Why You Can’t Miss SSBD Fest
Same Same But Different Festival Returns to Lake Perris September 25–27, 2026 With Immersive Experiences, Wellness Offerings, Art, Music and More
This independent Southern California festival invites attendees to explore Nakey Island, soar above the lake in a hot air balloon, discover pop-up jam sessions and experience more than 75 creative and community driven activities.
LAKE PERRIS, Calif. — Same Same But Different Festival (SSBD) is set to return to Lake Perris, California, September 25–27, 2026, bringing three days of music, creativity, wellness, art and unexpected experiences to the shores of the lake.
Known for creating an environment that extends far beyond the traditional festival experience, SSBD will once again invite attendees to dive deep into a diverse lineup of immersive activations and explore new horizons. From a private island accessible only by boat to sunrise wellness sessions, hot air balloon rides and spontaneous musical collaborations, the festival is designed to encourage discovery at every turn.
Nakey Island Returns for 2026
One of SSBD’s most anticipated experiences, Nakey Island, will return in partnership with the San Diego based brand, Almost Nakey. The private- boat access only- destination sits across the lake and offers attendees an entirely separate world to explore.
Activities on the island will include: sound healing, breathwork, guided movement, tea and snacks, survival workshops, massage and chiropractic care, Saturday morning run club, kayak races, daily treasure hunts and Coconut Confessionals.
Attendees can also discover tucked-away beaches, cabanas, scenic hiking trails and the island’s signature “Top of the Island” photo opportunity.
VIP Offers a Place to Recharge
SSBD’s VIP experience goes beyond premium viewing areas, providing a dedicated space for guests to relax and recharge throughout the weekend.
The VIP Lounge will feature wellness activities and workshops, massage and healer stations, a hosted Happy Hour with complimentary select drinks, shaded lounge areas with misting fans, premium views of the Same Stage, air-conditioned restrooms, phone charging stations and water stations.
LSDREAM’s Lightcode Returns
Following its popularity with festival attendees, LSDREAM’s Lightcode will return in 2026. The experience combines sound, along with meditation and healing, adding to SSBD’s extensive selection of wellness and community-focused programming. If you haven’t experienced a Lightcode set yet, I would highly recommend not missing it!
Take in the Sunset From Above Lake Perris
Festivalgoers will also have the opportunity to experience SSBD from a different perspective with hot air balloon rides over Lake Perris. Guests can take in panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains while watching the sun set over the beautiful landscape.
Discover Groove Grove’s Secret Jam Sessions
Music at SSBD isn’t limited to the festival’s scheduled performances. Attendees can wander into the secret Groove Grove, also known as “The Ultimate Jam Session,” where instruments are available for guests to pick up and play.
The open jam environment can also feature spontaneous collaborations between attendees and surprise headliners, making every visit an opportunity for an unexpected musical moment.
More Than 75 Ways to Play
SSBD will offer more than 75 movement and knowledge workshops, games, late-night pop-ups, painters, immersive art experiences and hidden surprises throughout the festival grounds.
The activities range from acro play, manifestation and creative self-workshops to live screen printing and medicine making, creating opportunities for attendees to participate, learn and connect beyond the music.
Three Days, Three Themes
SSBD is encouraging attendees to embrace creativity through its 2026 theme days:
Friday: Party Animals
Release your inner party animal with costumes inspired by everything from feral disco leopards to bass-loving bees. Fur, feathers, ears, tails, spots and stripes are encouraged.
Saturday: Enchanted Forest
The festival grounds transform into a mystical woodland filled with fairies, forest creatures, mushrooms, elves and other magical beings.
Sunday: 3AM at Walmart
Attendees can channel the bizarre energy of a late-night Walmart run, with costumes inspired by the strangest characters, outfits and scenarios imaginable.
The Creation Station Puts Art at the Center
The Creation Station will serve as an art-centric hub where attendees can create, explore and recharge. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind artwork directly from local artists, supporting the creative community while experiencing the festival’s gallery-style environment.
Floatopia Returns to the Beach
SSBD’s Best Floatie Competition is also returning in 2026. Attendees are encouraged to bring the biggest, weirdest, funniest or most creative inflatable they can find for a chance to win two VIP passes to SSBD 2027. Submit your floatie through side quests here.
Step Into Grandma’s House Party
Another playful festival activation, Grandma’s House Party, brings attendees into a nostalgic, plaid-filled space inspired by childhood memories. Complete with Werther’s Originals caramel candy and a DJ ready to take over once Grandma leaves.
The SSBD Paint Party
Rounding out the weekend is the SSBD Paint Party, a colorful celebration centered around music, movement and connection. The experience invites attendees to cover themselves in paint while embracing the festival’s spirit of creativity, connection, and community.
About Same Same But Different Festival:
Same Same But Different Festival began in 2018 when a few friends gathered with a couple hundred attendees. The independent festival has grown exponentially each year while remaining independently operated without institutional backing.
Set against the beach at Lake Perris, SSBD is known for its distinctive community, attention to detail and emphasis on experiences beyond music. The festival combines music, creativity, connection and unexpected moments throughout its picturesque lakeside setting.
With endless activities to keep you entertained, and surprises around every corner, this is one festival you don’t want to miss!