top of page
Search

Waterfront Vibes & Underground Beats: The CRSSD Festival Spring 2026 Guide

  • gaslamphostelsandi
  • Feb 3
  • 2 min read

Updated: Feb 3

The wait is almost over. San Diego’s favorite house and techno sanctuary, CRSSD Festival, is returning to the iconic Waterfront Park on March 14th and 15th, 2026. Known for its refined "house, techno, and underground" ethos, CRSSD has become a global destination for dance music purists.

A large crowd gathers at a lively outdoor event with striped canopies and palm decorations. The background features ships and a blue building.
Not many music festivals have a view of the ocean and sailing ships from the 1800s!

Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the "City Steps" or a first-timer ready to soak in the "Ocean View," here is everything you need to know for the Spring edition.

The Venue: Waterfront Park

There is truly no festival backdrop like this. Nestled between the San Diego County Administration Building and the sparkling bay, you get to dance among fountains and palm trees while the sun sets over the Pacific.

Fireworks light up the night sky over a crowded stadium concert. Bright stage lights and smoke create an energetic atmosphere.
CRSSD is more than a concert..it's a vibe!

The Lineup: Three Stages, Three Distinct Vibes

CRSSD doesn't do main-stage "EDM"—it focuses on curated sub-genres across its three signature stages:




Ocean View (Live & Crossover): The home of live electronic acts, crossover artists, and stunning sunset views.

  • Headliners: Lane 8, Polo & Pan, Tycho (Live), Cut Copy

  • Key Artists: TOKiMONSTA, La Roux, Modeselektor, Franc Moody, it's murph, nimino, Zimmer90, jigitz, and LuSiD (Live).


The Palms (House & Disco): Palm trees, sunshine, and the best house and disco grooves.

  • Headliners: Dom Dolla, The Martinez Brothers, Vintage Culture

  • Key Artists: Ben Sterling, Franky Rizardo, Odd Mob, HoneyLuv, Shermanology, Mita Gami, KILIMANJARO, Brunello, Omar+, and bullet tooth.


City Steps (Techno & Harder Sounds): City Steps Deep, dark, and driving. This is the temple for techno and harder-edged sounds.

  • Headliners: Cirez D (Eric Prydz), Amelie Lens, Deborah De Luca

  • Key Artists: Collabs 3000 (Chris Liebing + Speedy J), Space 92, Ida Engberg, Alignment, Clara Cuvé, Franck, Polygonia, Silva Bumpa, Club Angel, Soraya, and Zoe Gitter.


Beyond the Music

CRSSD is more than just a lineup; it’s an aesthetic.

  • The CRSSD Lab: A curated space for tech enthusiasts to explore the latest in music production, synth gear, and digital art.

  • Craft Food & Cocktails: Forget standard festival fare. Expect local San Diego craft beers, artisanal cocktails, and a gourmet food selection that rivals the city’s best restaurants.

  • The 21+ Rule: One of the reasons for CRSSD’s unique, mature atmosphere is its strict 21+ policy, creating a more relaxed, club-like environment in an open-air setting.

    People enjoy a sunny outdoor music festival; a crowd gathers by a stage, while some wade in a fountain. Palm trees and CRSSD logo visible.
    Only in San Diego can you groove to the music AND take a dip!

Important Logistics & Tips

  • Tickets: 2-Day GA Tier 1 and Tier 2 have already sold out! Single-day tickets were recently released for $175 (plus fees), and the remaining 2-day passes are moving fast.

  • No Totems/No Hoops: CRSSD maintains a "clean" vibe. This means no hula hoops, LED gloves, or massive totems—it’s all about the music and the scenery.

  • After Dark: The party doesn’t end at 11:00 PM. Keep your eyes on the CRSSD After Dark announcements! These are late-night club sets at venues like NOVA, Spin, and Music Box featuring artists from the lineup.

Final Pro-Tip: Don't sleep on the local openers! Some of the best sets of the weekend happen before 3:00 PM when the fountains are active and the crowd is just starting to swell.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page