Ice Cube and Rebelution Draw Huge Crowd on Last Day of Cali Roots Festival in Monterey

This year’s Cali Roots music festival in Monterey drew thousands of attendees, all echoing one sentiment: “the vibes are off the chart.”

Held over Memorial Day weekend, the festival was a vibrant mix of color, art, local wine and bееr, and the unmistakable rhythms of reggae music. The final day saw headliners Ice Cube and Rebelution captivating a stadium filled with families, locals, and tourists, all eager for an unforgettable show. While some found it surprising to see rapper Ice Cube on the lineup, others saw it as a dream come true.

“He’s a legend. It’s unreal,” said Miguel Santana, a tourist from Los Angeles. “How can you not have a good time? The food, the people, the music… it’s all about freedom here.”

Local artist Avelino Santoyo Hernandez showcased his work at the festival, including a spray-painted portrait of Ice Cube.

“I found out my painting got sold to someone in the VIP and it’s supposed to be autographed by Ice Cube,” Santoyo said. “I hope they invite me back next year so I can do this again.”

When Rebelution took the stage, the crowd erupted. Fans sang along, and couples danced and swayed to the music. Many visitors traveled from across the state just to catch their performance.

For artist Skye O’Connor, the festival was about more than just the music and art.

“I kind of get lost for hours just painting,” O’Connor said. “It’s nice just to be here, and everyone is in the same creative space. Everyone is really sweet and nice here.”

The 2024 Cali Roots festival in Monterey over Memorial Day weekend was headlined by Ice Cube and Rebelution, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.