It’s official: the High Sierra Music Festival plans to return this summer. The July 3-6 2025 festival will be the 33rd annual event, and the 25th to be held in Quincy.
The announcement comes as a welcome surprise to fans and long-time attendees. Last year was a uniquely challenging one for the organization. Between flagging ticket sales, rising costs and high temperatures, producers expressed concern about the festival’s future financial viability.
“We were headed for financial ruin,” co-producer Dave Margulies told The Plumas Sun. Fortunately, between a late burst of high-end ticket sales and cost-saving measures, the team behind the festival was able to bridge the gap. “It was just too important and too beloved of an event to let go of,” Margulies said.
Looking ahead, organizers hope to move forward in a more sustainable way. “We just need to be smarter about how we do it: how we market, how we book, how we do it all,” Margulies said.” But he is quick to assure fans that High Sierra won’t change in its essentials: the festival will look and feel the way it always has, he said.
“It was just too important and too beloved of an event to let go of.”
Dave Margulies, High Sierra Music Festival
What’s new in 2025?
Going into 2025, the team aims to be smarter, more efficient and more responsive, said Margulies. That includes paying attention to patrons needs and wants, and preparing for the possibility of high temperatures.
One 2025 innovation involves the Grandstand Stage, the largest venue at the festival, where the headline acts perform. In the past, the Grandstand opened at about noon; this year it will open a few hours later, possibly around 3:00 p.m., Margulies said.
That doesn’t mean fewer shows. On the contrary, organizers plan to convert the late night venue known as the Funk and Jam House into an all-day indoor stage, furnished as a lounge with comfortable sofas where people can go to sit down, relax and escape the heat while continuing to enjoy festival programming.
Organizers also plan to add more shade structures, and they are in talks with glamping service providers about adding climate controlled camping as a high-end adjunct item.
County contract and other details still to come
The Plumas County Board of Supervisors considered a new contract with the festival at their Jan. 7 meeting, but ultimately deferred any action to a future meeting. The county has enjoyed a good working relationship with High Sierra for over 20 years, said Sheriff Todd Johns. Still, he said, he has some minor concerns that should be addressed. Supervisor Mimi Hall suggested that Johns be a part of future negotiations with the organization.
Margulies added he’s touched by the enthusiasm and excitement which audiences have greeted the news of the festival’s return. “It’s been very validating for us to see the passion shared by everyone,” he said. “I’m excited about all of the talent that we’re going to be showcasing…stay tuned.”
