Way Over Yonder folk festival returns to the Santa Monica Pier September 26 and 27 with singer-songwriter greats including Lucinda Williams, Jackson Browne, and LA's indie rock favorites Local Natives.

The west coast extension of the annual Newport Folk Festival, an alt-country tradition in Newport, Rhode Island since 1959 and where Bob Dylan was famously criticized for going electric in 1965, made its Southern California debut last year with Conor Oberst, Neko Case, Calexico and then-up-and-coming Swedish sisters duo First Aid Kit. 

This year's lineup features a total of 20 acts on two stages. (See the full schedule below.) The diversity of artists pushes the boundaries of folk rock / alt-country music with bands such as Jamestown Revival, an Austin-based duo full of melodies over bluesy indie-rock beats and Heartless Bastards, a garage rock band from Cincinnati, with fans including fellow Ohioans The Black Keys.

Much in line with last year's event, this one also lands on sizzling early-autumn heat wave. With temperatures due to peak in the mid-80s in Santa Monica, this would be a great opportunity to sport your favorite sun hat. Beer, food and merchandise will also be sold at vendor booths on the pier.

Two day tickets are $86. Single day passes are $45. Buy tickets here.

Way Over Yonder Folk Festival // Friday and Saturday September 26 and 27