Although summer’s barely kicking into gear, there’s already something to look forward to before the blaring heat subsides: West Beach Music & Arts Festival returns to Santa Barbara, September 18-20, 2009—one of few opportunities to fest it up literally on the beach with 20,000+ tan strangers and four stages of bands and DJs. While the event dabbles in rock and electro, all the acts have a dub bent, dousing the atmosphere with a chill reggae vibe appropriate to the beach. As of now, G. Love & Special Sauce, Ozomatli, and The Aggrolites have us excited, but more major acts will be announced as the weeks go by so stay tuned.

GetWize: Tickets to the third annual West Beach Festival just went on sale. Three-day passes can be bought for a limited time at $75, so get ‘em before prices rise. Single day tickets will also become available soon. The event is all ages and kid-friendly so the whole family can get down and feel irie.