KAABOO festival goers bounce to the beat of T-Pain at last year’s event, which attracted more than 40,000 people. (Photo by Jackie Schnell)
KAABOO festival goers bounce to the beat of T-Pain at last year’s event, which attracted more than 40,000 people.

Photo by Jackie Schnell

CCHS takes Kaaboo

September 14, 2018

Kickin’ back at KAABOO

KAABOO, a music and arts festival and one of San Diego’s most prominent events, will take place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds today through Sunday, with performances ranging from Halsey to Foo Fighters to rock legend Robert Plant.

“I’m most excited to see Post Malone in concert and for the other amazing artists like Katy Perry,” Cathedral Catholic High School student Yasi Erwin ‘21 said.

Festival goers can purchase a regular admissions pass that gets them into the music, culinary, comedy, and art offerings. Those people willing to pay more can purchase VIP passes, such as the Hang Five, Hang Ten, or Ultimate Hang.

The Hang Five includes premium stage view and priority access lanes in and out of the event. Alternatively, the Hang Ten admits an attendee to on stage viewing and meet and greets with the KAABOO talent. The Ultimate Hang includes all aforementioned perks plus car service and front and center stage view.

Brian E. Gordon, CEO of KAABOO Del Mar and prominent business man, struck gold with the idea of creating his own luxury arts festival. The San Diego event debuted in 2015 to match festivals like Lollapalooza and Coachella. KAABOO attracts close to 40,000 people per year, according the San Diego Union-Tribune.

KAABOO’s guest services team is available to help buyers purchase tickets via phone and website, KAABOO box office representative Jessica Brody said.

KAABOO runs a program called KAABOO Kindness that donates 20 percent of all net ticket sales to support local charities, like the Surfrider Foundation and Voices for Children.

In addition to music, KAABOO’s art, food, and comedy acts draw people to the festival. These offerings attract celebrities such as comedian Louie Anderson, chef and TV personality Richard Blais, and local restaurant Board & Brew Specialty Sandwiches.

Local restaurants, like Chipotle, and food trucks, such as Baby’s Burgers, will be on site this weekend.

Get ready to rock, Dons.

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Getting the KAABOO party started

Northern California resident and first time festival goer Megan O’Malley did not hesitate one moment to book recently her flight to Southern California for KAABOO Del Mar, a San Diego music festival happening this weekend at the fairgrounds.

“I am beyond excited to go to KAABOO this year,” O’Malley said. “I’m missing two days of school and flying down to San Diego from Northern California just for this.”

The annual festival provides a bustling weekend full of activity, consisting of music, art, comedy, and food. The most popular area in KAABOO is the music section, which wows the crowd with some of the biggest current names in the music industry, such as Post Malone, Imagine Dragons, and Halsey.

Whether it is food vendors, local artwork, or music and entertainment, KAABOO offers treats for everyone. Some of Cathedral Catholic High School’s own students attend the huge attraction every year.

“This year will be my third year,” CCHS student Charlotte Killeen ‘21 said. “Last year was my absolute favorite because the lineup was incredible, and I got to go all 3 days.”

However, KAABOO can be overwhelming, which inevitably causes problems.

“I went the summer before sixth grade, and I wished I would’ve waited a couple more years,” CCHS student Maddie Hazeltine ‘21 said. “Although I had a great time with all my friends, it was hot and crowded, and I was so young I was constantly getting trampled.

“I would say to wait until you’re mature enough to handle large situations like that.”

People travel from all around the U.S. to attend San Diego’s festival. What most attendees do not know is many festival goers spend weeks planning outfits, buying tickets, or figuring out hotel reservations.

KAABOO’s venue offers VIP and a general admissions section for all the ticket buyers. VIP tickets offer a private performance, early entry, first looks at artwork and food vendors, access to the KAABOO artist lounge, and an opportunity to meet some of the talent.

“I don’t think a VIP ticket is worth it,” Killeen said. “The only difference is that it’s less crowded. But they have the same vendors, the same entertainment, the same everything. My sister and I both prefer the non VIP section.”

Although the festival has its cons, locals and people from out of town enjoy the time spent at KAABOO.

“I would definitely go again,” Hazeltine said. “KAABOO was the best experience of my life, and I’d be bouncing on the walls if I had another chance to go.

“Maybe next year I will be lucky.”

 

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