Last weekend, Goose jammed their way down to San José del Cabo in Mexico for the latest edition of Viva El Gonzo, the group’s curated destination festival. For 2026, they brought along with them an impressive crew of similarly jam-tactic acts, resulting in three days of sandy beaches, one-of-a-kind experiences, and wonderful live music.
Alongside the title band, Viva El Gonzo 2026 boasted sets from Cory Wong, The Disco Biscuits, My Morning Jacket (plus Jim James performing an additional acoustic set), Leisure, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, as well as LP Giobbi’s special Dead House performance and a tribute to Nirvana featuring Nihali and Lespecial. For their part, Goose performed a whopping five sets — a limited VIP performance on Thursday, a daytime acoustic set with harpist Mikaela Davis on Saturday, and three full headlining sets.
True to their reputation, Goose ripped through extended jams and killer covers, including Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue,” Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” Bruce Springsteen’s “Atlantic City,” Radiohead’s “True Love Waits,” and Neil Young’s “Cortez the Killer,” among others. Notably, the band also covered Jimi Hendrix’ rendition of “Hey Joe” for the first time in concert. Just as exciting, Goose also had a rotating door of guests join them along the way — like Cory Wong, Stuart Bogie, and Jim James — and were prone to jump on stage with other acts during their respective sets.
Check out photos from Viva El Gonzo 2026 in the gallery below. Then, learn more about what made the festival a “choose your own adventure wonderland” here. Fans who want to catch Goose on the beaches of Mexico can also look forward to their set at Dave Matthews’ 2027 destination festival, Dave and Tim Rivera Maya, which also features Sierra Ferrell and Stephen Wilson Jr.
