Since the late 1990s, Wango Tango has become one of the most popular one-day music festivals in the country. Officially known as the iHeartRadio Wango Tango, the festival is held in Southern California in either late May or early June every year, making it the unofficial start of the summer concert season. It’s a festival that seems to grow bigger and bigger each year, with prominent musical acts all performing in a single day. To sweeten the deal for guests, celebrities are also in attendance to introduce each musical act. In true Southern California style, it’s a star-studded event of both musicians and celebrities that few music festivals can match.

Where Does Wango Tango Take Place

The first Wango Tango music festival took place in 1998 at what is now Angel Stadium in Anaheim. However, the venue has changed several times since then, covering most of the prominent stadiums in Southern California. The Rose Bowl, Dodger Stadium, Dignity Health Sports Park, the Staples Center, Banc of California Stadium, and Irvine Meadows Amphitheater have all hosted the event at one time or another. Of course, all of the locations used for Wango Tango are world-class venues for sports and entertainment. The rotating venues also gives fans a chance to experience new concert venues.

In the Beginning

The first year that Wango Tango was hosted, the lineup featured over a dozen artists, highlighted by the likes of Mariah Carey, Will Smith, the Spice Girls, Paula Cole, All Saints, Gloria Estefan, and Hootie & The Blowfish. By today’s standards, that may not be the most compelling lineup for contemporary fans. But back in 1998, some of those artists were akin to the Holy Grail. Even in its first year, Wango Tango was able to book big acts, setting the stage for a lot of amazing festivals to come.

It Takes a Village

Starting in 2010, Wango Tango got too big to fit everyone on one stage. The festival added a second stage, which continues to be present at every subsequent Wango Tango. The Main Stage is still the place to see the headliners. But there is also a Village Stage that features some of the best up-and-coming names in music who are trying to make a name for themselves. You won’t find bonafide stars on the Village Stage, but it’s a great place to check out someone you’ve never heard of before but just might love.