Eddie Vedder gives heartfelt thanks after nine years of waves, music, and community.
The Ohana Festival, born nine years ago on the shores of Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA, just scored a huge win: it was named 2025 Music Festival of the Year (Global, Under 30,000 Attendance) at the 36th annual Pollstar Awards.
This isn’t just another trophy — it’s a nod to a festival that’s stayed true to its roots, blending surf culture, killer music, and environmental awareness into something totally unique. Over the years, Ohana has hosted legends like Pearl Jam, The Strokes, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Brandi Carlile, and Jack Johnson.
As for the 2025 lineup? Still under wraps — but the dates are set: September 26–28, and the buzz is already building.
In a video posted to Instagram, Eddie Vedder shared a message straight from the heart, thanking everyone who’s been part of the ride: “Thank you all. This award doesn’t belong to us — it belongs to you. The fans, the artists, the techs, the crew, the families who come back year after year. It belongs to our community, and to the people who work so hard to protect this beautiful place we call home. And a big thanks to the Parks Department for letting us play music by the ocean without ever losing touch with the nature that inspires us.”
He went on to reflect on the festival’s journey: “Nine years ago we lit a spark. The idea was simple: bring together the things we love — music, the ocean, the people — and do it with open hearts. Today, that spark’s a flame shared by thousands. And this award is a reminder of that.”
Ohana Fest isn’t just a music festival – it’s a movement. A place where art, activism, and connection come together. Where every set is played with purpose, and the spirit of ohana – family – is always front and center.
For more info and to stay in the loop, head to ohanafest.com or follow @theohanafest on Instagram.
Watch Eddie Vedder’s full thank-you message here: instagram.com/reel/DIj_yFRypLV
Born in Reggio Emilia in 1980. He created pearljamonline.it in 2001 and wrote the first edition of “Pearl Jam Evolution” in 2009 along with his wife Daria. Since 2022, he is behind 2 podcasts: “Pearl Jam dalla A alla Z” and “Fuori Orario Not Another Podcast”. He has collaborated with Barracuda Style, HvsR, Rolling Stone, Rockol and Il Fatto Quotidiano. He continues relentlessly to try to find “beautiful melodies that say terrible things”.
Favorite song: Present Tense
Favorite album: No Code
Favorite bands/artists other than PJ: Tom Waits, Soundgarden, Ramones, Bruce Springsteen, IDLES, Fontaines D.C., The Murder Capital, Dead Kennedys, Mark Lanegan, Cat Power, R.E.M.