Bobby Weir-Curated Dead Ahead Festival Announces 2025 Lineup

The second annual Dead Ahead Festival, curated by Bobby Weir, will feature collaborations from  Sturgill Simpson, Rick Mitarotonda, Jeff Chimenti, Oteil Burbridge, Don Was, Jay Lane and more when it takes over Riviera Cancún, Mexico’s Moon Palace Resort Jan. 9-13, 2025.

The event honors the Grateful Dead with five nights of performances, including three nights of specially curated “Dead Ahead” collaborations, which will also include sit-ins from Brittney Spencer and Grace Bowers, and special guest Brandi Carlile. 

There will be additional performances by Simpson, Oteil & Friends — who will perform two full sets, including one celebrating the music of Jerry Garcia Band, Trampled By Turtles performing Old & In The Way, the self-titled album from Garcia’s bluegrass project, Joy Oladokun, and Neal Francis.

All-inclusive packages for Dead Ahead Festival 2025 go on sale Sept. 23 at noon Eastern at deadaheadfestival.com. Dead Ahead and Playing in the Sand alumni will be invited to return with a special Alumni Pre-Sale starting Sept. 20 at noon Eastern and 2pm Eastern, respectively.