This Music Festival Becomes One of the First To Let Fans Become Owners

Same Same But Different Raised $500,000 From Attendees In the First Week 

Following a sold-out 2025 edition, Same Same But Different Festival (SSBD) is breaking new ground by becoming one of the first music festivals to launch a public ownership campaign via WeFunder. 

Built on 33% year-over-year growth and a higher than industry normal 40% fan retention rate, SSBD has become one of the fastest-growing boutique festivals in the world. For as little as $100, fans can move from simply attending to becoming part-owners in SSBD while enjoying perks ranging from annual investor meetups and backstage experiences to lifetime VIP passes (Perks begin at $250 - visit here for more info)

“Same Same But Different is looking to shape the way festivals can be done better for their community,” said Brad Sweet, SSBD co-founder. “By opening ownership to our community, we’re ensuring SSBD grows with the people who made it possible, and keeps its spirit independent for years to come.”

SSBD went live exclusively to its attendees, first raising $450,000, prior to the public launch. This effort has potential to redefine the landscape of festivals— raising funds, shifting from a buy-out strategy from large corporations to a fan-funded strategy keeping independence.

SSBD’s campaign is designed to enhance the attendee experience while preserving its authentic, independent ethos. Funds raised will fuel infrastructure upgrades, expanded immersive programming, and new opportunities for fans to connect with the festival year-round. It’s a model built on inclusivity and growth, proving that independent festivals can continue to thrive when the community that loves them helps shape their future.

This initiative follows a year of innovative collaborations that showcased SSBD’s forward-thinking ethos. Earlier in 2025, the festival partnered with music festivals Desert Hearts, Northern Nights, and Joshua Tree to launch the indepenDANCE Pass — a first-of-its-kind multi-festival ticketing initiative covered by Billboard. SSBD also teamed up with Wonderfront Festival to create the Wonderfully Different Pass, highlighted by Axios.

About SSBD:
SSBD began in 2018, started by a few friends, with a couple hundred attendees and has grown exponentially each year and continues to this day as an independent festival, with no institutional backing. Known for its unique community and the meticulous care put into every aspect, SSBD offers far more than just music. It’s a haven for creativity, connection, and unexpected wonder. Nestled on the beach of Lake Perris, the picturesque landscape creates an enchanting environment that the organizers fill with surprises around every corner.