Same Same But Different 2026 is almost here

Same Same But Different Festival returns to the shores of Lake Perris, California, September 25–27.

This year’s Same Same But Different lineup features Of The Trees, LSDREAM, Tape B, Gramatik, Ship Wrek and more. But the music isn’t only the beginning of the SSBD experience. Intentionally limited to 7,500 attendees, SSBD offers a more intimate alternative to the mega-festival circuit.

Festival-goers camp for three days right on the lake, turning Lake Perris into a temporary little beach town. Because the festival takes place inside a state park, the campgrounds come with grassy campsites, picnic tables, fire pits, real bathrooms and free showers, making the weekend feel closer to a nostalgic summer camp. By the afternoon, the shoreline turns into a beach hang as floaties hit the water and hot-air balloons take flight above the grounds.

The inclusive and community-oriented environment is supported by a packed program of workshops and wellness activities. Attendees can experience workshops centered on movement, creativity and personal connection, ranging from yoga, breathwork and sound baths to journaling, improv, flow arts and hands-on art classes.

LSDREAM’s widely loved Lightcode will also return this year, combining meditation, sound and collective healing in one of the weekend’s most anticipated non-musical experiences.

The Family Garden is set to host creative workshops and all-ages programming, while a community 5K run gives a niche group of festival early risers another way to experience the Lake Perris scenic landscape. VIP wellness amenities such as saunas, cold plunges and dedicated recovery spaces will also be back this year.

One of SSBD’s beloved hidden gems, Nakey Island, is also returning. The smaller island is accessible only by boat; the secluded escape features its own beach and open-air dance floor. The oasis will feature surprise DJ sets popping up all weekend.

A new 2026 addition fans might notice is that the festival’s signature “But” stage will transform into “Butwood.” Cheekily inspired by Hollywood’s Golden Age, the concept will comprise a living film set adorned with red-carpet vibes and cinematic details.

Many festivals expand by packing in more people, while SSBD has taken a slower, more intentional path. In 2025, that philosophy became tangible when SSBD launched a community investment program that allowed fans to purchase actual ownership stakes. The festival quickly raised more than $700,000 directly from its festivalgoers, becoming one of the first fan-owned music festivals in the world. Fan input is not treated as a marketing slogan at SSBD; it truly influences how the event develops while pouring into the mission of keeping SSBD independent.

SSBD is one of those rare gems that somehow still exists in the music scene. Its growth feels less focused on maximizing profit and more focused on protecting the intimate and unique culture it created where attendees can contribute ideas and feel like active participants. This year’s Same Same But Different is remaining the same in all the ways that matter.

To learn more info and for updates, head to the official SSBD website.

Featured image courtesy of Same Same But Different Instagram.

About The Author

Lily Tenner

Hi, I’m Lily! I’m an LA-based concert & festival diehard! My life was forever changed after my first festival, Coachella 2019, and then fully spiraled (in the best way) after my first EDC in 2023. I have attended over 140+ shows… I am the ultimate stage hopper and will always make it to the barricade. I love dubstep, house, trance, techno, bass, you name it.

If I’m not at a show, I’m working as a social media manager & photographer, or probably listening to music, learning how to DJ, planning my next festival, or watching a Gordon Ramsay cooking show with my cat.

I am so excited to be writing for Exron and sharing my love for music. If you’re reading this, thanks for being here and reading my stuff!

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