A guide to the Adams Avenue Street Fair, for the adventurous and open-minded listener: Here are eight acts to try

Over the more than four decades that it’s been in existence, the Adams Avenue Street Fair has grown into of the biggest free music events in all of Southern California, and this year’s event is a perfect example of why.

Over the course of 20 hours stretched across two days beginning Saturday, 75 music acts are expected to play on six different stages, with artists in almost every genre represented including, but not limited to, country, Americana, rock, jazz, pop, hip-hop, dance, punk, R&B and even gospel.

But it’s not just all about music. The event also features carnival rides, beer gardens, circus performances and 300 exhibitors offering food and drink for purchase, as well as other items, like jewelry and clothing.

With dozens of acts performing, it can be tough for music lovers to choose who to listen to, especially since so many acts aren’t yet well known, nationally or regionally.

If you’re an adventurous listener whose ears and mind are open to good, diverse sounds, here are eight acts – four performing on Saturday and four on Sunday – to consider checking out.

Saturday

• CreepXotica. CreepXotica, which is an alternate identity of punk rock outfit the Creepy Creeps, is one of the more unique bands in San Diego, both sonically and visually. They combine surf music with lounge sounds and exotica. And oh – they perform while wearing luchador-style masks and matching suits. They play from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the Casbah/91X Rock Stage at 33rd Street and Adams.

• Los FabuLocos. This band from East L.A. plays Cali-Mex music, which is a combination of blues, rock, R&B and Chicano sounds, similar to another band from East L.A., Los Lobos. Performing from 5:45-7 p.m. on the Roots Rock Stage at 34th Street and Adams.

• Bishop John W. Haynes & Change. One of the few contemporary spiritual acts performing at the event, Bishop Haynes and Change are a family gospel group from the Escondido area whose music is upbeat, uplifting and danceable. Playing 7:15-8:15 p.m. on the Blues Stage at Hawley Boulevard and Adams.

• Boostive. Ocean Beach-based reggae/world music band Boostive is known for high energy live shows, and has won multiple trophies at the annual San Diego Music Awards. They perform from 8:45-10 p.m. on the Groove Stage, in the Starbucks parking lot at Felton Street and Adams.

Sunday

• Westwinders. The Westwinders are a three-man country, Americana and honky-tonk band based in the San Diego area. Their sound is both familiar, but at the same time, completely unique. They play from 1:45-2:45 p.m. on the Roots Rock Stage.

• Bardo. Bardo, whose full name is Bardo Martinez, is best known as the lead vocalist for the LA-based psychedelic rock band Chicano Batman. The band went on an indefinite hiatus at the end of 2024; since then, Bardo’s been a mostly solo act. He plays from 3-4:15 p.m. on the Groove Stage.

• Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra. Palmer has been a presence on the San Diego music scene for more than 30 years. Her band, which plays a combination of swing, blues, New Orleans and boogie-woogie, is set to perform from 4:45-6 p.m. on the Blues Stage.

• Various DJs. The Soul Side Vinyl DJ Stage is where a number of San Diego party and club DJs will spin records from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Stop by the Soul Side Vinyl stage, located at Wilson Avenue and Adams, if you’re in the mood for a house music-oriented dance party.