As every year’s theme welcomes new additions to the experience, The Dream Emporium inducted this year’s comforting yet motivational message: Dare to Dream. 

A Surreal Start to the Summer Solstice

The summer solstice began on June 21st when early arrival took place and the campsite was ready for a weekend of ether magic. June 22nd was the welcome day of a weekend destined with bursting sun that wouldn't fall until almost 10pm every night. Nearly 24 hours of music between the official stages, after parties (afters), and Lucky Lake swimming parties was a lineup crafted for those in search of breaking into their feral nature.

Pixie houses leading to Sherwood Court sheltered crystals/gems, rings, bracelets, and origami folded birds. The Giving Tree past the The Ranch Stage was surrounded with crowds of generosity prepared to give sunglasses, stickers, condoms, and even a whole vibration pack nudged onto a high branch for someone who lost their hydration pack.

Returning to the tree to find the item thankfully taken and appreciated by someone else was fulfilling based only on the satisfaction of giving without return. Giving without the expectation of return was one of the many lessons Electric Forest teaches in its novelty experiences. 

Despite 30,000 steps or more each day, a rain storm, possible sunburn, and palpable dust in the night’s atmosphere, was a recipe for congestion or wook flu. It didn’t matter to many because the communion of song and dance provided a rebirth of spiritual connection or tree-hugging magnificence. 

On night 1, Odesza entranced the Forest Family beginning their set with “Intro” continued with their talented drumline and fireworks for their finale. On night 2, DIESEL vibrated the microphone at The Tripolee Stage with a request to “open the pit."

On night 3, Disco Lines performed a genre-blending set of a lifetime at The Carosel Stage with his hyper house style heard in ”MDMA” mixed with moments of heavy bass which caused the crowd to collectively scream in a “woah."

At the same time at The Ranch Stage, Zeds Dead remixed Destiny’s Child songs such as “Say My Name” and “Bills, Bills, Bills” with irresistible basslines to dense lasers. It was breathtaking to find the lasers also dancing on the tall pine trees in latterns at Sherwood Court. 

My favorite performance from the entire weekend was Space Wizard’s fusion of dubstep and space bass on day 3. Feeling thankful to have seen a headliner on my bucket list, he ended his set advising the Forest Family, “Follow your dreams. I used to work at Walmart."

Dressed for the Pines

In “Forest Fashion," mushroom fairies dressed in pearl-laced red and white spotted mushroom cap hats and fluffy petticoat skirts were present across the stages.

Creative characters curated their individual DIY/hand-sewn outfits you couldn’t witness at just any rave: jewel crowns, tinsel jackets, Mad Hatter hats, crochet skirt sets. Walking between the stages you could hear multiple Hulk Holgans in costume warming up to you with a deep grunting of the timeless phrase “hell yeah, brother”. 

Rainbow-printed outfits and eyeshadow were another expression to celebrate Pride month. My personal favorite styled look included The Cuckoo Clock Fairies walking along the path around a The Observatory to Sherwood Court in spreading the imaginative energy in every “CUCKOO!” separated by the wall of their birdhouse-shaped helmets. 

The Dream Emporium 

The Dream Emporium was a never-ending channel of doors directing to rooms with a roller rink, a pastel pink cake and characters emulating the set from Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, a domination room with a domme, a human car wash, and a birth canal.

In the birth canal, a pastor guided groups with affirmations, “I accept myself. Today is my re-birthday and today I am here to dance and celebrate”. After, the birth canal lead to an igloo with a DJ mixing 80s dance hits such as “Funkytown” by Lipps Inc. dazzled with blue led ice cube art installations. 

Visiting The Dream Emporium was necessary to complete the Time Travel Agency Scavenger Hunt. Accomplishing the scavenger hunt awards you with a limited edition button pin and access to a secret door in The Dream Emporium and access to a hidden speakeasy.

Dare to Dream was printed on the pin to remind attendees of that simple yet powerful philosophy everyone needs to hear once in a while. 

Evol Afters of Experimental Music 

The rumor of days becoming nights only to become morning again are beautifully true. It’s a guaranteed promise of a dance between music, trees, and morning birds.

The after parties (afters) began at 3:15am and ended at nearly 8am. The two stages accompanied with four mountains of Hennesey Sound speakers provided were located directly next to each other  for EDM history to take place. 

Champagne Drip performed a techno set and a DNB set to remain known as his alias, Champagne Trip. On Day 2, Peekaboo B2B Ganja White Night started the party followed by TRUTH performing during the 6am sunrise. 

On night 3, SVDDEN DEATH finished a VOYD set at Sherwood Court then performed a house set in a pair of shades during the late hours of the night. Of course, ravers also wore shades in anticipation for the sun. Dark with riddim yet delicious with his nonstop rhythm, it was a house set designed for the vampires ending before sunrise. 

My personal tip for any after: bringing a small blanket preferably with a kitten print and comfortable shoes is the way to bring the comfort of your bed with you. Party on, my feral friends. 

The Forest Family once again exited Rothbury changed from soul-nourishment moments bestowed from the dance floor, ultimately leaving more grateful and hopeful than before. 

Until Electric Forest 2024, Forest Family—dare to dream! 

The first thing that caught me off guard about Electric Forest was that I immediately realized that this was so much more than a music festival. I know that’s something you hear all the time, but this is, literally, so much more. The first day I spent my whole night running back and forth between the sets I wanted to see. However, the next day was when I started seeing how much more this place had to offer besides just my favorite artists. 

On my second day, I experienced some of the secrets that Electric Forest had to offer. I can’t go into too much detail, but I will tell you that it was an awesome interactive experience that really showed the magical side of the festival. Interacting with new people and making new friends with this experience is something I will cherish for a lifetime. My experience during Day 2 was when I really started to feel that Electric Forest is not your average festival, and to be honest, I don't think there's any other festival like it in the world. Every corner I turned, something magical was happening. Like the guy with his own mini-bar carved into the wood selling shots of the best maple syrup you’ve had in your life. Not to mention, everywhere you walk, there are awesome art displays everywhere. Walking around Forest is straight up like experiencing a real-life, magical moment from a movie.

On the third day, I met up with some friends who were in this amazing part of the Forest that had probably over 50 hammocks running through each and every tree. These friends were huge fans of several of the artists playing on that particular day, but instead of going to the sets they told me they were going to sit in the hammocks and hand out candy to random people all day, because, as they put it, “we can see Bassnectar any time, we can only enjoy this Forest once a year”. This idea blew me away but also resonated with me to the point where I ended up spending most of the day in those hammocks, too. 

And that’s what makes Forest special. I could sit here and tell you guys about the amazing sets from my favorite artists, about all the cool outfits people wore, about the amazing people I met. But the truth is, these are things that happen at every festival. Forest is so much more than that.

If you’ve never been to Electric Forest, I promise you this festival is worth all the time, energy, and money that people put into it. I highly recommend purchasing tickets as soon as they go on sale so you don’t risk missing out if it sells out as quickly as it did this year. There is a reason why so many people call this place “home”, and I can’t wait to return home next year.

Trippy Prints

Trippy print fabric is a must have at Electric Forest! The bold print stands out great against the lush, green background of the forest and is sure to land all eyes on you!

 Shop these looks in the Eternal Flame Collection.

Mesh & Layers

Mesh and layering has always been bffs, and E Forest is no exception! Mesh is great because you can either go for a risque look with pasties or body gems or swerve and rock a conservative outfit by adding some additional layers with a basic tube top or booty shorts.

Get the Look

Fringe

Fringe has recently made a resurface in EDM fashion. It’s a perfect way to tie in the bohemian/hippy theme at Electric Forest. Whether it be a top or a skirt- savormeditation has tons of fringe outfit options to make your look as unique as you!

Tie-Dye

It just wouldn’t be Electric Forest without tie-dye! Check out how these groovy babes styled our tie-dye pieces. Shop all of the looks in our women's rave wear collection.

Maxi Skirts

Maxi skirts are an easy way to dress up any outfit! You’ll look like a forest fairy prancing around in any of these fabulous maxi skirts.

Shop Skirts & Bottoms

Faux Fur

The Forest can get chilly at night so be prepared to layer up or completely change your outfit. Some staples for night-time forest fashion include Faux Fur Jackets or Shrugs, and leggings. 

@dahliascoven

@pizzaqueen93

Shop Outerwear

Butterfly Looks

Spread your wings and fly to the forest with a pair of butterfly wings - available in multiple colors and styles.

Photo credit: @sweet_carofine_ 

@alexisjelenich

Body Chains & Harness

Nothing says boho gypsy like body chains, head chains, and harnesses! These looks will have you drippin' in gorgeous gold. Head chains are also perfect if you want to opt out of glitter, but need to add an extra touch of glam to your outfit.

Body Jewels & Gems

No festival outfit is complete without some body jewels or glitter! Body gems are perfect for taking your outfit from a day look to night time look since they catch the light and make you shimmer and shine. 

@fabulous_jason

Shop Glitter & Gems

One of the most exciting parts of Electric Forest is seeing everyone’s unique outfits. Whether you choose to be styled by the savormeditation ladies or take inspiration from some of the current trends, don’t forget to add your own personal touches to whatever you wear.

I’ll see you in the Forest, fam!

I attended Weekend Two this year and overall, the weekend was rich in good tunes, good vibes, and some crazy weather. Paying attention and putting care into your body and to your friends when you’re all going through four straight days of dancing was key. The highlights of my Forest experience this year? I missed my favorite artist (thanks mother nature!), found some new favorite artists, and changed my whole perspective on each day by starting it off with a transformative yoga session (big shoutout to Hannah Muse). I felt a paradigm shift within myself between my first Forest experience and this year and with that came new insights.

During Electric Forest, it’s so important to be present in the experience, because there is so much going on explicitly and implicitly. Look down and you’ll see where the fairies are. Look around you and you’ll see radiant beauty. Open your ears and you’ll hear something new. Walk down a different path and you’ll see there’s so more to explore.

Electric Forest is so intricate, so full of detail and beauty, and has so many hidden secrets. And they’re good - I promise. You can ask questions, solve riddles, talk and get to know folks from across the world. 

The Hangar (one of the many stages at Electric Forest) was where a lot of the mystery started for me. Not only is this a stage designed to look like a 1940s aircraft hangar, but the Hangar is a full-on interactive area for attendees. Between the hair and tattoo salon, the milkshake and brownie bar, the auto shop, the arcade, and the antique shop, I was intrigued, to say the least. When you walk into the Hangar the sign on the entrance says, “Only from the heart can you touch the sky.” How true! There were glamorous flight attendants selling candy for pennies with pastel, coiffed hair and colorful glittery lipstick. I loved their look and I loved how they spoke with such poise and humor.

I had a very memorable experience during my time spent at the Hangar when a mysterious man in the Hangar approached me. He told me that there are many times in life when you’ll have to wait and there are many lines to stand in, but it’s more important that you don’t have the attitude of waiting, of impatience, of expectations, but that you enjoy what you’re experiencing now. He was playing with a clear glass ball and catching my eye with his handlebar mustache and elaborate tricks and rhymes.

At festivals, you’re given this incredible opportunity to be around people that are all there to make the most of every moment, see their favorite artists, and hopefully change their life for the better. At Electric Forest, there are designated areas, like the Giving Tree and the Trading Post, where people can exchange gifts, letters, and symbols of something meaningful to them, that they’ve wanted someone else to experience. Whether you’re a kandi kid and trading bracelets, or if you’re into collecting pins or crystals, there’s somebody out there that wants to share a beautiful moment with you. This all retraces back to the principal of PLUR - peace, love, unity, and respect.

Every morning, it was super fun starting my day with some yoga to get my head in the right place and my body limber. Afterward, I would run back to my campsite to smear glitter all over my friend's faces, carefully applying gemstones, and figuring out what bodysuit would best coordinate with the artists or genres that I was seeing that day. I like to wear rainbow pastels when I’m catching sets that are more future bass or chillwave (like Louis the Child or Rufus Du Sol) and I like to wear darker colors on days that were more bass-heavy or dubstep heavy (like for Bassnectar or Jauz). There were a lot of outfit changes and that’s part of the fun. Weekend Two was HOT this year, but that just meant I had to wear less. I saw a guy in the lost and found line that was butt ass naked... I think he lost everything. I don’t blame him.

The last day at Electric Forest, I stayed up dancing my heart out at the RV sets until the sun rose, just to make up for the lost time we spent in our tents during the thunderstorms. Cherub dressed up as Daft Punk and had me fooled until about a week later that they reunited at 3 am in the parking lot. It seemed pretty real to me.

No matter where I was - at the Hangar, or waiting at the gate, a security line, a food or shopping line, there was always something to experience at Electric Forest. Whether it was music to listen to or someone interesting to meet and share a beautiful moment with, this festival provided infinite opportunities

Until next year, Happy Forest!

Stepping into Sherwood Forest is an experience like no other, I’m sure. To be surrounded by beautiful people, music, and art in such an inclusive environment is just magic. The camping festival offers more than just music and a good time, they have curated events and unique programs for every type of festival attendee. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder all the veterans will tell you there’s nothing like the Electric Forest experience. 

We are beyond excited for this event and have quizzed a veteran Electric Forest Fam to find out the insider tips and tricks on getting the most out of our forest experience to ensure all us beginners have a blast! Check out their EForest survival secrets below!

Sami (S) attended Electric Forest for several years in a row.  Below are some questions that were asked to find out the insider scoop:

Q: What are your EForest essentials to pack?

S: Baby wipes are very important! They keep you very clean; you will want to bring some kind of mask because of all the dust! Bring stuff to give out trade and put on the giving tree! It’s all about sharing and helping! Bring your own toilet paper – there will never be toilet paper in the outhouses, a shower bag or portable shower so you don’t have to wait in that shower line. Don’t forget extra batteries! Bring some extra spending money – they have some really cool booths to buy art and other super neat things! Also, you will want to buy some kind of food there because it’s all good.

Q: What’s your best advice for inexperienced campers on how to set up a great camp and make the most of the camping experience?

S: Get to the festival as soon as you can; the first people who arrive are closer to the entrance of the actual gates to enter the festival grounds.  Your camp set up will be the most stressful part of the whole forest.  You want to set up as fast as you can! Do a practice round or two at your house! It helps if you know what you are doing and have a plan. While packing up your car, pack that stuff last so it’s the first thing you can get out.  You will need a canopy with some kind of tapestry to create your own little “home” for the weekend!  I find it helpful to put up the canopy first!  You will want a tarp or two just in case it rains.  Make friends with your camping neighbors, I still regularly talk to some of them and if you don’t have something they most likely do!  For example, they needed a pan, which we let them borrow and in return they gave us cooked bacon!  You WILL NEED MULTIPLE PORTABLE FANS!!  It gets really hot in your tent while you’re waiting for the gates to open.  Finally, make your campsite who you are. Decorate it and have fun with it! 

Q: Any insider tips or tricks to surviving the weather?

S: At night while you are sleeping in your tent it can get quite cold.  I suggest bringing 2 blankets to cover up with, then you can slowly take them off while it warms up in the morning in your tent by 10 or 11.  In the morning your tent is a sauna; you will want a portable fan in your tent to turn on if you want to keep sleeping and open your windows of your tent in the morning to get air flow!  It can get really hot during the day so bring comfy clothes that keep you cool!  The trees inside the forest give shade so bring a hammock and go take a nap in the forest!  When it comes to night time, it will get slightly chilly but you will be walking around so a light sweatshirt always helps!  I suggest bringing 2 sweatshirts a thick one and a thin one because the weather is unpredictable.  Check the weather app before you leave home! Be prepared for any weather and bring extra shoes and socks just incase they get wet!  Don’t forget those hair ties for when its super hot in the middle of the day!  The stages have no shade what so ever so sunscreen is important! Don’t over pack your clothes and keep your extra clothes in your car along with valuables just incase.

Q: What is your favorite must-see forest attraction (non-music related).

S: While in the Electric Forest you have to try the Gong Therapy!  Or even if you’re not a yoga person, try out the morning yoga at least once!  It’s really relaxing and you really feel the connection you have with others! The live art during the whole festival is also really amazing to watch someone go from nothing to this beautiful work of art in a couple days!

Q: How do you think having 2 weekends instead of 1 will affect the festival? 

S: Personally, I feel like having two weekends is a smart idea for the people because more amazing souls get to experience the forest since it always sells out so quickly.  But that was kind of fun that only so many people could go at first.  I’m also scared for the health of the forest itself and I hope it stays growing strong! 

Q: Who are you most excited to see this year?

S: For a headliner, I’m mostly excited to see Odesza.  I’ve never seen them live and Electric Forest creates a magical vibe and so does their music and together they will be the most beautiful experience of my life!  For smaller artists I’m extremely excited to see SNBRN; his music is so much fun to flow to! I’ve seen him once before and him in an outside setting is so beautiful!  Also you should check out Dioxins violin, his music is really magical and he will take you on a journey!

Q: Number one thing you wish someone told you before going to your first Forest?

S: I wish someone told me to just wander, don’t make a schedule, let yourself discover the forest. If you feel like you want to go that way, then do it or this way or hey what’s that thing, go check it out!  The forest is full of little secrets that are waiting for you. Relax and enjoy yourself.

Q: I’ve been told you feel or become part of the forest as you experience the festival. Did you feel a part of the forest? Describe that feeling.

S: I feel a part of the forest, while you’re walking through it, you’re surrounded by all these beautiful people that are all there to spread love, you feel like you’re home. Everyone is accepted and everyone is welcome, and most of my life I felt like wasn’t welcome anywhere.  Not many people liked me, but at EF everyone is welcomed, everyone just wants to love!  My favorite thing that I’ve noticed is that it’s more than a festival, it’s like our very own holiday with everyone saying “Happy Forest”.  It’s like it’s the beginning of our new year.  You feel fresh and new and like anything is possible and that feeling stays with you and it changes you as a person.

Electric Forest is only days away! We cannot describe how excited we are to be experiencing the Forest for the first time. Shout out to the lovely EForest veterans who helped show us the way with these tips & tricks. If you’re headed to EForest weekend 2 be sure to keep an eye out for Mama Unicorn, Minnie, and Tiny Dancer!

GRiZ

I can’t miss a GRiZ set at any festival! Originally from Michigan, GRiZ always brings the funk to Electric Forest. He will be performing a live set both weekends, meaning there’s a 100% chance the good times will roll after he brings out his saxophone. His funky, electro-soul sets are a safe bet for first time Forester’s or for the experienced. His track, “PS GFY”, is a great summary of GRiZ’s unique sound and his IDGAF attitude.  If you’re trying to get down with all your friends, don’t miss GRiZ!

Rufus Du Sol

Electric Forest will be my first time seeing Rufus Du Sol. This Australian Deep House trio consists of members Tyrone Lindqvist, Jon George and James Hunt. I first discovered their good vibes after hearing their song “Like an Animal”. I get goosebumps whenever I listen to it. They recently just released a new single, “No Place”, and I honestly can’t wait to hear it for the first time live at Electric Forest.

The Glitch Mob

I wasn’t very familiar with The Glitch Mob before seeing them on the Electric Forest lineup. The LA based trio is known for combining unique sounding music with artistic visual components. The Glitch Mob has also just recently dropped their new album, “See Without Eyes”, and will be playing their new stuff at Forest. “Take Me With You” has been on repeat since I first started listening to them. Headlining both weekends of Electric Forest, The Glitch Mob is ready to bring their innovative sounds to the Forest.

Clozee

I first stumbled upon Clozee at Okeechobee Music Festival. The young French producer stands out amongst other popular artists at the moment, and for a good reason. She’s mastered the skill of incorporating traditional instruments and bass into one of the most original sounds I’ve ever heard. She has just recently started touring in the United States and will be performing both weekends of Electric Forest. If you’re looking to discover new artists, or are in the mood for some trippy glitch music, definitely check out Clozee’s set.

Malaa

A lot of us are still asking ourselves, who the heck is Malaa? Malaa broke out onto the house scene after his single “Notorious” went viral. One of the most interesting things about Malaa is the mystery surrounding him. He performs every set in a balaclava to hide his identity. Despite lack of knowledge surrounding Malaa, he is currently signed to the iconic Tchami’s label and even collaborated with him on an entire EP. If you love house music, shuffling, and getting groovy, check out Malaa’s set both weekends of Forest.

There are so many even more amazing artists on Forest’s lineup just waiting to be discovered! Check out the rest of the headliners down below.

Take Time to Explore the Forest

This is something I can’t stress enough! Once you step inside the festival grounds you’ll realize how expansive the forest actually is. My first year I made the mistake of staying at the stages all day and didn’t give myself enough time to soak everything in. There’s surprises waiting for you everywhere, make the time to find them!

Bring a Gift for the Giving Tree

I mentioned this in my last blog post, Electric Forest Prep 101, but don’t forget to bring a gift for the giving tree! The giving tree is an Electric Forest tradition. All you need to do is bring a small gift (the more thought the better) and place it on the giving tree inside the festival grounds. After leaving something, you get to choose a little gift for yourself from the tree. You’ll never know what you might find there!

Check Out all the Art Installations

The art installations are by far my favorite part of Electric Forest. Artists from across the United States apply to feature their art in the Forest, and they pick the best of the best. They range from as small and detailed as the gnome garden pictured above to the giant wooden sculpture down below. The installations are fun to look at and are great photo backgrounds too!

Discover New Artists

I know all your favorites are going to be at Electric Forest, but hear me out. You’ll most likely be able to see your top picks at another festival, so why not branch out and check out other artists? There are over seven stages at Electric Forest with sets going constantly. Chances are you’ll find a new artist to add to your favorites in the process!

Photo Courtesy of Electric Forest

Support the Vendors

Electric Forest is a dangerous festival if you love shopping like me. There are vendors from across the US selling unique items you won’t be able to get anywhere else! Don’t forget to stop by the Electric Forest merch tent as well!

Photo Courtesy of Electric Forest

See you all in the Forest!

This festival is famous for integrating art and music together to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From Marshmello to Jauz to the String Cheese Incident, the musical lineup is extremely diverse, uniting fans of all types of genres together. 

Whether it’s your first Forest Experience or your sixth, check out these useful tips that you'll need to thrive in the Forest this summer.

Get an Early Arrival Pass

Just like any other camping festival, plan to arrive early! Electric Forest even offers Wednesday early arrival passes, and I highly recommend purchasing one. Arriving on Wednesday will not only ensure you won’t be stuck in any festival traffic but also gives you a whole extra day in the Forest. Take the time to set up camp, meet your neighbors, and get to know your surroundings. If you can’t arrive on Wednesday, the campground gates will be open 24/7 starting Thursday at 12 AM.

Check Out the Water Park

This is something I didn’t do last year that I immensely regret. While there isn’t an actual water park in the campgrounds, Electric Forest does offer shuttles to the nearby Gold Rush Water Park. Tickets to the water park are $20 per visit and there will be shuttles leaving on regular intervals between 10 AM-6 PM. Pro tip: the water park has showers (which are included in the price of your admission) so take advantage of them!

Bring Extra Layers

The weather at Forest ranges from the 90’s during the day to the 40’s at night. The temperature change will be felt immediately after the sun goes down. Personally, I like to plan two outfits per day (one for during the day and one at night). It can be hard to stand out in the crowd when it’s cold - but cute jackets like this Shagedlic Fur Coat and this Purrfect Faux Fur Coat from savormeditation make it easy. Check out their outerwear section for more outfit inspiration! 

Be Prepared for Rain

Come prepared for all types of unfavorable weather conditions! Last year it rained the first few days of the festival and my camping group was incredibly unprepared. Learn from our mistakes and bring rain ponchos, rain boots, a canopy, and plenty of extra tarps for your campsite! 

Explore the Forest

I can’t stress this enough; make sure to set aside some time to explore the Forest! Check out the art installations, the silent disco, and even try to take a whack at the scavenger hunt they put on every year. There’s even a giving tree in the Forest (where people leave/take gifts), so make sure to bring a gift! And don’t just explore during the day, the forest is even more magical at night!

Have No Expectations

Whether it’s your first forest or your sixth, go in each year with no expectations. Forget anything you might’ve heard about the forest or the pictures you’ve seen. Nothing will do it justice until you see it for yourself. Soak up everything you can while you’re there, try new things, explore unknown artists, and have the time of your life.

Electric Forest is by far one of my favorite festivals and you can catch me there for weekend 2! Plan your forest adventure and grab your 2018 Electric Forest Tickets here.