Bringing great music and even better vibes, Baja Beach Fest is a one of a kind music festival.
Founded by Chris Den Uijl and Aaron Ampudia of La Familia Presenta in 2018, Baja Beach Fest is an institution in the global music industry. Baja Beach Fest is known for its beautiful beachside location, in the heart of Rosarito Beach in Baja California, Mexico on the Pacific Coast.
During festival weekend, the town of Rosarito comes alive with merchants, surfing and other beach activities, street food, and more, creating a party atmosphere that extends for blocks in either direction. Whether it’s the music or the ocean breeze, vibes are immaculate all weekend long, creating an atmosphere that embodies the festival’s slogan: “menos hate, más perreo” aka “less hate, more twerking.”
This past weekend (August 11-13), Baja Beach Fest celebrated its fifth year anniversary bringing old school and new school reggaeton and Latin music brightest stars to la playa to kick off the celebration in style.
Legendary reggaeton duo Wisin Y Yandel performed Friday night (August 11), digging deep into their bag of hits to perform classics like “Rakata,” “El Telefono,” and “Sexy Moviento,” plus bangers from 2022’s La Última Misión. We also saw one of the most unique sets in BBF history, as multi-platinum producer, Tainy, emerged mysteriously from the festival’s delay tower in the middle of the crowd to play standout cuts from his impressive catalog.
Latin trap mainstay Nicky Jam brought exhilarating energy and incredible vibes to his set filled with bangers like “X” and “El Perdon.” The Dominican don of Dembow, El Alfa, showed off his animated stage presence amidst fire and smoke, including a guest appearance from Colombian rapper, Farina for their hit “Bendecido.” Earlier in the day, fans were treated to sets from Colombian heartthrob, Manuel Turizo, Mexican rapper, Gera MX, and sounds from Chicago-based DJ Miriam.
On Saturday (August 12), Rosarito was aglow with performances from Puerto Rican phenom Ozuna with his rhythmic Afro-Latin pop, inspiring crowd sing-alongs to hits like “Diles” and “Hey Mor.” Mexican-American pop sensation Becky G brought her Birkin bag of bops and slayed the stage with hits including “Mayores,” “MAMIII,” and “Shower.”
While reggaeton maverick Feid made Colombia proud with his passion-fueled performance, while groundbreaking producer Sky Rompiendo delivered a beach-shaking set.
Fast-rising Puerto Rican trap artist Young Miko to the main stage for the first time, where she staked a claim as a powerhouse in the genre, breezing through fan favorites like “Lisa” and “Classy 101.” Ivy Queen reminded the crowd that she is truly the Queen of Reggaeton with her piquant blend of braggadocio and sensuality.
Ryan Castro prompted mass perreo along to his massive hit “Jordan.” Earlier in the day Alexis y Fido, Gabito Ballesteros, and Chanell got the festival moving in the afternoon sun.
The final day Sunday (August 13), paid tribute to Latin music from all regions and eras, with performances from genre pioneers, modern superstars, and everything in between. Veteran reggaetonero Don Omar headlined, performing a decades-spanning set, and bringing out fellow legends Tego Calderon and Arcángel–each of whom delivered stellar sets earlier in the day–as special guests. Don Omar and Tego Calderon’s performance of the reggaeton classic “Bandoleros” was their first live performance of the song in nearly five years, and it was the first time Arcángel joined Don and Tego onstage in over a decade.
In a Baja Beach Fest first, the festival closed with a “special Sunday set,” this time delivered by Grupo Firme, the superstar banda & norteño outfit from Tijuana, just minutes up the road from Rosarito Beach. Undaunted by the post-midnight start time, Grupo Firme played a three-hour set (!!) for the adoring crowd, packing in hit anthems like “Ya Superame” and “Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo” and turning the festival into a Baja fiesta.
Earlier in the day, Arcángel and Tego brought unbeatable anthems during their respective sets. Veteran reggaeton duo Zion & Lennox brought the buenas vibras from Carolina, Puerto Rico to the Baja Stage with an exuberant performance of “SUBEME LA RADIO.”
Dominican dembow sensation Tokischa was a crowd favorite, bringing su actitud sin disculpas y estilo único to the forefront of an awe-inspiring set. Nio Garcia, Blessd, Mariah and Carmen Del Leon provided energy in the afternoon, while heavy-hitting producer DJ Luian set the mood for the evening shows with a speaker-knocking DJ set.
Baja Beach Fest 2023 definitely delivered a special celebration this year with incredible performances, honoring and celebrating the rich history and diverse tapestry of Latin music.