Introducing First City Festival

The site of 1967’s Monterey Pop Festival and the long-running Monterey Jazz Festival is hosting a new event in August with a lineup featuring Modest Mouse, Passion Pit, MGMT, Neko Case, Beach House, Toro Y Moi and Devendra Banhart.

Promoted by Goldenvoice, the inaugural First City Festival is set for Aug. 24-25 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds in Monterey, Calif.

What’s the story behind the festival’s name? Monterey is nicknamed California’s “first city” because it was home to the state’s first theatre, public library, publicly funded school, printing press and newspaper.

Click on image to see full poster.

As for the first edition of First City Festival, you can expect three stages of music, a Vaudeville variety stage, and a full carnival with rides and games. Of course there will also be wine and food vendors, as well as local craft beers.

The lineup also includes Devendra Banhart, Washed Out, Okkervil River, Deerhunter, Purity Ring, Dr. Dog, The Hold Steady, Delta Spirit, The Black Angels, Father John Misty, Capital Cities, Lucero, The Antlers, Blitzen Trapper, Civil Twilight and more.

Two-day passes go on sale May 31 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time starting at $149.50 (including fees).

For more information visit FirstCityFestival.com.