Quick Take
Organizers estimated that nearly 40,000 people attended Cali Roots at the Monterey County Fairgrounds over the Memorial Day long weekend. The festival is one of the country's largest reggae and roots music events.
The Monterey County Fairgrounds was filled with music, art and energy over the Memorial Day weekend as the California Roots Music & Arts Festival returned for a 14th year.
Known as Cali Roots, the festival is one of the country’s largest reggae and roots music events. This year’s festival featured performances from 42 musical acts over three days.
Organizers estimated that nearly 40,000 people attended the long weekend event, which featured performances from Common Kings, Matisyahu, Slightly Stoopid, Steel Pulse and T-Pain, along with dozens of others spanning reggae, hip-hop and alternative genres.
Photojournalist Kevin Painchaud was there to soak in the vibes.
Photo gallery: Cali Roots 2025
This year’s attendance is expected to exceed 39,000 over the three-day celebration. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz 
T-Pain dancing for a packed house at the California Roots Music & Arts Festival in Monterey this weekend. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz 
The air was heavy with smoke at the California Roots Music & Arts Festival in Monterey this weekend. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz 
Steel Pulse drummer Wayne Clarke making beats at the California Roots Music & Arts Festival in Monterey this weekend. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz 
Steel Pulse’s lead singer, David Hinds, feeling the Monterey vibes at the California Roots Music & Arts Festival. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz 
Steel Pulse’s lead singer, David Hinds, feeling the Monterey vibes at the California Roots Music & Arts Festival. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz 
Matisyahu at this year’s California Roots Music & Arts Festival. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz 
Hip-hop artist Shwayze at this year’s California Roots Music & Arts Festival. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz 
Over 35,000 people attended the three-day roots and reggae festival in Monterey this weekend. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz 
California Roots Music & Arts Festival. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz 
T-Pain was one of the headliners at this year’s California Roots Music & Arts Festival. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz 
On stage with Steel Pulse at the California Roots Music & Arts Festival. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz 
Steel Pulse at the California Roots Music & Arts Festival. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz 
Over 35,000 people attended the three-day roots and reggae festival in Monterey this weekend. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz 
Common Kings performing at the 14th annual California Roots Music & Arts Festival in Monterey this Memorial Day weekend. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz 
Common Kings performing at the 14th annual California Roots Music & Arts Festival in Monterey this Memorial Day weekend. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz 
Good vibes at the 14th annual California Roots Music & Arts Festival in Monterey this Memorial Day weekend. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz