Hard Summer is an annual music festival held in Southern California, primarily in the Los Angeles area. It is a two-day event that typically takes place in August and features a diverse lineup of music genres such as electronic dance music (EDM), hip-hop, pop, and more. Founded in 2007 by Gary Richards (also known as "Destructo"), the festival has grown to become one of the largest and most popular electronic music festivals in the United States, attracting tens of thousands of attendees from around the world. The event includes multiple stages with performances from world-class musicians and DJs, showcasing both big-name headliners and emerging acts. The festival also features additional attractions like art installations, food and merchandise vendors, photo booths, and carnival rides, making it a full entertainment experience. Over the years, the festival has been held at various venues including the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The 2025 edition is planned for August 2-3 at a Los Angeles location. Hard Summer is known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse musical offerings, and its significance as a summer staple for music lovers, especially in the electronic and live music culture scene. It is considered a must-attend event for fans of EDM and hip-hop in Southern California and beyond. In addition to music, the festival emphasizes attendee experience with guidelines about what to bring (water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes) and what is prohibited (illegal drugs, weapons, large bags). The festival also has options for general admission, VIP, and parking passes. Overall, Hard Summer is recognized as a major cultural event blending music, art, and community in a high-energy, summer festival setting.