“Is For Lovers” Fest Stops Crowds in Cali

Words & Photos by Sean Sara | View the full festival gallery here

August 26, 2023 — “Is For Lovers” is a emo and punk festival that tours all over the U.S., adding the state that it goes to at in the beginning of the name. I got to specifically attend “California Is For Lovers” and I can easily say the hospitality from the performers and fans was well worth the 0 cell service. The bands touring with the festival created by band Hawthorne Heights were all emo favorites for a generally older age group, but really for anyone attending, which brought a nostalgic and community-focused feeling. With an edgier style of music, the good quality of the people don’t change. When Sleeping With Sirens performed, there was maybe 100s of people crowd surfing. At first, I was worried for them, but after awhile I saw how they were happily supported by the crowd’s strength, as it's part of the emo and punk culture.

With 2 stages, no overlapping sets, and the intimate location, there was no way to miss the great music even when you went to the local food vendors to grab some amazing mac and cheese, or if you wanted to get some merch from your favorite band or the festival itself! As a emo kid myself, “Is For Lovers” is something no one wants to miss and if you did, the photo gallery is sure to teleport you there and cure your FOMO!