We’re finally back home after an amazing time running around Same Same But Different Festival in Lake Perris, CA. This fest was jam-packed with things to do, and we did our absolute best to experience as much as possible throughout the weekend. Despite its smaller size, we were just as busy as we would be at any larger festival.
The Music
This festival’s setlist alignment made it easy to catch all of our top picks. Break periods on the main stage allowed us to hop over to the smaller stages and explore before the next big act began. The main stage setup was just as grand as what you’d find at larger festivals, while the smaller stages each had their own unique vibes, keeping us grooving even during the main stage breaks.
Our favorite set without a doubt was from Tape B. He delivered banger after banger, and for the grand finale of his monumental main stage set, he invited our favorite Seattle vocalist, Dani King, to perform their collaborative track, Underneath Your Skin. Dani’s live vocals were impeccable, making for a breathtaking close to a phenomenal set.
Photo Credit: Philip Einstein Photography
Other highlight performances included Vincent Antone, who wowed us with his live electric guitar mixing during his DJ sets. Steller brought her A-game, delivering one of her most significant main stage performances to date. And the long-awaited return of Gramatik energized the crowd, keeping the vibes high with his captivating set.
SSBD is particularly special for LSDream, who invests time and care into crafting more than just a headlining performance during the weekend. His main stage presence radiated positivity, and his “LightCode” set had everyone in their feels. The workshops he offered warmed our hearts and showcased his dedication to the SSBD family.
Photo Credit: Dance Music NW
Standout sets kept coming, with Effin kicking off the festival with an incredible introduction tailored specifically for SSBD, eagerly teasing us with tracks from his recent album, Heartbeat. Of The Trees brought a mesmerizing vibe, perfectly syncing his set with the full moon and even calling the crowd to howl in unison at its glow.
Photo Credit: Sam Stofko – samshootsshows
Nakey Island
A unique aspect of the fest was the island takeover, which fostered a different energy focusing more on house music while the main stages predominantly leaned towards bass. A quick boat trip to the island provided a refreshing escape amidst the heat of the day, allowing us to relax on the less crowded beaches.
Attendees familiar with past festivals noted that this year’s weather was particularly hot, with temperatures remaining high even after sunset. The island’s cooler vibe was most welcome, providing additional shaded and breezy spots to unwind.
Photo Credit: Dance Music NW
Activities
This festival was bursting with activities, making it hard to keep up with all the options. We participated in yoga classes, sound baths, and guided meditations, highlighting a strong focus on wellness that was refreshing and helped keep our energy levels high throughout the weekend.
Artistry was alive at SSBD, with the Creation Station serving as a hub for various artists. Live painters set up nearby, allowing us to admire incredible talent in real-time. We reconnected with artists we had previously met at Lightning in a Bottle, including Seeds of Life Crystals, whose handmade jewelry shone brightly within the Creation Station, while talented live painter Miriam Jade was a short walk away. Their artistry truly captured our attention and showed how beautifully their passions come to life.
Photo Credit: Dance Music NW
The Food
Even as a smaller festival, the food vendors impressively delivered meals that felt like homemade cooking. While dining options may not have been as vast as at larger festivals, we found more than enough variety to enjoy something different for each meal.
Hydration is essential at any festival, especially during hot weather, and while there were appealing cold beverage options, we noted a lack of water refill stations throughout the festival grounds. This was particularly inconvenient given that guests had to discard liquids at the entrance, significantly limiting refreshment access in the hotter areas of the fest.
The Extras
With Limitless-level VIP access, our experience was significantly enhanced. The Limitless Lounge by the main stage offered one of the best spots to relax, providing comfort and reprieve for our tired feet. The ability to grab free ice for our drinking water was a thoughtful touch in combating the sweltering temperatures.
Our favorite VIP perks included refreshing cold plunges, a daily ritual given the 95+ degree weather. Although sauna stations were available, we felt more inclined to cool down than to warm up. The air-conditioned bathroom trailers were also a huge plus, offering comfort in a clean, stocked environment—a true game changer compared to typical festival facilities.
Photo Credit: Katelyn Berberich Photography
Unlike many festivals, SSBD benefits from real plumbing, making facilities more accessible, both inside the venue and at the campgrounds. This feature is a luxury that minimizes reliance on porta-potties and provides cleaner, hot-water outdoor and indoor shower options for attendees.
What sets SSBD apart is its continued support for fire performers, allowing them to perform under the stars in burn circles on the beach. Every night, the shores lit up with mesmerizing flames, and we spent hours captivated by the warmth and beauty of their craft.
Photo Credit: Ty Mullins – TyFoxPhoto
The Struggles
As with any festival, there are always areas for improvement. Especially for an independent festival of this size, it proved more challenging to address certain issues. We felt that access to water refill stations and trash receptacles could be enhanced. Notably, despite these challenges, the festival grounds remained relatively clean during the event.
From a press perspective, we faced significant struggles with nearly non-existent cell service, which also rendered our Wi-Fi access largely unusable. This made it difficult to engage with our media socials as we wished and limited our connectivity in the media HQ.
Our primary concern revolved around medical access. The medical tent appeared under-staffed, with only a narrow selection of over-the-counter medications available. While an ambulance was on standby, we felt that this area could benefit from a more robust presence to ensure attendees’ safety and peace of mind.
The Crowds
One of the festival’s highlights was the ample space in the pit areas throughout performances. The main stage never felt overcrowded, allowing attendees room to dance freely, regardless of where they found themselves in the crowd. The vibe was incredibly uplifting, with many attendees being vocal about their yearly return to SSBD, maintaining a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
As an all-ages festival, it was heartening to see younger attendees engaging with the EDM community. While it’s important to promote safety, we did notice a few children lacking hearing protection, sparking some concerns. Fortunately, most of the younger crowd was equipped with earplugs, dancing just as enthusiastically as the adults.
Photo Credit: Ty Mullins – TyFoxPhoto
SSBD proved to be a tight-knit and heartwarming festival experience. While some infrastructure aspects could expand, the loyal audience ensures the festival’s continued growth in spirit and community. We truly enjoyed meeting the organizers behind this charming annual gathering and can’t wait to see the evolution of SSBD in the years to come.
Tickets for next year are already on sale, with SSBD launching its own ticket sales platform to keep ticket fees as low as possible. Check out next year’s options, and we hope to see you at SSBD 2027!
