Location: Oceanfront Daytime Stage at the Aqua Bar & Patio • Get the party started early with The People's Dead & Friends! Friday, July 25th: Top of the Harbor Grand Ballroom (Doors 6 PM, Music starts at sunset) Cubensis - feat. Grahame Lesh Legion of Mario w/ Rodney Newman (JMF) and Elliott Jackson (Garcia Project, Xtra Ticket) The People's Dead Late Night: Sunset Vibes Silent Disco (until 3 AM) Saturday, July 26th Top of the Harbor Grand Ballroom (Doors 6 PM, Music starts at sunset) Easy Wind Shaky Feelin' Mason's Children Late Night: Sunset Vibes Silent Disco (until 3 AM) Oceanfront Daytime Stage at the Aqua Bar & Patio (FREE Access) Cubensis (acoustic set) Reckoning Dead Marley Matthews Band (Jesse Guberman) Rachel Sedacca’s Scarlet Fire The Trivle Omdobble Sunday, July 27th Oceanfront Daytime Stage at the Aqua Bar & Patio (FREE Access) No Simple Highway Token Rhyme The People's Dead Ladyfinger Natural Dead Dead and Kickin' Bellotti Brothers More Than Music: Workshops, Art & Community Summer Dead Fest is an immersive experience. Beyond the main stage acts, dive deeper • Hands-On Guitar Workshop with Nate LaPointe (Cubensis): (Saturday, Ballroom, Add-On Ticket Required). Join Nate for an insightful session on capturing Grateful Dead sounds and techniques. Perfect for players looking to enhance their fingerstyle guitar and strumming guitar skills, this workshop offers tips on tone, approach, and bringing that special magic to your playing. • Open Acoustic Jam hosted by Dan Stein (The People's Dead): (Sunday, Ballroom - Sign up by selecting the Acoustic Jam Add-On when purchasing your tickets!). Bring your instrument, voice, and good vibes to join fellow musicians in a collaborative jam session. • NEW! Meet Legendary Photographer Bob Minkin: (Saturday & Sunday - Shakedown Village). Don't miss this unique opportunity for a book signing and an engaging slideshow presentation with one of the most celebrated photographers of the Grateful Dead scene. • "Shakedown Street" Vendor Village: Explore a vibrant marketplace featuring unique arts, crafts, jewelry, clothing, and merchandise from talented artisans. (See ticketing for how to become a vendor!) • And so much more! We're adding new surprises and activities all the time. Beyond the Music The Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach offers a variety of on-site restaurants and bars to satisfy your cravings throughout the weekend. Plus, you'll be just steps away from the heart of downtown Ventura, with its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Summer Dead Fest is more than just a concert; it's a gathering of kindred spirits, a celebration of Grateful Dead music and the history of the time they spent and the legacy they left in Ventura, CA. Join us for a weekend you won't forget! Ticketing Options (The Thursday Pre-Party is FREE and open to all!) Current Ticket Pricing: Weekend Pass: $149 Includes Ballroom access Friday and Saturday 7.25-7.26 (6pm Doors both nights) & Silent Disco Friday and Saturday Night (ends at 3am). FRIDAY ONLY Day Pass: $79 Includes Ballroom access Friday 7.25 (6pm Doors), Cubensis headliner, & Silent Disco Friday Night (ends at 3am). SATURDAY ONLY Day Pass: $79 Includes Ballroom access Saturday 7.26 (6pm Doors), Easy Wind headliner, & Silent Disco Saturday Night (ends at 3am). VIP Weekend Pass: $199 - Almost Sold Out! Elevate your experience! Includes: Early access to the Top of the Harbor Grand Ballroom for both Friday and Saturday night shows. Get your spot on the rail! Two complimentary drink tickets. A signed, limited-edition event poster. A commemorative VIP laminate. Other exclusive swag! VENDORS!! Calling All Vendors! Vendor Weekend Pass: $199 - Showcase your unique wares at Summer Dead Fest! We are actively seeking more talented artisans and merchants to join our vibrant "Shakedown Street" Vendor Village. This pass includes (for 1 person): 10'x10' Booth space inside the Crowne Plaza (prime location!) from Friday 2pm to Sunday 8pm. Full access to the Ballroom Shows and Silent Disco Friday and Saturday Night. Vendor applications close June 30th - Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to connect with an enthusiastic audience! Apply today! YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN PAY FOR 1x VENDING PASS FOR 1x PERSON. IF YOU WANT TO HAVE HELPERS OR DOUBLE THE SPACE, BUY A 2ND PASS! Also check out other Entertainment events in Ventura [https://allevents.in/ventura/entertainment] , Parties in Ventura [https://allevents.in/ventura/parties] , Music events in Ventura [https://allevents.in/ventura/music] .