CRSSD Fall 2016 Review

Written by Casey McCune

CRSSD Fest returned to its amazingly beautiful waterfront location over the weekend of October 1st & 2nd for the fall installment. Taking place at San Diego’s Waterfront park, the festival has become known for its uniqueness in Southern California. After attending another beautiful weekend filled with House and Techno in the San Diego bay, I was left wondering how to explain CRSSD to someone who hasn’t been.

CRSSD is a biannual event with festivals in the spring and fall of each year. I wasn’t quite sure what to think before my first visit to the festival this past spring, but now after having two visually stunning weekends under my belt I can begin to understand the complexity of CRSSD Festival. Experiencing the festival is obviously the best way to understand it, but if you aren’t sure it’s for you, here’s a few reasons why you need to check it out.

Music

The main reason most people choose to attend a music festival is the music (duh). CRSSD always has an amazing lineup featuring live electronic acts along with House and Techno DJs. Where most festivals limit this music to a side stage, CRSSD features underground music all weekend and on all 3 stages. The fall edition featured well known names such as Zhu, Thomas Jack, Justin Martin, Claptone, Dubfire, Mike Snow and more. With the sunset creating a mesmerizingly colorful sky and planes flying just overhead the mainstage, (the park is just a couple miles from the San Diego Airport) Flight Facilities and their Air Traffic Control stage setup provided the perfect soundtrack to a stunning view.

The Crowd

The perfectly curated lineup of underground and live acts draw a unique crowd to the San Diego bay. A rare blend of young (21+), old, and as racially diverse as any festival, CRSSD showcases the wide reach of electronic music. Due to location restrictions, the sound isn’t overpowering, which leads to more interactions and provides a sense of unity amongst attendees.

The Food

Another unique aspect to CRSSD Fest is their food selection. With a carefully curated music experience, they seem to put the same thought into their food and drink vendors. Far from the pizza and hot dog selection of most festivals, you can find vegan fare, local craft brews, exclusive cocktails and a plethora of options including sushi. San Diego has become a great culinary destination and that’s definitely reflected at CRSSD.

Location, Location, Location

So much has been said about Waterfront park, yet it still doesn’t seem to be enough. Just steps from the water and surrounded by downtown San Diego and the airport, there is no other venue like it. San Diego is known for its amazing weather and CRSSD seems to always take place on the right weekend to reflect that. You can always count on a stunning sunset at CRSSD, and the perfect acts are always slotted to play during the incredible display of natural beauty. Smell the sea water, watch planes flying overhead, catch stunning sunsets and eat tasty food all while dancing to underground music surrounded by a diverse crowd and you will begin to understand what makes CRSSD Fest one of the most unique music festivals around.