Sound Summit is coming back to Mount Tamalpais State Park for its 10th anniversary on Saturday, September 13, 2025. This daylong music festival unfolds in the historic 4,000-seat Mountain Theater at the top of Mount Tam.
It’s not just about the music—Sound Summit has always mixed live performances with a strong focus on environmental conservation. Since launching in 2015, the event has raised over $300,000 for park projects like trail restoration, building renovations, fire prevention, and better visitor services.
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Impressive Musical Lineup
The 2025 festival lineup is all over the map, genre-wise. Headliners are set to offer something for just about everyone.
CAKE Returns to the Mountain
CAKE, the genre-bending rock band, is back to headline the festival. Their 2013 show at Mount Tam Jam actually inspired Sound Summit’s creation, so there’s a bit of a full-circle moment here.
CAKE’s quirky sound and clever lyrics always stand out. Their energy should fit perfectly in the mountain amphitheater again.
Canadian Alt-Pop Powerhouse
Alvvays is making their only California stop this year at Sound Summit. This Canadian group, led by women, delivers dreamy alt-pop with catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics.
They’ve earned plenty of critical praise and a loyal fanbase, so expect their set to be a highlight.
Celebrating Sly & The Family Stone
The festival includes a tribute called “Stand!” to honor Bay Area legends Sly & The Family Stone. This special performance features blues icon Taj Mahal, producer and drummer Narada Michael Walden, vocalist Martin Luther McCoy, and a handful of other well-known musicians.
Music director Larry Batiste has pulled together a celebration of Sly’s music, which—let’s be honest—still feels relevant now.
Additional Performers
Indie rockers Real Estate also join the bill, bringing their signature atmospheric, guitar-driven style. Wolf Jett rounds out the lineup, mixing folk, soul, and Americana into what they call “Cosmic Mountain Music.”
Event Details
Sound Summit isn’t your average festival. It’s a blend of natural beauty and musical talent, tucked away from the usual city chaos.
Location and Setting
The festival happens in the Mountain Theater, a natural stone amphitheater with sweeping Bay Area views. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the venue connects music, audience, and landscape in a way that’s hard to describe until you’re there.
Tickets and Transportation
Tickets go on sale Friday, June 6 at 10:00 a.m. PDT at SoundSummit.net. Here are the options:
- Adult tickets: $120
- Youth (12 and under): $60
- Children (2 and under): Free
- Reserved mountain parking: $65
- Round-trip shuttle from Mill Valley: $30
Parking is tight up there, so carpooling or hopping on the Mill Valley shuttle is highly recommended. Honestly, it saves a headache.
Festival Experience
Gates open at 10:00 a.m. and the music runs from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Murph & Mac, the former KNBR radio hosts, are back as emcees.
Andy Cabic of Vetiver will keep things moving as the all-day DJ between sets. Expect a laid-back, family-friendly vibe, plenty of food options, and those unbeatable views all day long.
Environmental Mission
Sound Summit isn’t just about the music. It’s also about giving back and protecting the mountain.
Conservation Impact
Roots & Branches Conservancy produces the event and sends all proceeds straight to Mount Tamalpais State Park. Over the past decade, the $300,000+ raised has gone to park projects that state funding just couldn’t handle.
This partnership between music and conservation has made real improvements to one of the Bay Area’s most cherished parks.
Community Connection
The festival draws inspiration from the Bay Area’s musical legacy. It also encourages folks to think about the environment.
Sound Summit brings all kinds of people together to celebrate culture and nature. These gatherings spark genuine community moments that stick with you long after the music stops.
Want the full scoop on Sound Summit? Check out SoundSummit.net for details on transportation, food vendors, and what you might want to pack.
Event Website
Stay up to date with the event on their website: https://www.soundsummit.net/
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