Lake Perris, CA – Same Same But Different (SSBD) returned to the illustrious Lake Perris, California for the eighth time in 2025. Founded in 2017, SSBD has quickly risen to become one of the premier festivals in California. There’s so much to love about this festival: the stunning location with pristine water, the beautiful Southern California weather, and a thoughtfully curated experience featuring art, vendors, and, of course, music.
This was my second time attending, and when asked how it was compared to last year, I couldn’t help but respond, “It was same same, but different.” The main stages remained the same, but the But Stage was different. The location was the same, but the faces were different. With so much to see and do, SSBD has certainly become a can’t-miss event on my calendar.
It’s hard to put my experience into words. The creators of SSBD may have crafted one of the most perfect festivals out there, and the love and care put into it is deeply felt. That quote resonated with me last year, and it certainly did again this year.
“SSBD was founded and is still owned by a group of friends—local musicians and artists who came together with the intention of creating the kind of festival we always wanted to attend. We envisioned a festival that was intimate, without massive crowds. We wanted open areas for attendees to paint, jam, dance, and be part of the show. We wanted a place to explore, where you could feel a sense of true freedom.”
The atmosphere and intention behind SSBD create a truly memorable experience. Whether you’re dancing, painting, meditating, or simply soaking in the vibes, this festival taps into something beautiful—something childlike and creative. I overheard someone say, “This is probably the best day of my life,” and I totally understand why.
Main Stages
Returning to SSBD for a second time, I can confidently say this ticket is worth every penny—even without seeing the lineup in advance. Once again, the festival delivered an incredible roster of artists, supported by crystal-clear sound across six stages with no clashing headliners.
The Same Stage featured artists spanning a variety of genres. Artists I caught here included Motifv, Know Good, and Big Milk. I also discovered new favorites like Lasezwo, who I caught by chance and was completely impressed by.
My favorite sets on the Same Stage came from Detox Unit, who I was thrilled to finally catch live. Festival legends Dr. Fresch and Zeds Dead delivered phenomenal closing sets on Friday and Sunday night. The standout performance, however, was LSZEE, who closed Saturday night with an unforgettable set from their collaborative album—released almost exactly a year prior.
The Different Stage was just as stellar. I caught incredible performances by Parkbreezy for the first time. Opiuo, who has always been an artist I enjoy seeing. And MEMBA of whom I saw blind and left a brand-new fan.
Standout sets included Boogie T.RIO, who brought a jam band twist to his usual sound—my first time seeing him live in this format, and it was a blast. Alleycvt and SoDown were both phenomenal and should be on everyone’s must-see list. There was even a surprise LSDREAM “funk” set, which I unfortunately missed due to schedule conflicts, but heard amazing reviews all weekend.
Different Stages
At the Coconut Grove Stage, located along the beach, I spent a good chunk of time enjoying everything from daytime grooves to late-night parties. On Friday night, my current favorite artists, The Sponges, delivered a fun, high-energy set full of new music and VIP remixes. Do not sleep on them. The party kept going after them with a MNTRA b2b TCHILT set which brought a refreshing and unique house sound—both are rising stars worth watching.
Saturday day time was spent with DJ Susan and Coco & Breezy. Saturday into Sunday brought a magical sunrise set from CloZee, then into Josh Teed, Wyatt Marshall, and DJ Dials to cap off the morning. Attendees who stayed up for it were very pleased with those hours.
The OME Stage, a beachside warehouse near Coconut Grove, was added this year. Every time I entered, it was a non-stop party with heavy-hitting tech house. I especially loved Luke Andy’s set, but honestly, every moment in this space was a blast. I hope they bring it back next year too!
The Inner Bass Stage brought the weirdest, wildest bass music for the late-night heads. During the day, this area hosted workshops, including flow arts, a 5K run club, yoga, and the return of the LSDREAM Lightcode guided meditation.
Highlight sets here included the Bass N’ Babes takeover, a collective showcasing 6 different femme artists. The OdeZey takeover featuring Yoko, Habitaat, Orenda, and a wild late-night performance from WonkyWilla into 8Ö8 (ERO8Ö8 b2b Shöckface).
hidden stages
New this year was the But County Fair, which transported attendees back to their county fair, but with a festival twist. The But Stage became home to jam bands and immersive experiences. I caught Banshee Tree here and loved the laid-back, time-appropriate vibes.
Music was everywhere—even outside the main stages. Late-night jams abounded, and Nakey Island, a private island party, featured artists like Ardalan, whose set I sadly missed but heard amazing things about. Groove Grove offered an open jam space with instruments provided, where festival-goers could create spontaneous music together.
With such a rich and diverse music offering, it’s easy to see why SSBD is gaining serious traction in the festival world. Whether you’re here to discover your next favorite act or revel in the comfort of familiar legends, SSBD has something for everyone.
SSBD Experience
SSBD once again delivered three unforgettable nights of music, but also so much more. The addition of the But County Fair offered interactive experiences like the Ms. But County Fair, a Smell Museum, immersive art installations like Grandma’s House, silly carnival games, prizes, and even a wedding chapel. There truly wasn’t enough time to see and do it all.
Workshops were abundant and diverse. From transformational experiences to lighthearted fun, SSBD caters to whatever kind of weekend you’re looking for. Whether you want to dance until sunrise, meditate under the stars, or just laugh with friends while painting your body in glitter, you’ll find it here.
At The Creation Station, festival-goers could explore their artistic side with poetry, intentional journaling, painting, body painting, an inner child playground, talent shows, and live music. This zone really embodied the creative, open-hearted energy that defines SSBD.
Overall Opinion
What makes SSBD so special, to me, is its intimacy and community. With an intentional cap of 7,500 attendees, the festival fosters a close-knit, welcoming atmosphere that feels more like a family reunion than a massive event. The people I met here—attendees and staff alike—were kind, open, and present.
Add to that a beautifully curated artist lineup mixing fresh talent with scene veterans, unbeatable stage production, immersive art, and an idyllic venue? You’ve got a near-perfect festival.
Lake Perris itself is an underrated gem. Clean, swimmable water, grassy shaded camping, real bathrooms, running water, and free showers all enhance the experience. It’s easily accessible from major cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Palm Springs. While GA and Up-Front Camping are conveniently located, Car Camping is a bit of a trek—but that distance also means peace and quiet when it’s time to rest.
In the end, SSBD checks every box for me. It’s hard to find any real downside. With its thoughtful curation, unique vibe, and deep love from its community, I truly believe SSBD is still a hidden gem in the festival scene.
I can’t wait to return for more of that Same Same But Different magic. If you’re even slightly considering going—send it. I confidently give SSBD 2025 a 5/5. It delivered everything I wanted in a festival and more.
Don’t miss out on next year’s Same Same But Different experience! GA and VIP tickets for the 2026 edition will be on sale soon, and community ticket sales are on sale soon, at ssbdfest.com.
