Image: A group of Lakeside Community Church youth (photo – Stephen Abbas)

Rock on the Mount is a destination event: live music, food, friends and games. Situated in a park in the Santa Cruz Mountains between Los Gatos and Santa Cruz, the event is perfect for youth groups, families and groups of friends. There is no admission, but donations and proceeds from concessions will benefit a project to dig a well in Africa (see link).

The festival is an annual event, hosted by Mountain Bible Church. It started as a small affair in 2008, each of the bands playing live for the first time. In 2009, JJ Heller headlined, performing favorite tracks from her latest release. Last year, the alternative rock band Johannes headlined; they are returning this year.

The date for the festival is May 15, starting around noon.

Where’s the event?

In short, check out our directions page. If you live in the valley or Santa Cruz County, the “Mount” might seem quite far, but it’s only 30 minutes from downtown San Jose. Coming from Santa Cruz, the drive is even shorter. There’s ample park, both at the event and also down the road at Mountain Bible Church.

What to bring?

1. Summer clothes — it gets hot in May
2. Winter clothes — when the fog drifts in, it gets cold

You might also want to bring a blanket, for lying out on the field or enjoying a meal. There is a picnic area adjacent the stage for finer dining. A frisbee or ball is cool too.