(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — If you’ve looked up at Happy Face Hill lately, you’ve probably noticed that giant yellow smile beaming a little brighter. That can only mean one thing: the Happy Face Music Festival is just around the corner.
Returning to Rancho Santa Susana Community Park on Saturday, May 24, this all-day event has become a true Simi staple. With live music, food, drinks, and thousands of locals ready to kick off summer, it’s the kind of festival where you run into old friends, make new ones, and leave sunburned but smiling.
The festival runs from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and if past years are anything to go by, you can expect a full crowd, plenty of sunscreen, and a few hundred friendly folks dancing barefoot by the stage.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise, the Happy Face Music Festival isn’t trying to be Coachella—and that’s exactly why people love it. It’s straightforward, affordable, and built around one simple idea: let’s all get together, listen to some 80’s music, eat too much, and enjoy ourselves. That’s it. And it works.
What to Expect
This year’s music lineup features five tribute bands playing everything from classic rock to ‘80s hits. The acts include tributes to Bon Jovi, The Eagles, and the always-popular Fast Times returning to crank up the new wave energy. Whether you’re there to sing along or just post up in the grass with a drink in hand, the music won’t disappoint.
Speaking of drinks—there will be plenty. Beer and wine will be flowing (responsibly, of course), and local food vendors will cover everything from barbecue to tacos to whatever deep-fried creation they roll out this year. There’s also a VIP section for anyone who wants front-stage access, shaded seating, private BBQ, and wine tastings. That’ll run you $125, while regular admission is just $25. Kids under 12? They get in free.
Feel free to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and even a small cooler—but leave the alcohol at home. No need to pack much anyway—everything you need for a great day is already there, from clean restrooms and kid-friendly zones, to food, drinks, and that laid-back, happy vibe Simi does best.
A Real Local Event
While the festival’s gotten much bigger over the years, it’s still very much a local operation. Volunteers are from the community. Most of the vendors are, too. The money raised goes toward local causes, from youth scholarship programs to national Rotary projects. It’s a good time—but it also supports something bigger than just a Saturday in the park.
On Facebook, locals are already buzzing. People are tagging their friends, locking in weekend plans, and even asking how to get involved as volunteers. It’s clear this festival has carved out its own spot in Simi’s culture—something familiar, fun, and uniquely Simi Valley.
Sure, some folks still mention the fact that it’s all tribute bands—but longtime Happy Face fans will tell you that misses the point. This festival is an experience—the colors, the costumes, the weird and wonderful props, and the energy that fills the park all day long. And these aren’t just cover bands—they’re crowd-working pros who know how to get people on their feet. One local summed it up perfectly online: “We’re not here for bragging rights. We want to hear the songs we love and remember, and hang out with people we actually like.”
Details
The Happy Face Music Festival takes place at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park — right off Los Angeles Avenue near the train station. There’s parking, but if you can carpool or Uber, even better.
Tickets and full info are at happyfacemusicfest.com. General admission is $25, VIP is $125, and kids under 12 are free.
Bring a hat, text your friends, and show up ready for a good time. The Happy Face Festival isn’t just another weekend thing—it’s one of the biggest events of the year in Simi Valley. Great music, great food, and a crowd that actually wants to be there. What more do you need?
