Welcome to the Mustache Bash, the funkiest place on Earth where the spirit of the ’70s is alive and well — almost like it never left.
This marks the music festival’s second year in Mission Beach. The last Bash brought out a record 6,000 partygoers. The record may be broken this year.
San Diegans came out in full force Saturday, bringing traffic to a crawl. It took drivers over 15 minutes to cross the West Mission Bay Drive bridge to reach Mariner’s Point Park.
The Wind Stage at the Mustache Bash, Mariner’s Point Park on March 21, 2026. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego) 
Stephanie Hodge at the Water Stage, Mariner’s Point Park on March 21, 2026. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego) 
Kori Gillis of the Mustache Bash Family Band. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego) 
The Mustache Bash Family Band, Mariner’s Point Park on March 21, 2026 (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego) 
The Mustache Bash Family Band performing for the fest at Mariner’s Point Park on March 21, 2026. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego) 
The Mustache Bash Family Band. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego) 
Dillon Clark dances down the Wind Stage, Mariner’s Point Park on March 21, 2026. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego) 
Dillon Clark’s friend pours beer into his mouth at the Mustache Bash, Mariner’s Point Park on March 21, 2026. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego) 
Cartwheels on the Wind Stage at Mariner’s Point Park on March 21, 2026. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego) 
The Mustache Bash Family Band. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego) 
Alvaro Ramirez handing out colorful necklaces to partygoers at Mariner’s Point Park on March 21, 2026. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego) 
A mysterious cowboy commands the Wind Stage at the Mustache Bash. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego) 
Karen Lett skating around the roller rink. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego) 
Bubble blasters were a common sight at this year’s Bash at Mariner’s Point Park on March 21, 2026. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego) 
Karen Lett takes over the Wind Stage. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego) 
Inside the Bash’s dance floor, Mariner’s Point Park on March 21, 2026. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego) 
The Earth Stage on Mariner’s Point. (Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego)
It seemed, though, that the festive atmosphere could melt all the stress away. The moment they walked into the Mustache Bash, the bright, colorful outfits of other music lovers greeted them, and ready or not, power bass reverberated in their chests.
At the Wind Stage with DJ duo HE2SHE, people showed off their moves on the catwalk. There were tassles whirling and cartwheels galore. It was a scene so striking that Karen Lett gave up her roller skates, rushing over to command the crowd with her dance moves.
The energy skyrocketed the moment The Mushroom Bash Band took the Water Stage. As the event’s in-house band, they have long brought the funk to every Bash.
This show was Stephanie Hodge’s favorite part.
“I’m loving the event! Two years ago, my husband and I got married. We hired this band to sing; they’re the best!” said Hodge.
The band’s bread and butter is covers. They made the crowd lose their minds to “It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls (a wink to the ’80s) and “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. Before bidding the stage farewell, the band sang happy birthday to a lucky audience member.
The Mustache Bash continued long into the night with a packed lineup that included Blu DeTiger and Armand Van Helden.
Given the event’s success, it’s safe to say the ’70s will never go out of style.
