The announcement hit social media like a storm: A brand-new music festival featuring John Mayer as the headliner — along with Kygo, Sofi Tukker, Austin Millz, and Victoria Nadine — was coming to town this fall.
Palm Tree Music Festival Montecito is indeed coming to the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (technically located in Carpinteria) on October 4. It certainly looks like a luxe event, billed as “a premium lifestyle experience, merging world-class entertainment with a coastal California vibe and elevated, VIP-led hospitality” (which includes a collaboration with Rosewood Miramar Beach that includes things like personalized beach house butler service and complimentary transportation to and from the venue).
But locals, especially those of us who have been to music festivals that differ wildly in terms of experience and amenities, have all sorts of questions about the festival that go beyond the obvious appeal of the hot ticket lineup.