Over the weekend, the North Bay’s hottest Latin music festival took center stage in the heart of wine country. La Onda, sister festival to Bottle Rock, returned for its second year with a star-studded lineup that included Grammy Award-winning artists Marco Antonio Solis and Pepe Aguilar on May 31 to June 1 at the Napa Valley Expo in Napa, California.
Festivalgoers from across the Bay Area and beyond were serenated by cumbia as they came in, undeterred by the heat, which reached the mid-90s. Sonora Tropicana set everyone’s feet in motion as they kicked off the festival with their hits “El Hombre Que Yo Amo” and “Qué Bello” on La Onda Stage.
La Onda marks the first Latin music festival of this size in the North Bay, bringing visibility and representation to the region’s Latino community, including attendees like Emma Ruiz from Vallejo.
“As a Latina, it was meaningful to be part of an event created for our community. Being surrounded by people who look like me and speak the language I grew up hearing at home made it feel extra special. It was a celebration of identity, music, and connection,” said Ruiz.
As the day progressed, the crowds grew and the festival came to life. The sound of music and cheers filled every corner of the Napa Valley Expo, creating quite an immersive experience for all ages.
La Onda featured a wide variety of food, drinks and botanas (snacks), with something for every palate. The Culinary Garden provided guests with a shaded seating area where they kept cool with spicy margaritas, mango cocktails and other refreshing drinks. Festivalgoers were able to get their wine tasting on as local wineries set up shop and hosted guests inside their relaxing cabanas.
Beyond the two main stages, at the Jack Daniels Karaoke Bar and the Corona Discoteca, people sang their hearts out and danced into the evening. The energy and excitement were palpable as fans went from watching their favorite artists perform to taking center stage themselves.
La Onda was a celebration of Latin culture, which included a series of lucha libre matches. The luchadores thrilled the large crowds with high-flying stunts and larger-than-life personas, bringing smiles and laughter from all ages.
Aztec dancers moved through the festival grounds, blessing the space through traditional ceremonies. With drumbeats and copal resin filling the air, they honored ancestral traditions.
No Mexican celebration is complete without Mariachis, and several groups roamed the event, serenading guests. Mariachi Del Valle, an all-youth ensemble, showcased talent as guests passed through the entrance. Other groups like Mariachi San Francisco kept the energy high as they created impromptu dance floors for gathering crowds.
The diverse lineup of musicians and genres was a festival highlight. From rancheras and banda to regional Mexican music and cumbias, festival goers were able to enjoy different kinds of vibes.
There were several rising stars, including 24-year-old Edgar Alejandro. Inspired by musical geniuses Jose Jose, Juan Gabriel, and jazz icon Chet Baker, Alejandro fuses mariachi with jazz, bossa nova, and salsa.
Alejandro’s performance was like no other. Backed by a full mariachi ensemble alongside many other traditional jazz instruments, he captivated crowds with his signature song that gained fame through social media, “A Tu Lado,” and debuted his latest single, “Presiento.” With his fresh approach to genre-blending sound, Alejandro showed why he is becoming a standout in the evolving Latin music scene.
Other fan favorites included rising regional Mexican artists Xavi, 21, and Tito Double P, 27, a cousin of superstar Peso Pluma. Performing on separate days, both artists drew massive crowds and showcased the growing influence of Gen Z in the regional Mexican music scene.
Other powerhouse performances came from Alicia Villarreal, Ángela Aguilar, Edén Muñoz, Camila Fernández, and Banda MS, ensuring La Onda catered to a wide range of musical tastes.
Grupo Firme, one of the festival’s most anticipated headliners, was noticeably absent from La Onda. The band was unable to perform after they were denied entry into the United States due to visa suspensions tied to the current political climate under the Trump Administration.
Mariela Zarco, from the East Bay, was excited to see Grupo Firme but was heartbroken to find out the night before that they would no longer be playing at the festival. “I was here for Grupo Firme… I am heartbroken because they throw an amazing show, they bring a vibe that’s unlike any other,” said Zarco.
Still, the stars of the night were without a doubt Pepe Aguilar and the festival closers: Marco Antonio Solís and Carin León – each a Grammy Award-winning artist who brought undeniable star power to the North Bay this weekend.
Pepe Aguilar commanded the stage with a regal presence, dressed in a traditional charro suit as he performed fan favorites like “Me Vas A Extrañar” and “Ni Contigo, Ni Sin Ti.” Between songs, he joked with the crowd, playfully teasing the single attendees that they just might leave the festival with a new significant other.
Legendary Mexican singer and cultural icon Marco Antonio Solís closed out day one with a show-stopping performance. Dressed in a shiny, sleek black suit, he delivered one of the most memorable sets of the night, captivating the crowd with solo hits like “Si No Te Hubieras Ido” and the Los Bukis classic “Tu Cárcel.”
On day two, one of the most prominent voices in today’s regional Mexican scene, Carin León, performed hits like “Primera” and a cover of “Tennessee Whiskey.” Despite dealing with vocal issues, León delivered a powerful closing set. His charm and energy proved why he was a great closer for La Onda.
La Onda proved to be the perfect kickoff to the 2025 summer, setting the tone with music, culture and celebration. Catch La Onda next year on May 30 and 31, 2026.
Kevin B. • Jun 4, 2025 at 3:36 am
Great read Bryan! Looks like so much fun and looks like I need to attend the next one to see for myself. I was fortunate to see Manà last year at Bottlerock and they were such a hit! So unfortunate that the current administration is blocking the beautiful musical talent and culture from our neighboring countries to be expressed in our own “free” county! Hopeful things will become better as time goes on.