a decompression with the best live bands in california
What Is solaura?
We're an annual gathering of the warmest, most generous people you'll find on the West Coast. It's four straight days of camping, live music, and gorgeous vibes.

At Solaura, we're all about co-creating magical experiences alongside talented artists. We've got hilltop sunset performances overlooking the Mendocino Valley, stages for live bands and electronic artists, and even a whole bluegrass area!

And it's not just about the music, either. You'l find over 30 pop-up food spots and immersive experiences to keep your mind and taste buds buzzing. Plus, you can take part in dozens of workshops, swing dancing, dating game shows - you name it, we've got it!
2023 Phase 2 Lineup
Solaura 2022 festival poster
What makes solaura magical?
"I think my favorite part is the feeling that almost anyone you strike up a conversation with will be down to actually connect and potentially become friends."
JEN L.
"All the amazing people, fantastic sets, and how intimate everything feels. I always joke that it's like the high school/college reunion you actually WANT to attend."
Meg N.
"Bluegrass Holler! I liked the other stuff too but BH felt like it's own world, connected to the others but separate enough to be special. All the musicians and scenery!"
Nat
"The wedding celebration of two amazing friends and our community, every band from 2022, sunset concert on the hill in 2019, lakeside salsa dancing!"
Danielle C.
"Many festivals have incredible music, beautiful settings, and off-the-wall shenanigans. For me, the people who go to Solaura (and painstakingly make it happen out of love for this community) are what sets it apart."
JEN L.
"The music is always amazing. The community and diverse group of humans that gather. Finding comfort in the uncomfortable. Curating our own camp to further add to the experience for everyone."
Mike M.
"I think my favorite part is the feeling that almost anyone you strike up a conversation with will be down to actually connect and potentially become friends."
JEN L.
"All the amazing people, fantastic sets, and how intimate everything feels. I always joke that it's like the high school/college reunion you actually WANT to attend."
Meg N.
"Bluegrass Holler! I liked the other stuff too but BH felt like it's own world, connected to the others but separate enough to be special. All the musicians and scenery!"
Nat
"The wedding celebration of two amazing friends and our community, every band from 2022, sunset concert on the hill in 2019, lakeside salsa dancing!"
Danielle C.
"dancing with all my favorite people under the moon in big fluffy coats"
Olive M.
"the community, the family feel, the location, the lineup, the intimacy, the intentions, THE BEACH"
Holly M.
"Many festivals have incredible music, beautiful settings, and off-the-wall shenanigans. For me, the people who go to Solaura (and painstakingly make it happen out of love for this community) are what sets it apart."
JEN L.
"The music is always amazing. The community and diverse group of humans that gather. Finding comfort in the uncomfortable. Curating our own camp to further add to the experience for everyone."
Mike M.
"The car buffer tree, the banjo stage, dancing, the beach, the production team, the star shower infinity space"
Trevor H.
"There's something carefree and simple and beautiful about a group of people gathering to appreciate sweet music and moments in the sunshine."
Hannah A.
"In a lot of ways, Solaura catalyzed our new sound and concept for our album [Komorebi], prompting us to think about the importance of nature, our values and connections and ultimately return to Mendocino."
slenderbodies
What You'll Find at Solaura

the best bands you never heard of

You won't know many of our main acts - and that's the way our attendees like it. We source the best hidden and rising talent in California, from funk to psych rock, soul, indie, brass bands, and more. Don't miss the analog liquid light shows.

past lineups

The bluegrass Holler

Ever been to a full-on bluegrass hoedown? Here's your chance. Swing dancing, wagon saloons, hay bales, and nonstop fiddles will rock your world.

Past artists

The launchpad

A DJ grove nestled among the Mendocino redwoods bumps electronic music from top Bay Area DJs - groovy house, funk, hip hop, and disco all night long. No boring tech house allowed.

sunset hill

Every sunset, all of Solaura gathers on our highest peak overlooking the valley to celebrate the golden hour of summer to live music. It's a truly magical moment.

past photos

The night village

A grove of glamping tents offers late-night pop-ups filled with tarot card readings, costume closets, free dumplings, art exhibits, and more. Expect the unexpected!

past stalls

The deck

A raised platform serves as our daytime center for workshops from all backgrounds - dating gameshows, late-night circus performances, and morning yoga.

See workshops

Free food pop-ups

We've learned that our people love making food for each other. So we've made it a part of Solaura! You'll find pop-up pancakes, dumplings, lamb roasts and more all weekend long.

See food

bBQ pool parties

Feeling the heat after a long day of dancing? We've got a refreshing pool and some excellent grills to help you recharge. A Sunday afternoon classic.

The teahouse

Our tea house is the perfect tool to sink into a flow state, find spontaneous connections, and maybe catch an acoustic artist. Some of our attendees spend all weekend here!

what questions should i ask?
How is Solaura different from a regular festival?
Where and when is solaura?
When will the lineup get released?
Who are all these artists?
Can I get Financial Assistance? 
I have MORE questions!
What makes solaura magical?
"I think my favorite part is the feeling that almost anyone you strike up a conversation with will be down to actually connect and potentially become friends."
JEN L.
"All the amazing people, fantastic sets, and how intimate everything feels. I always joke that it's like the high school/college reunion you actually WANT to attend."
Meg N.
"Bluegrass Holler! I liked the other stuff too but BH felt like it's own world, connected to the others but separate enough to be special. All the musicians and scenery!"
Nat
"The wedding celebration of two amazing friends and our community, every band from 2022, sunset concert on the hill in 2019, lakeside salsa dancing!"
Danielle C.
"dancing with all my favorite people under the moon in big fluffy coats"
Olive M.
"the community, the family feel, the location, the lineup, the intimacy, the intentions, THE BEACH"
Holly M.
"Many festivals have incredible music, beautiful settings, and off-the-wall shenanigans. For me, the people who go to Solaura (and painstakingly make it happen out of love for this community) are what sets it apart."
JEN L.
"The music is always amazing. The community and diverse group of humans that gather. Finding comfort in the uncomfortable. Curating our own camp to further add to the experience for everyone."
Mike M.
"The car buffer tree, the banjo stage, dancing, the beach, the production team, the star shower infinity space"
Trevor H.
"There's something carefree and simple and beautiful about a group of people gathering to appreciate sweet music and moments in the sunshine."
Hannah A.
the DAWN OF A NEW ERA
Though we've adored our Mendocino beachfront for many years, it's time for us to move to a venue that can let our community grow! In 2022, we'll be heading to a rustic ranch just two hours south of SF. With longhorn cattle, miniature ponies,  a cowboy village, and absolutely spectacular sunset lookouts, we know you'll fall in love immediately.
ARTISTS YOU WON'T FIND
At COACHELLA
We're deeply proud of our diverse musical heritage, and we're committing to bringing you the best live musicians we can find in California. From funk and soul powerhouses, to acoustic folk singer-songwriters, to our Bluegrass Holler stage, we bring it all.
Love electronic beats? Don't worry, we've got that too - this year, going all night long.
A FAMILY REUNION
Our community is our greatest asset. More than anything else, people tell us that returning to Solaura is like coming home from a long journey - and every year, our attendees fly in from all over the world to be here. We promise you - Solaura is a place where you'll feel safe, comfortable, and accepted by every person you meet.
What makes solaura magical?
"I think my favorite part is the feeling that almost anyone you strike up a conversation with will be down to actually connect and potentially become friends. Then there's the countless sub-plots that you have with the friends you already know, plus the people you've just met or just met for the first time in a previous year."
JEN LEHR
"Bluegrass Holler! I liked the other stuff too but BH felt like it's own world, connected to the others but separate enough to be special. All the musicians and scenery!"
Nat Hendel
"That it’s small - I get to see a lot of familiar faces, and if I meet someone new odds are good that I run into them again!"
Rebecca Gilbert
"Many festivals have incredible music, beautiful settings, and off-the-wall shenanigans. For me, the people who go to Solaura (and painstakingly make it happen out of love for this community) are what sets it apart."
JEN LEHR
"The wedding celebration of 2 amazing friends and our community, every band from 2022, sunset concert on the hill in 2019, lakeside naked salsa dancing...!"
Danielle Cleaver
"dancing with all my favorite people under the moon in big fluffy coats"
Olive Mcshea
"I think my favorite part is the feeling that almost anyone you strike up a conversation with will be down to actually connect and potentially become friends. Then there's the countless sub-plots that you have with the friends you already know, plus the people you've just met or just met for the first time in a previous year."
JEN LEHR
"Bluegrass Holler! I liked the other stuff too but BH felt like it's own world, connected to the others but separate enough to be special. All the musicians and scenery!"
Nat Hendel
"That it’s small - I get to see a lot of familiar faces, and if I meet someone new odds are good that I run into them again!"
Rebecca Gilbert
"Many festivals have incredible music, beautiful settings, and off-the-wall shenanigans. For me, the people who go to Solaura (and painstakingly make it happen out of love for this community) are what sets it apart."
JEN LEHR
"The wedding celebration of 2 amazing friends and our community, every band from 2022, sunset concert on the hill in 2019, lakeside naked salsa dancing...!"
Danielle Cleaver
"dancing with all my favorite people under the moon in big fluffy coats"
Olive Mcshea
FROM THE FOUNDERS

The privilege to bring together a community as beautiful as Solaura, and to have it grow entirely organically to where it is today has been such a blessing for us! Every September, we're amazed at the experiences that come together, from pop-up sangria bars to Bigfoot's Lair to the absolutely lit Bluegrass Holler saloon.

2022 is a big year for us! Not only is it Year Five, we're making a move to what will hopefully be our long-term home - a stunning backcountry ranch with rolling mountains and dreamy views to die for. On top of that, we're extending Solaura by a day (Fri-Mon) and kicking off a new contributor program for the All-Stars that make Solaura magical every year.

Want to get involved? We'd love to bring your vision to our Solaura fam - just reach out! We're ready to roll and holdin' on tight to our (newly acquired) cowboy hats for the wild journey this next five years is going to be! 🐴🤠

Deric, Alex, Elena, Jon
Want to See more memories?
check out our scrapbook