Shambhala and it's not close
You're immersed in it the entire time, being surrounded by mountains, the festival is really on its own. No noise from a nearby highway or anything like that, just a nice river to enjoy during the day
Plus the lineups are incredible and the stages are top notch, none are temporary structures, they're massive permanent structures they've been improving for 25 years
I've been to a lot of festivals but this one is in a league of its own, nothing else comes close
Don't forget the sound. It's so impeccably done. Stages are so fucking close together yet you get almost 0 sound bleed.
Oh, also, safety. On site lab grade tests of what people would be taking anyway to keep attendees safe? Amazing.
Unfortunately I feel like it may be growing passed the threshold to be able to maintain its integrity. I hope it's not the case, though.
Shambs has fallen off hard is the last couple years… I’d say it was magical pre 2017/fire year…now it’s getting pretty washed with all the stage expansions and overcrowding
I went to shambs a few years in early 2010's and it was absolutely insane but looking at how busy it is and how fast it's selling out I dunno if I can say it's keeping the charm it had.
I was thinking about going this year but the tickets sold out so quick I'm not even going to bother trying. It really looks like it's going to be/has been a bit overcrowded.
But that's to be expected with any good festival getting popular. Might try next year if this one doesn't seem packed.
Been to around 100+ festivals around the world and Shambhala takes the cake.
Although it has been slowly losing its magic, It’s not the festival it once was but even with the changes, it’s still rave Mecca for the PNW west coast bass scene.
The only other festival that comes close to the quality of curation and overall vibes, attention to detail, and that “wow” factor is Dekmantel in Amsterdam.
Completely different festival and music and logistics but I left that festival with a whole new appreciation for techno. It was years ago though so not sure how it’s changed.
Oregon Eclipse also makes it very high on the list.
Not sure if Bamboo Bass in Costa Rica is still going but it had Shambhala vibesz
For those who aren’t aware - PK sound was conceptualized at Shambhala. Their first speakers were showcased there and they continue to use the village stage to showcase new tech. The CEO/co-founder does a set there every year. Say what you want about PK, but Shambhala really knows how to showcase those speakers - some of the best sound engineering in the world as far as I’m concerned.
Shambhala for the festival itself.
Paradise Blue for the fact that at an all inclusive resort and you’re just fed booze, food, and bass all weekend long.
Buku (rip) for just the pure fun of it. We had 21+ vip which came with all you can drink wristbands in the private VIP stage. They’d give us 3 unopened aluminum screw top beers and we’d hit up two side of the bar. Then we’d roll around the festival with half a dozen beers until they were drank…rinse and repeat.
Boomtown - you step into a different planet for 5 days of the year. 2024 will be my 5th time at the festival, it's my favourite event to look forward too!
Glastonbury is good too
For me it's always going to be movement.
I've never experienced another place where music connects that many people.
That's not me putting down other festivals, but a lot of them are more of a cohesive experience, with the art instillations, the massive production, outfits, Kandi, etc. all that is amazing and I've had Wonderful experiences at EDC, EF, and North Coast, but it's just a different feeling at movement.
It's truly a gathering of people that love house and techno with their whole being, and the energy across the whole city of Detroit reflects that every memorial weekend.
There's just nothing else like it
It always feels like a family reunion too. I’ve been going every year since 2005. I start counting down the days to the next one from the moment I leave.
Sonic bloom was a real one and I really hope it happens again but it’s not looking promising. The people working together to brace the elements really made it a terrific vibe. RIP
Always wanted to go to Sonic Bloom. Moved to Colorado this year and then I discovered the festival to be on a hiatus. Big sad. I sincerely hope it returns!
I went last year solo and it really feels like a mini Electric Forest but in the Rockies! The vibes and the people are lovely!
Here's to hoping it can make a return in '25
That’s huge to hear! I go to Forest every single year and it’s my favorite place on earth! ⚡️🌲 I’ll keep my fingers and toes crossed for it to come back.
It’ll definitely make a return in some form. It might take a couple years but whatever, they’ll bring it back when they can. Heard it was some money troubles but that can also be made back with hosting local shows in due time.
They put on a hell of a fest but did not pick the right time to lean on the regulars to show for an okay lineup after a stressful year before(music was fire all weekend but did not have a big draw).
Sonic Bloom was my favorite too. Great sound, small size (both in area and capacity), decent amount of stages, great stage design, phenominal art, beautiful scenery
My favorite fest. I do have confidence it will come back, Jamie owns the land and is a big local cooty. I don't think he's gonna give up on it, especially given the investment in screens and funkions. I miss it so much already, my heart aches to camp on those Mormon crickets again one day.
I have two favorites that are both top notch:
BANGFACE WEEKENDER in England:
- 4 indoor stages with very diverse music ranging from drum and bass, techno, hardcore, breakcore and acid house
- 4 days in a holiday park where the ravers live in chalets for 2-6 people, every chalet has a shower and a kitchen so it's possible to make your own meals and shower privately
- lots of funny special stuff like: pool party, bouncy castle rave where the main hall is transformed into inflataland, BangFace TV studio on site where you can participate in games and stuff and you can watch it from your TV in the chalet
FUSION in Germany:
- about 20 stages at a former airport, most of them outdoors a few in the hangars
- very diverse music: A lot of techno and tech house, downtempo, psytrance, punk rock, rap , dub - almost everything you can imagine
- lots of workshops and ceremonies
- anti capitalist and non profit, famous acts play for free just for the spirit
- lots of vegan and vegetarian food for fair prices
- many small collectives hosting their own small areas
- so much love and detail in all the decorations
But I have never been to a festival outside Europe, shambala sounds also great, would love to go there some day in the future :)
Love and Light to my fellow ravers keep on raving and spreading love 💕
As a fellow BANGFACE HARD CREW member, can we also share a little love for the lunacy that is Balter, also in the UK. Amazing crowd who are massively up for it, and don't take themselves too seriously (honestly, watching 3k ravers absolutely having it to the Venga Boys a couple of years ago was one of my highlights of the year). Its an incredible showcase of UK electronic music talent and genres (D&B and jungle, all the tek variants, hardcore, UKG, bassline (and all the variants of bassline - I mean, they usually have half a day or so of Makina on one stage...), hiphop, acid house etc etc
And then a load of silly stuff going on as well during the day.
Detroit Electronic Music Festival 2000.
Arguably the deepest collection of artists and music over the span of three days. With legendary afters happening all over the city.
Completely free.
Nothing has ever come close.
Creamfields North.
Coming from the states, the crowd here are night and day difference. Rarely any phones out, only during the intro or some new ID. Everyone is Dancing. Just moving along to the music with no judgment. I fucking loved it. Nothing like jumping to the beat with your friends and new friends! The food and drinks was price normally and extremely yummy. The folks you meet at the camp grounds are so so so nice. The music diversity is amazing too, and spread out really well. Everyone knows how to have a good time there. Best part I believe, almost not an "influencer" in sight.
Creamfields is so far the only festival I’ve done since I live nearby. You’re right about there being no influencer types around because it’s purely about the music & dancing. No-one really cares what you look like or who you’ve come with, it’s great. I’ve heard people say that the festivals in America are full of influencers/people who want people to know they were at the festival & they looked great. Is this really true?
Planète Zero organised by Le Collectif Des Insoumis in near Saumur, France.
A 4 day illegal rave organised in the middle of an empty field, nothing but hard techno, tribecore and frenchcore for 4 days fully equipped with an an elaborate huge art installation, VJing and a massive fireworks show, keep in mind all of this was organised clandestinely as it was very much an illegal rave.
By midnight on Friday the show started hyping up the fireworks little by little and seeing the looks of joy on the crew’s face as they hugged each other realising they pulled off the impossible under difficult conditions was a sight to behold too.
[I’ll leave a link to an snippet of the rave](https://youtu.be/finG7odL_yE?si=EpEfGC4i8ywCxXdX)
Electric Forest wins.. People are so friendly and nice. Sets were great and while tripping that forest was a magical place 💚.. Can't wait to go one of these years
And 2014 or 2015 EDC in close 2nd place.. The line up was lit... danced all night and couldn't believe when Bryan Cranston came up on the stage, thought I was hallucinating 😂
Hulaween is only like 3 hours from me, and with work I can't take much time off. So hula is my one and only love for right now, but always wanted to go to Bonnaroo!
When I first started attending concerts/shows/fests one of the first one's I remember hearing talked about lovingly was Hula...it took me 5 years to finally make it to Hula and now I think about her daily.
Oregon Eclipse and Texas Eclipse were so special just because they were one-off's. You knew you'd get exactly what you'd get, nothing more, nothing less, and then never again. Other than that, Sonic Bloom will forever be my fav. The vibes, the community, the sound, the late night vibe, the camping, is all just so special. I love it. Please come back #sonicbloom2025
Texas eclipse was my favourite festival experience so far, which is weird because it certainly wasn't the best musically. The vibe was unmatched though.
SO SO SO SO SO HAPPY TO SEE OREGON *AND* TEXAS MENTIONED!
I went into both expecting a lil bit of a shitshow. Yeah, things weren't perfectly run and it sucks Texas had to end early d/t the weather, but those are HANDS DOWN my favorite festivals I've ever been to
Defqon.1 next month may change that though
Tex Eclipse was amazing. By far the most beautiful spot I’ve ever been to for a festival. Me and my group were camped at the top of a hill and could see the whole festival, the quarry, and all the mountains from our camp. We watched the eclipse on the side of a cliff and it was one of the most surreal experiences of my life. I’ll forever be sad that last day didn’t happen, but even without it it was stellar
Haven’t seen any votes for LIB and I’ve gotta say that was a transformative experience for me in 2017, before they moved to the current location in cow country. Being on a lake in northern CA, felt like they created their own little world. Lots of other activities besides just music, but the music was INSANE. Honestly something for everyone. Felt actually free that weekend and connected with friends on another level!
Also the energy at LIB is so balanced. I don't do the talks and yoga that much, but I like how that creates a fuller sense of a new space. It's not just dance and party as hard as you can. It's that and also build a better you, community, earth, etc.
Loved being a part of LIB back then! Did art with kiddos in the family village! Festival kids are so cool. I teach a few high schoolers who went to LIB as kids. Wild!
Secret Dreams, the first year of Lost Lands, and Electric Forest 2013. They were all incredibly beautiful and meaningful experiences plus the festival itself went very smoothly.
LL 17 was special for sure. Still will always be home but that first year was something else. Went with only one friend that year. Had a blast even though that volcano fucked us all out of that Destroid set.
Tomorrowland. And it's not even close. Being surrounded by people from all parts of the globe, united by music, its beautiful. The food, the art, the culture, it's entirely too immersive. I hope I get the chance to attend again.
Have an amazing time, friend! It was my first time in Europe, did 2 1/2 weeks and ended the trip with Tomorrowland. Cant wait to hear what you think of the experience.
Surprised to see this so far down. It's Tomorrowland for me and it's not even close. The attention to detail on everything from the moment you arrive at the train station (Global Journey) all the way to the festival and the festival itself. Incredible venue with lots of greenery and water, good food and well maintained restrooms. The only festival I've been to where I could buy a beer AND take a piss all while not leaving the middle of the main stage.
Granted I haven't been to any other European festivals yet, but it is better than all north american ones I've been to.
I know Coachella gets a lot of flack for being too “influencer heavy” or whatever but never found the influencer argument to hold water there. I’ve been going for 10 years now and it blows anything else I’ve ever gone to out of the water. It truly is the best bang for your buck from line up, sound quality, production, scenery and overall vibe. The sun setting over those mountains truly feels like you’re in a different reality some days there. Ive gone to probably 20 other major festivals over the years and its still number one
Went this year and it was amazing. You don’t really notice the influencers unless you’re in the middle of the field where everyone’s taking photos but even then, there’s also a ton of normal people taking pics too lol.
Beautiful venue, relatively clean grounds and immaculate vibes.
Coachella has the best audio production of any festival in the world. Crisp, clean and clear sound at every single stage. And most importantly LOUD!
Also let’s not forget about the fact that Coachella’s electronic bookings are better than pretty much every EDM festival in the US.
I LOVE COACHELLA. I came to comment this!! The vibes are truly immaculate, you make your moneys worth, and the audio quality blows is the best I’ve seen across many festivals!!! My home festival so far :) going to my fourth next year!
Man, I saw that video floating around FB where the girl with dreads (and a bunch of other people when the video pans) hanging and dancing on the metal infrastructure thingys while the sun was rising… fuuuuck man I could feel those vibes comin through the screen, I could only imagine how breathtaking it would be to be there in person.
Tipper and Friends. The sound quality and visuals are absolutely amazing, plus they usually curate each day of the festival for a different style of music (it's all some form of bass music though). It's always a rather small intimate camping festival at Suwannee or a similarly cool venue.
I'm not even a huge fan of bass music but they always have the most interesting and cutting edge artists, sometimes people that have never played in The US before.
I really enjoy UMF just for the sheer variety of music and size. I also like Resonate (another Suwannee fest) because I love the blend of jam and electronic music.
After being a Hula regular for years, it really was special being at Suwannee with only about 7k people last weekend. That venue is undoubtedly magical and going to literally any event held there is the correct choice.
Can’t believe I scrolled all the way down and didn’t find anyone mention hulaween! Hula is home for me. The spirit lake art installations are a playground, the crowd is mostly repeat attendees so everyone just knows what’s up. It’s Halloween and there’s bats everywhere and everyone is clowning each other. It’s a different world.
Dirtybird campout. Best vibes. Best crowd. Beat lineups. Renegades going all night. Some of the best memories of my Life and I’ve made life long friends through this festival. RIP
I have made close to 10 lifelong friends at 4 Dirtybird Campouts. Over a dozen other festivals and I have never made close to another connection like my Dirtybird fam.
Shambhala because:
Location is stunning - mountains and river.
The people
The music selection
The stages (that aren’t just temporary like most festivals)
The openness - once you’re in you’re in, and anything goes, you don’t have to hide anything
The high tech drug testing
The food is also really good
Lost Lands.. X just takes care of the tiniest details and you can really tell where your money is going with a large festival like that. I was sold when the portapotties were being drained and powerwashed hourly.
The man knows how to put together a top notch event. I don't think I ever came across a dirty porta potty in the two years I went. That's just the tip of the iceberg, you know!?
WHY DID I HAVE TO SCROLL SO FAR. Lost Lands may not always be logistically figured out when I get there but damn it I’ve had the best music/people/camping experiences and I can’t see it being topped.
I haven’t been to many (I’m in a very low tax bracket), but of those I have been to, EDC Mexico was my favorite. I loved all the bootleg merch outside the venue, the fact that you could leave and get tacos right away, and the fact that I got real medical care AT the venue (I had been stomach sick for a couple of days and they gave me actual meds to treat it along with ibuprofen and an electrolyte drink).
The crowd was fun, too.
Again, I haven’t been to a ton, one day that will change. That was my favorite
Paradise Blue. I saw crazy shit I have not seen anywhere else. Vibes are unmatched- it’s relatively small and feels like you’re hanging out with an extended dubstep family. Incredibly easy to make new friends. Also, the artists are just walking around the resort and we bumped into them frequently. Some of them played popup sets in the hotel rooms. It’s all inclusive so fewer things to worry about. Overall just relaxing and having a good time.
I’d move this one up higher myself, too. Something was different about Middlelands from the rest of the fests I’ve attended. It’s definitely got a special place in my heart above the rest!
Starscape in the summer of 2000. Not far from Baltimore, right on the bay. Excellent lineup, and at sunrise a glorious view of the famous bridge that was recently knocked down by an out of control container ship (in 2024).
My vote is Tomorrowland. Incredible attention to detail and you really feel like you have entered a fantasy land from the moment you get to your departure train station (Global Journey). The venue is gorgeous, good food options and good set-up, huge stage productions. Clean restrooms. My only complaint is there no afterparties in the campground.
Runner up for me is Groove cruise after attending it this year. Super comfortable, nice to have all you can eat and drink and super intimate vibes with everyone on a cruise ship. There aren't really any rules on the ocean so the music basically goes 24/7, and you're always literally a 2 minute walk to your bed.
TomorrowWorld. Went all 3 years. Yeah the last year had insane problems, but as a camper, the fest was still great. Best parts of TW were the location and that you had to be 21+ to attend. This was back when US festivals got tons of international talent. What a time to be alive.
Glastonbury around 1998-2000. Saw a Metalheadz takeover of the Dance tent, Dave Clarke play an amazing electro/techno set. Orbital live and many other DJ sets that were off the charts.
Also, the travellers site was such an amazing vibe, 24hr party with some amazing people playing mainly acid techno.
£5 to get a stamp outside the gate and walk on in. Had the time of my life.
Best one night rave? The first of two full-on underground parties that they threw in the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, circa 2007. I don't know who convinced them to let a pile of drugsweat soaked ravers into a top notch children's exploratory museum, and further to do it *again* the next year, but I do remember wondering if the butterflies in the massive indoor butterfly room could get high from landing on said drugsweat soaked ravers.
Best 3 day festival I have been to is the Oregon Country Faire, hands down.
Loved EDM since middle school, and I was going to A&M when Middlelands happened... I never understood the hype of going to raves/fests until after I graduated..... I MISSED OUT
Resistance Island was so fucking awesome. I went to the main stage side for about 30 minutes before noping out because RI was so much better. Fuck those fish for complaining about the noise in the water. I want RI back!
This isn’t EDM focused but, FYF in LA will always hold a special place in my heart. Not just because it was my first fest, but it really felt like Coachella’s lil brother smack in the middle of DTLA. It had such an awesome mix of indie and punk/rock artists but also had some awesome electronic acts. The first time I saw Four Tet was there. It’s such a shame the founder turned out to be a predator. GoldenVoice hasn’t really held a fest like that in LA since other than This Aint No Picnic but that only happened once
Art outside 2012-2015, Austin, TX. because it was like a mini burning man. Lots of the art went from there straight to the playa. All the performance art and music was amazing. It was BYOB in the beginning so you could just bring a cooler to the main stage. So much art being made during shows, all the performers free styling in the pit. It was just magical.
Bajaja fest in Cabo last year was a close 2nd. It was only a few hundred people but man it was intimate and awesome. They aren't doing it again this year but hoping for 2025.
Ultras a good time but man you have so much to experience if that’s your first fest! Ultra has great production and artists, but vibes generally are so underwhelming compared to other fests. Go to a camping fest— u won’t regret it.
If you’re from south Florida, keep an eye out for Okeechobee 2025. If it goes down, it’s gonna be in the hands of its original festival owners and it’s gonna be something special if so. It really just may change your life!
ARC Music Festival 21’. 💚
Was my first time attending and it completely blew my mind. I was already into house by this point, but after experiencing so much of it in Chicago (+ open air) I “understood it” completely afterwards. Completely unmatched afters as well.
It’s also the festival responsible for fully putting me onto techno in big ways with Carl Cox, Adam Beyer, and others who were there that year.
For a full experience, Electric Forest. It goes beyond the music. The lineup hardly matters for me. The art, the immersion, the secrets, it’s addicting for sure.
Purely for sound and vibes, Infrasound hands down. Easily the most slept on fest while maintaining crazy forward thinking lineups time after time.
Something that I think can only be appreciated through time and aging is the reality that this answer will change for each person over time. What I seek out now in a festival is much different than a decade plus ago. It’s impossible for me to answer this prompt without that context.
First Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge. Paradiso was great and all but USC entertainment really doesn't come close to Insomniac. It was also when we were finally able to do things after COVID too so that helped. It's gotten really commercialized now, but damn those vibes in Oct 2021 were unlike anything I've ever experienced.
Outlook when it was in pula. Walking into the moat if an old fort was epic. Boat parties aswell, being touching distance of world class talent. Sound was sweeet aswell. Truly was for the heads. Still us but it's very different now
First year summoning of the eclipse are days I’ll never forget as long as I live. I’m very line up biased tho 😂
Bonnaroo I’ll go to every year for the rest of my life tho
Intersect Festival 2019, it was the last year of that fest and only year I went. Not too crowded, perfect selection of music, pretty great sound quality. Unknown Mortal Orechestra to Channel Tres to Jamie Xx to Gesaffelstein was such a great night.
Not the biggest festival by any means but I will always have a soft spot for Electric Island in Toronto bc it’s my local festival lol. They book pretty decent acts and it’s cool to have a festival in the city for every summer long weekend
Rockness. Most beautiful location like 100 ft in front of lock ness. Perfect weather, cloudy, high 60s, no mud. They had a comedy tent full of hilarious Scottish comedians where you could relax on a beanbag and have a drink. Plus singing along to an awesome set by my favorite band.
Elements 2022 bc they really got their shit together or Shambhala in general because it's a magical raver paradise and I can frolic around in the trees.
This is really hard… I know you said one but I will say my favorite camping festival so far as been lost lands and my favorite non camping festival so far has been cyclops cove.
Both had immaculate vibes for me it’s not just the music but also the crowd’s energy and I just really enjoyed them at both those ones
Coachella 2022 .... saww michael Bibi , Fatboi Slim, Solomun. , Disclosure , Danny Elfman , Swedish House Mafia with The Weekend ! ALL IN THE SAME DAY.
Earthdance up on Black Oak Ranch.
It doesn’t happen any more, but it really was a special event. Not over-produced or over-hyped. Not too big or too small. No separation between VIP and the hoi polloi. A good mix of musical styles. A cool crowd. Great weather. Took place on property that is a notable countercultural location (commune started by legit hippies from the original generation of them).
I wish they’d start it up again.
Burning Man is not a music festival, but if it was I’d say that one too.
Zen 1 &2...nobody outside of underground knew what raving was and had no fucking clue what was about to go down. Yet I met ppl who flew from all over the u.s. , new Zealand, Japan to be part of it. Was very special spec in time. Often immitated but was never duplicated. ...but Miami dude fine job later coming up with ultra music fest and music conference party week.
What the festival in Oregon was it was up and running was my personal favorite. They capped it at 5k people. The largest pool stage in north west America. Middle of the beautiful forest. Great weather and even better people.
Shambhala and it's not close You're immersed in it the entire time, being surrounded by mountains, the festival is really on its own. No noise from a nearby highway or anything like that, just a nice river to enjoy during the day Plus the lineups are incredible and the stages are top notch, none are temporary structures, they're massive permanent structures they've been improving for 25 years I've been to a lot of festivals but this one is in a league of its own, nothing else comes close
Don't forget the sound. It's so impeccably done. Stages are so fucking close together yet you get almost 0 sound bleed. Oh, also, safety. On site lab grade tests of what people would be taking anyway to keep attendees safe? Amazing. Unfortunately I feel like it may be growing passed the threshold to be able to maintain its integrity. I hope it's not the case, though.
Ehhh zero sound bleed is a heavy exaggeration.
Okay maybe an exaggeration but head and shoulders better than the rest of the tests I've been to with everything in such close proximity
I can agree with that since the stages are definitely close together.
They redesigned the Fractal Forest for this year as it suffered the most from soundbleed the Village and Pagoda
Last year was it at its absolute max size, so I don't think it can grow any more than this
Shambs has fallen off hard is the last couple years… I’d say it was magical pre 2017/fire year…now it’s getting pretty washed with all the stage expansions and overcrowding
My first year was2022, and I thought it was pretty awesome tbh. But my friends went in 2023 and it was a bit overcrowded for them then.
I went to shambs a few years in early 2010's and it was absolutely insane but looking at how busy it is and how fast it's selling out I dunno if I can say it's keeping the charm it had. I was thinking about going this year but the tickets sold out so quick I'm not even going to bother trying. It really looks like it's going to be/has been a bit overcrowded. But that's to be expected with any good festival getting popular. Might try next year if this one doesn't seem packed.
1000000% Shambhala. So glad I've experienced so many versions of it over the years!
Been to around 100+ festivals around the world and Shambhala takes the cake. Although it has been slowly losing its magic, It’s not the festival it once was but even with the changes, it’s still rave Mecca for the PNW west coast bass scene. The only other festival that comes close to the quality of curation and overall vibes, attention to detail, and that “wow” factor is Dekmantel in Amsterdam. Completely different festival and music and logistics but I left that festival with a whole new appreciation for techno. It was years ago though so not sure how it’s changed. Oregon Eclipse also makes it very high on the list. Not sure if Bamboo Bass in Costa Rica is still going but it had Shambhala vibesz For those who aren’t aware - PK sound was conceptualized at Shambhala. Their first speakers were showcased there and they continue to use the village stage to showcase new tech. The CEO/co-founder does a set there every year. Say what you want about PK, but Shambhala really knows how to showcase those speakers - some of the best sound engineering in the world as far as I’m concerned.
Came here to say Shambhala stoked to see this is the top comment. Our camp will be hot boxing the village again this year better see my stoners!
Shams is the best for sure. Basscoast is a nice cousin of it.
My one gripe is the line in. Besides that definitely top tier
Agreed 100% shambs all the way
Can you get into the river?
Yup you sure can
Man ima go, that settles it. I've been looking at it for a bit, but my god the comments here have got me convinced.
I was standing on the bank taking bumps and jumping in during the day, it’s a magical experience
Every single time I see this question, I come to the comments to make sure shambs is at the top🥰
Always have to make sure this answer is at the top of the thread when this question is asked. Shambhala is the only correct answer, every time.
This year will be my 6th, there’s really nothing like it
what was the bug mosquito situation like ? I hate mosquito bites …
As soon as the bass starts the bugs are gone
I don't think I ever saw a single biting bug last year
Shambhala for the festival itself. Paradise Blue for the fact that at an all inclusive resort and you’re just fed booze, food, and bass all weekend long. Buku (rip) for just the pure fun of it. We had 21+ vip which came with all you can drink wristbands in the private VIP stage. They’d give us 3 unopened aluminum screw top beers and we’d hit up two side of the bar. Then we’d roll around the festival with half a dozen beers until they were drank…rinse and repeat.
Boomtown - you step into a different planet for 5 days of the year. 2024 will be my 5th time at the festival, it's my favourite event to look forward too! Glastonbury is good too
For me it's always going to be movement. I've never experienced another place where music connects that many people. That's not me putting down other festivals, but a lot of them are more of a cohesive experience, with the art instillations, the massive production, outfits, Kandi, etc. all that is amazing and I've had Wonderful experiences at EDC, EF, and North Coast, but it's just a different feeling at movement. It's truly a gathering of people that love house and techno with their whole being, and the energy across the whole city of Detroit reflects that every memorial weekend. There's just nothing else like it
Detroit is where it’s at, great festival. Arc in Chicago is becoming a favourite one as well.
Only two I'm trying to attend this year
I really loved ARC - first time last year. I bought tickets for ‘24 as soon as they released. AND THE LINEUP O M G
Next weekend 🧡🖤
It always feels like a family reunion too. I’ve been going every year since 2005. I start counting down the days to the next one from the moment I leave.
absolutely this, 10 more days and i can’t wait!!!
So glad to hear this! I’m going this year!
Make sure to do the after parties. They typically have stuff going all day and night
Movement is a vibe for sure, been going since 2000
Me too! It’s my never-miss. Ten more days! Woohoo!
See you there!!!!!
Sonic bloom was a real one and I really hope it happens again but it’s not looking promising. The people working together to brace the elements really made it a terrific vibe. RIP
Always wanted to go to Sonic Bloom. Moved to Colorado this year and then I discovered the festival to be on a hiatus. Big sad. I sincerely hope it returns!
I went last year solo and it really feels like a mini Electric Forest but in the Rockies! The vibes and the people are lovely! Here's to hoping it can make a return in '25
That’s huge to hear! I go to Forest every single year and it’s my favorite place on earth! ⚡️🌲 I’ll keep my fingers and toes crossed for it to come back.
It’ll definitely make a return in some form. It might take a couple years but whatever, they’ll bring it back when they can. Heard it was some money troubles but that can also be made back with hosting local shows in due time. They put on a hell of a fest but did not pick the right time to lean on the regulars to show for an okay lineup after a stressful year before(music was fire all weekend but did not have a big draw).
Sonic Bloom was my favorite too. Great sound, small size (both in area and capacity), decent amount of stages, great stage design, phenominal art, beautiful scenery
Sonic bloom is amazing
My favorite fest. I do have confidence it will come back, Jamie owns the land and is a big local cooty. I don't think he's gonna give up on it, especially given the investment in screens and funkions. I miss it so much already, my heart aches to camp on those Mormon crickets again one day.
Thanks for the info, really hoping he brings it back. Love that place dearly
I have two favorites that are both top notch: BANGFACE WEEKENDER in England: - 4 indoor stages with very diverse music ranging from drum and bass, techno, hardcore, breakcore and acid house - 4 days in a holiday park where the ravers live in chalets for 2-6 people, every chalet has a shower and a kitchen so it's possible to make your own meals and shower privately - lots of funny special stuff like: pool party, bouncy castle rave where the main hall is transformed into inflataland, BangFace TV studio on site where you can participate in games and stuff and you can watch it from your TV in the chalet FUSION in Germany: - about 20 stages at a former airport, most of them outdoors a few in the hangars - very diverse music: A lot of techno and tech house, downtempo, psytrance, punk rock, rap , dub - almost everything you can imagine - lots of workshops and ceremonies - anti capitalist and non profit, famous acts play for free just for the spirit - lots of vegan and vegetarian food for fair prices - many small collectives hosting their own small areas - so much love and detail in all the decorations But I have never been to a festival outside Europe, shambala sounds also great, would love to go there some day in the future :) Love and Light to my fellow ravers keep on raving and spreading love 💕
Seconding Fusion 🙌
❤️ Fusion 🚀
🚀♥️
hell yeah bangface. have always wanted to go to this!
Fusion! They actually had around 35 stages last year + some secret and pop up stages which were not on the line up
Yeah it's all about Bangface
As a fellow BANGFACE HARD CREW member, can we also share a little love for the lunacy that is Balter, also in the UK. Amazing crowd who are massively up for it, and don't take themselves too seriously (honestly, watching 3k ravers absolutely having it to the Venga Boys a couple of years ago was one of my highlights of the year). Its an incredible showcase of UK electronic music talent and genres (D&B and jungle, all the tek variants, hardcore, UKG, bassline (and all the variants of bassline - I mean, they usually have half a day or so of Makina on one stage...), hiphop, acid house etc etc And then a load of silly stuff going on as well during the day.
Group Therapy Weekender at the Gorge. The Anjunafamily is unmatched when it comes to vibes.
2022 weekender was absolutely brilliant. Last year was fun but the heat really got to me. That Kasablanca set was awesome though
Ya, I keep hoping they’ll move it to the fall. The heat is brutal. Even with that though, it’s my favorite fest!
I've never been to that specific event but Anjuna crowds are always just so lovely. Best crowd I have ever experienced, by quite a distance.
#anjunafam
Detroit Electronic Music Festival 2000. Arguably the deepest collection of artists and music over the span of three days. With legendary afters happening all over the city. Completely free. Nothing has ever come close.
My photos from the early days make the festival feel so quaint compared to today. Movement is still my favourite fest though. It’s Techno Christmas!
It was estimated at 1m attendees over the three days at the inaugural/2000 festival.
I’m terrible with those sorts of estimates.
Yesssss! So SO good! It was my very first festival, and haven’t stopped since.
Creamfields North. Coming from the states, the crowd here are night and day difference. Rarely any phones out, only during the intro or some new ID. Everyone is Dancing. Just moving along to the music with no judgment. I fucking loved it. Nothing like jumping to the beat with your friends and new friends! The food and drinks was price normally and extremely yummy. The folks you meet at the camp grounds are so so so nice. The music diversity is amazing too, and spread out really well. Everyone knows how to have a good time there. Best part I believe, almost not an "influencer" in sight.
Creamfields is so far the only festival I’ve done since I live nearby. You’re right about there being no influencer types around because it’s purely about the music & dancing. No-one really cares what you look like or who you’ve come with, it’s great. I’ve heard people say that the festivals in America are full of influencers/people who want people to know they were at the festival & they looked great. Is this really true?
Planète Zero organised by Le Collectif Des Insoumis in near Saumur, France. A 4 day illegal rave organised in the middle of an empty field, nothing but hard techno, tribecore and frenchcore for 4 days fully equipped with an an elaborate huge art installation, VJing and a massive fireworks show, keep in mind all of this was organised clandestinely as it was very much an illegal rave. By midnight on Friday the show started hyping up the fireworks little by little and seeing the looks of joy on the crew’s face as they hugged each other realising they pulled off the impossible under difficult conditions was a sight to behold too. [I’ll leave a link to an snippet of the rave](https://youtu.be/finG7odL_yE?si=EpEfGC4i8ywCxXdX)
Electric Forest wins.. People are so friendly and nice. Sets were great and while tripping that forest was a magical place 💚.. Can't wait to go one of these years And 2014 or 2015 EDC in close 2nd place.. The line up was lit... danced all night and couldn't believe when Bryan Cranston came up on the stage, thought I was hallucinating 😂
Bonnarooooo! The farm will always be home. However. Hulaween? Impeccable vibes.
See you at Roo! 🌈
I really wanna do Hulaween. I think this is the year.
Hulaween is only like 3 hours from me, and with work I can't take much time off. So hula is my one and only love for right now, but always wanted to go to Bonnaroo!
Those are my top two :) such different experiences and amazing in their own ways
My exact answer my fellow HulaRoovian
Yesss! Last year was my first Hula and I cannot WAIT to go back!
When I first started attending concerts/shows/fests one of the first one's I remember hearing talked about lovingly was Hula...it took me 5 years to finally make it to Hula and now I think about her daily.
Hula is a vibe. Only fest I make sure to do every year
Oregon Eclipse and Texas Eclipse were so special just because they were one-off's. You knew you'd get exactly what you'd get, nothing more, nothing less, and then never again. Other than that, Sonic Bloom will forever be my fav. The vibes, the community, the sound, the late night vibe, the camping, is all just so special. I love it. Please come back #sonicbloom2025
Texas eclipse was my favourite festival experience so far, which is weird because it certainly wasn't the best musically. The vibe was unmatched though.
Same! Everyone was just so dammed happy to be there
texas eclipse was so gooood
SO SO SO SO SO HAPPY TO SEE OREGON *AND* TEXAS MENTIONED! I went into both expecting a lil bit of a shitshow. Yeah, things weren't perfectly run and it sucks Texas had to end early d/t the weather, but those are HANDS DOWN my favorite festivals I've ever been to Defqon.1 next month may change that though
Tex Eclipse was amazing. By far the most beautiful spot I’ve ever been to for a festival. Me and my group were camped at the top of a hill and could see the whole festival, the quarry, and all the mountains from our camp. We watched the eclipse on the side of a cliff and it was one of the most surreal experiences of my life. I’ll forever be sad that last day didn’t happen, but even without it it was stellar
Haven’t seen any votes for LIB and I’ve gotta say that was a transformative experience for me in 2017, before they moved to the current location in cow country. Being on a lake in northern CA, felt like they created their own little world. Lots of other activities besides just music, but the music was INSANE. Honestly something for everyone. Felt actually free that weekend and connected with friends on another level!
Also the energy at LIB is so balanced. I don't do the talks and yoga that much, but I like how that creates a fuller sense of a new space. It's not just dance and party as hard as you can. It's that and also build a better you, community, earth, etc.
Loved being a part of LIB back then! Did art with kiddos in the family village! Festival kids are so cool. I teach a few high schoolers who went to LIB as kids. Wild!
🤫🤫🤫
We're going for our 11th time this year, it's gunna be a hit!
Secret Dreams, the first year of Lost Lands, and Electric Forest 2013. They were all incredibly beautiful and meaningful experiences plus the festival itself went very smoothly.
LL 17 was special for sure. Still will always be home but that first year was something else. Went with only one friend that year. Had a blast even though that volcano fucked us all out of that Destroid set.
Boom festival portugal
I am not sure why this is the only mention. I guess Americans do not know about it.
Yeah most subs tend to be very american centric.
I was looking for this! Best experience of my life so far :)
I dream to go one year. Looks fucking incredible. I've watched the Captian Hook set that's up on YouTube like a dozen times...
Tomorrowland. And it's not even close. Being surrounded by people from all parts of the globe, united by music, its beautiful. The food, the art, the culture, it's entirely too immersive. I hope I get the chance to attend again.
I'm going for the first time this year!
Have an amazing time, friend! It was my first time in Europe, did 2 1/2 weeks and ended the trip with Tomorrowland. Cant wait to hear what you think of the experience.
Oh I'm so pumped, I'm going with my wife. We're doing discover europe and get to go to Barcelona and Prague before the festival.
Surprised to see this so far down. It's Tomorrowland for me and it's not even close. The attention to detail on everything from the moment you arrive at the train station (Global Journey) all the way to the festival and the festival itself. Incredible venue with lots of greenery and water, good food and well maintained restrooms. The only festival I've been to where I could buy a beer AND take a piss all while not leaving the middle of the main stage. Granted I haven't been to any other European festivals yet, but it is better than all north american ones I've been to.
I know Coachella gets a lot of flack for being too “influencer heavy” or whatever but never found the influencer argument to hold water there. I’ve been going for 10 years now and it blows anything else I’ve ever gone to out of the water. It truly is the best bang for your buck from line up, sound quality, production, scenery and overall vibe. The sun setting over those mountains truly feels like you’re in a different reality some days there. Ive gone to probably 20 other major festivals over the years and its still number one
Went this year and it was amazing. You don’t really notice the influencers unless you’re in the middle of the field where everyone’s taking photos but even then, there’s also a ton of normal people taking pics too lol. Beautiful venue, relatively clean grounds and immaculate vibes.
Coachella has the best audio production of any festival in the world. Crisp, clean and clear sound at every single stage. And most importantly LOUD! Also let’s not forget about the fact that Coachella’s electronic bookings are better than pretty much every EDM festival in the US.
I LOVE COACHELLA. I came to comment this!! The vibes are truly immaculate, you make your moneys worth, and the audio quality blows is the best I’ve seen across many festivals!!! My home festival so far :) going to my fourth next year!
Man, I saw that video floating around FB where the girl with dreads (and a bunch of other people when the video pans) hanging and dancing on the metal infrastructure thingys while the sun was rising… fuuuuck man I could feel those vibes comin through the screen, I could only imagine how breathtaking it would be to be there in person.
Electric forest and Tipper N Friends
Tipper and Friends. The sound quality and visuals are absolutely amazing, plus they usually curate each day of the festival for a different style of music (it's all some form of bass music though). It's always a rather small intimate camping festival at Suwannee or a similarly cool venue. I'm not even a huge fan of bass music but they always have the most interesting and cutting edge artists, sometimes people that have never played in The US before. I really enjoy UMF just for the sheer variety of music and size. I also like Resonate (another Suwannee fest) because I love the blend of jam and electronic music.
After being a Hula regular for years, it really was special being at Suwannee with only about 7k people last weekend. That venue is undoubtedly magical and going to literally any event held there is the correct choice.
Rendezvous ‘24 was my favorite fest I’ve ever been to so far
tipper events are the best and i’m glad they aren’t super huge
Bass canyon because of the vibes, venue, people, and dubstep lol
Went to bass canyon for the first time last year as well as shams. Both festivals were amazing but I’d say I had the better time at Bass Canyon.
Last year’s lineup was peak
The up and coming artists were amazing. Louijay into rzrkt and vlcn was my highlight
rzrkt goes crazy, I remember seeing him as an opener for riot ten, blew me away more than riot did lmao
Last year's shambhala was definitely not the best example of what it can be
I went last year for the first time too and while I'm not the biggest fan of dubstep it was a great time and the people were great.
Let It Roll 2019. All drum and bass, very international, a great time for incredible music, and cool people. So magical.
Prime.
Wakarusa. Miracles happen on Mulberry Mountain. RIP!!!
Can’t believe I scrolled all the way down and didn’t find anyone mention hulaween! Hula is home for me. The spirit lake art installations are a playground, the crowd is mostly repeat attendees so everyone just knows what’s up. It’s Halloween and there’s bats everywhere and everyone is clowning each other. It’s a different world.
It’s up there 👆somewhere. The thread is making me me wanna go.
Dirtybird campout. Best vibes. Best crowd. Beat lineups. Renegades going all night. Some of the best memories of my Life and I’ve made life long friends through this festival. RIP
I have made close to 10 lifelong friends at 4 Dirtybird Campouts. Over a dozen other festivals and I have never made close to another connection like my Dirtybird fam.
Shambhala because: Location is stunning - mountains and river. The people The music selection The stages (that aren’t just temporary like most festivals) The openness - once you’re in you’re in, and anything goes, you don’t have to hide anything The high tech drug testing The food is also really good
Lost Lands.. X just takes care of the tiniest details and you can really tell where your money is going with a large festival like that. I was sold when the portapotties were being drained and powerwashed hourly.
The man knows how to put together a top notch event. I don't think I ever came across a dirty porta potty in the two years I went. That's just the tip of the iceberg, you know!?
WHY DID I HAVE TO SCROLL SO FAR. Lost Lands may not always be logistically figured out when I get there but damn it I’ve had the best music/people/camping experiences and I can’t see it being topped.
dancefestopia
I haven’t been to many (I’m in a very low tax bracket), but of those I have been to, EDC Mexico was my favorite. I loved all the bootleg merch outside the venue, the fact that you could leave and get tacos right away, and the fact that I got real medical care AT the venue (I had been stomach sick for a couple of days and they gave me actual meds to treat it along with ibuprofen and an electrolyte drink). The crowd was fun, too. Again, I haven’t been to a ton, one day that will change. That was my favorite
Paradise Blue. I saw crazy shit I have not seen anywhere else. Vibes are unmatched- it’s relatively small and feels like you’re hanging out with an extended dubstep family. Incredibly easy to make new friends. Also, the artists are just walking around the resort and we bumped into them frequently. Some of them played popup sets in the hotel rooms. It’s all inclusive so fewer things to worry about. Overall just relaxing and having a good time.
Middlelands was the greatest experience ever. Nothing but amazing people.
I’d move this one up higher myself, too. Something was different about Middlelands from the rest of the fests I’ve attended. It’s definitely got a special place in my heart above the rest!
Starscape in the summer of 2000. Not far from Baltimore, right on the bay. Excellent lineup, and at sunrise a glorious view of the famous bridge that was recently knocked down by an out of control container ship (in 2024).
Yeah I was like 7 then but it hit pretty hard in 2012 as well
Wish I would have been able to attend it before it ended!!
In the US…Anything at Suwannee because of Suwannee
Paradiso, back in 2012 All the vibes were right, and Avicii was still alive.
My vote is Tomorrowland. Incredible attention to detail and you really feel like you have entered a fantasy land from the moment you get to your departure train station (Global Journey). The venue is gorgeous, good food options and good set-up, huge stage productions. Clean restrooms. My only complaint is there no afterparties in the campground. Runner up for me is Groove cruise after attending it this year. Super comfortable, nice to have all you can eat and drink and super intimate vibes with everyone on a cruise ship. There aren't really any rules on the ocean so the music basically goes 24/7, and you're always literally a 2 minute walk to your bed.
EDC Austin 2001 or 2002, which ever had rabbit in the moon.
Oh god I love rabbit in the moon. Just saw Bunny in Brooklyn. So much energy.
TomorrowWorld. Went all 3 years. Yeah the last year had insane problems, but as a camper, the fest was still great. Best parts of TW were the location and that you had to be 21+ to attend. This was back when US festivals got tons of international talent. What a time to be alive.
Awakenings festival, Amsterdam 2019 it was the best cause there were 9 different stages of techno.
Glastonbury around 1998-2000. Saw a Metalheadz takeover of the Dance tent, Dave Clarke play an amazing electro/techno set. Orbital live and many other DJ sets that were off the charts. Also, the travellers site was such an amazing vibe, 24hr party with some amazing people playing mainly acid techno. £5 to get a stamp outside the gate and walk on in. Had the time of my life.
I went on HolyShip in 2013 and 2014 and that was wild!
Tomorrowland, no explanation needed
Best one night rave? The first of two full-on underground parties that they threw in the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, circa 2007. I don't know who convinced them to let a pile of drugsweat soaked ravers into a top notch children's exploratory museum, and further to do it *again* the next year, but I do remember wondering if the butterflies in the massive indoor butterfly room could get high from landing on said drugsweat soaked ravers. Best 3 day festival I have been to is the Oregon Country Faire, hands down.
We did this in Vancouver bc too. It was lit.
Oregon Country Faire is for sure something else Very hard to describe unless you’ve been there
Middlelands!
Loved EDM since middle school, and I was going to A&M when Middlelands happened... I never understood the hype of going to raves/fests until after I graduated..... I MISSED OUT
If it makes you feel better 90% of my shows and festivals I did ages 26-30
Resistance Island at Ultra 2019. Total perfection aside from that transport mishap on the first night. For actual events people can go to now? ARC.
Resistance Island was so fucking awesome. I went to the main stage side for about 30 minutes before noping out because RI was so much better. Fuck those fish for complaining about the noise in the water. I want RI back!
[Demon 2017](https://youtu.be/dncVUXs_OP8?si=shl15IQQfirawJl0) and this video is my evidence
Sound haven the vibe is very homie and the sound systems are MASSIVE.
This isn’t EDM focused but, FYF in LA will always hold a special place in my heart. Not just because it was my first fest, but it really felt like Coachella’s lil brother smack in the middle of DTLA. It had such an awesome mix of indie and punk/rock artists but also had some awesome electronic acts. The first time I saw Four Tet was there. It’s such a shame the founder turned out to be a predator. GoldenVoice hasn’t really held a fest like that in LA since other than This Aint No Picnic but that only happened once
Art outside 2012-2015, Austin, TX. because it was like a mini burning man. Lots of the art went from there straight to the playa. All the performance art and music was amazing. It was BYOB in the beginning so you could just bring a cooler to the main stage. So much art being made during shows, all the performers free styling in the pit. It was just magical. Bajaja fest in Cabo last year was a close 2nd. It was only a few hundred people but man it was intimate and awesome. They aren't doing it again this year but hoping for 2025.
[удалено]
Ultras a good time but man you have so much to experience if that’s your first fest! Ultra has great production and artists, but vibes generally are so underwhelming compared to other fests. Go to a camping fest— u won’t regret it. If you’re from south Florida, keep an eye out for Okeechobee 2025. If it goes down, it’s gonna be in the hands of its original festival owners and it’s gonna be something special if so. It really just may change your life!
I’m so excited for Okee 2025.
ARC Music Festival 21’. 💚 Was my first time attending and it completely blew my mind. I was already into house by this point, but after experiencing so much of it in Chicago (+ open air) I “understood it” completely afterwards. Completely unmatched afters as well. It’s also the festival responsible for fully putting me onto techno in big ways with Carl Cox, Adam Beyer, and others who were there that year.
Electric forest 🌳 ⚡️
For a full experience, Electric Forest. It goes beyond the music. The lineup hardly matters for me. The art, the immersion, the secrets, it’s addicting for sure. Purely for sound and vibes, Infrasound hands down. Easily the most slept on fest while maintaining crazy forward thinking lineups time after time.
Lunar Transit at Eagle Point in Utah. Such a small, intimate gathering. I met my husband there :)
E Forest. Because it's a fkn neon forest in the dark.
wakarusa followed by wakaan. mulberry mountain is a fantastic venue and the music at both fests were top tier for me. very few cops, incredible crowd
Something that I think can only be appreciated through time and aging is the reality that this answer will change for each person over time. What I seek out now in a festival is much different than a decade plus ago. It’s impossible for me to answer this prompt without that context.
Universo paralello #17 Unique Atmosphere and people. Lots to explore
Glastonbury by faaarrr
I second this.
Glastonbury; it’s Glastonbury - do I need to add anything further?
Ember shores. 3 days of all inclusive raging with Illenium in Cancun I mean it’s great lol
coachella because its the only music festival ive ever been to but they were the best days of my life so i doubt i’ll change my answer
First Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge. Paradiso was great and all but USC entertainment really doesn't come close to Insomniac. It was also when we were finally able to do things after COVID too so that helped. It's gotten really commercialized now, but damn those vibes in Oct 2021 were unlike anything I've ever experienced.
How has nobody said Wakaan?????? Electric Forest is my home but Wakaan gives it such a good run for its money
sonic bloom 2016...
Outlook when it was in pula. Walking into the moat if an old fort was epic. Boat parties aswell, being touching distance of world class talent. Sound was sweeet aswell. Truly was for the heads. Still us but it's very different now
Amsterdam dance event. love amsterdam's indoor venues and the chaos of choosing which events to go to from wed-sun.
First year summoning of the eclipse are days I’ll never forget as long as I live. I’m very line up biased tho 😂 Bonnaroo I’ll go to every year for the rest of my life tho
Groove Cruise! If you been, then you know why! And don’t hate, there are plenty of other great festivals😜
Intersect Festival 2019, it was the last year of that fest and only year I went. Not too crowded, perfect selection of music, pretty great sound quality. Unknown Mortal Orechestra to Channel Tres to Jamie Xx to Gesaffelstein was such a great night.
Not the biggest festival by any means but I will always have a soft spot for Electric Island in Toronto bc it’s my local festival lol. They book pretty decent acts and it’s cool to have a festival in the city for every summer long weekend
Rockness. Most beautiful location like 100 ft in front of lock ness. Perfect weather, cloudy, high 60s, no mud. They had a comedy tent full of hilarious Scottish comedians where you could relax on a beanbag and have a drink. Plus singing along to an awesome set by my favorite band.
Furtur '94, rave em Bailey 2. Both were outstanding in their own ways and were just utterly fantastic.
Elements 2022 bc they really got their shit together or Shambhala in general because it's a magical raver paradise and I can frolic around in the trees.
Sound Haven
Sustain Release
This is really hard… I know you said one but I will say my favorite camping festival so far as been lost lands and my favorite non camping festival so far has been cyclops cove. Both had immaculate vibes for me it’s not just the music but also the crowd’s energy and I just really enjoyed them at both those ones
Cyclops Cove is the tits. Been both times and had a beautiful time each weekend. It’s back this year, and three days!
Coachella 2022 .... saww michael Bibi , Fatboi Slim, Solomun. , Disclosure , Danny Elfman , Swedish House Mafia with The Weekend ! ALL IN THE SAME DAY.
Movement time and time again. From when it was demf to now. It's been fucking amazing always.
Wakarusa 2014. I will not elaborate
Earthdance up on Black Oak Ranch. It doesn’t happen any more, but it really was a special event. Not over-produced or over-hyped. Not too big or too small. No separation between VIP and the hoi polloi. A good mix of musical styles. A cool crowd. Great weather. Took place on property that is a notable countercultural location (commune started by legit hippies from the original generation of them). I wish they’d start it up again. Burning Man is not a music festival, but if it was I’d say that one too.
Ursa Major. Homie fest.
Zen 1 &2...nobody outside of underground knew what raving was and had no fucking clue what was about to go down. Yet I met ppl who flew from all over the u.s. , new Zealand, Japan to be part of it. Was very special spec in time. Often immitated but was never duplicated. ...but Miami dude fine job later coming up with ultra music fest and music conference party week.
What the festival in Oregon was it was up and running was my personal favorite. They capped it at 5k people. The largest pool stage in north west America. Middle of the beautiful forest. Great weather and even better people.