Fans of music festivals looking for a higher meaning in their event-going experience now have a can’t-miss occasion to look forward to: the Cantinas Music Festival, which will be taking place at the Paso Robles Event Center on August 25.

The new event, put together by the Cantinas Ranch Foundation, is expected to draw 3,500 attendees, and includes a day full of activities and entertainment followed by a night of performances by some of the best Christian musical artists.

“Our intention is to orchestrate programs of excellence that will glorify God through the arts,” explains Karen Waldron, program director and co-executive producer of the Festival. “You know you’re getting something of excellence if Cantinas Ranch is involved.”

Acts scheduled to perform include the No. 1 Christian rock group in the country, MercyMe, as well as the Newsboys, Building 429, the Groovaloos, Superstars of Dance and Kylie Hughes.

“It’s like having the top Christian bands in the country right in your back yard!,” says Waldron of the line-up. “I love the intimate feeling we have created.”

While the concert kicks off at 6 p.m., there will be plenty of things to do during the day, with vendors, local artists, church booths, street vendors and food stands all taking part in the Village Festival. There will also be live entertainment, with the Embassador Skateboarders giving demonstrations, dance crews God Squad and Cantinas Street Team performing throughout the day, and musical performances by History of Painters.

Waldron hopes the event will be fun for all in attendance, but will also provide valuable take-aways from the experience.

“I hope for all who come to be ‘filled up’ spiritually and to come away with a deeper bond and new special memories for them,” she says. “I hope the festival inspires talented youth to use the gifts they have been given, and to help others walk deeper in their faith and for everyone to just be grateful. It’s going to be a good day.”

The Cantinas Music Festival will be taking place August 25 at the Paso Robles Event Center, 2198 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles. Tickets start at $33. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit CantinasMusicFestival.com.