Desert Daze Music Festival Abruptly Canceled Over ‘Rising’ Costs

Music fans attend the Desert Daze Festival in Lake Perris, California. (Credit: YouTube/Desert Daze)Photo byYouTube/Desert Daze

Desert Daze, an annual music festival held in Lake Perris, California, has been abruptly canceled due to "rising production costs."

The festival had been scheduled to take place Oct. 10-13, at Lake Perris State Recreation Area, about 70 miles from downtown Los Angeles.

Instead, organizers posted a statement on Instagram Aug. 30, saying they were "heartbroken," but this year's event would no longer happen.

"As an independent festival, an increasing rarity in today's festival market, Desert Daze is run by a small team of people who love live music and this community," the statement read in part. "Unfortunately, due to rising production costs and the current volatile festival market, it is no longer possible to execute the weekend as planned."

Also Read: TLC Singer T-Boz Addresses 'Disheartening' Rumors About Her Hospitalization

The comments to the post were turned off. But fans expressed disappointment on X, with some noting that last year's festival was also paused.

"Bummer that Desert Daze is off for another year. It’s truly a wonderful festival. Lake Perris is an amazing site for a fest. Desert vibes with a massive reservoir to swim in and enjoy during the day or show," wrote X user Charbwire.

"I am so bummed about the cancellation of Desert Daze. One of my favorite festivals," added LA Times entertainment editor Vanessa Franko.

"Oh Desert Daze, you bum me out," wrote X user Joanna Mares.

Pass holders can get refunds, with details available on the Desert Daze website.

The festival typically features underground rock, jazz and electronica.

Organizers announced this year's lineup in July -- with Jack White, Alex G, Thundercat, Liz Phair, and De La Soul among the performers.

Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas and Adrian Younge were set to perform during the jazz portion of the festival.

According to Palm Springs news station KESQ-TV, "low ticket sales" were a significant factor in this year's cancellation.

On Aug. 21, the festival posted a promotional video on social media telling music fans the gathering was 50 days away, with "single day passes available" online.

In 2023, organizers decided not to hold the festival, saying they wanted to "take a year off" to make sure the 2024 event "surpasses expectations."