Imagine Music Festival may have begun in 2014, but it has already grown into the gimmicks of some of the U.S.’s biggest music festivals. The offering includes the festival experience greatest hits, of sorts: camping, pool parties, immersive art installations and pyrotechnics are all part of the attractions at this “aquatic fairytale” of a festival, which will return to Atlanta, Georgia from September 14 to 17.
The Imagine Festival main stage looks like King Triton’s palace in The Little Mermaid, complete with golden spires and bubble motifs. Similar to Insomniac’s Electric Daisy Carnival and Hard Summer, the event brings some of EDM’s hottest names together in unique “b2b” (back to back) sets. This year, Dillon Francis will go b2b with Knock2 and Nghtmre will go b2b with Diesel. Following his Coachella appearance earlier this year, Dombresky is scheduled to perform onstage and at the Saturday pool party under his Disco Dom alias. Pool parties are held Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 3 and come stocked with free floaties and rental cabanas. AND, there’s more. You can also expect art installations, as well as yoga and mindfulness activities.
Though Imagine Music Festival originally took place at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, it relocated to Kingston Downs last year, where it plans to remain in 2023. According to festival founder Glenn Goodhand, “The new site encompasses all the beauty of nature with sprawling grass fields and pastures, rolling hills, and untouched woodlands.” The festival prides itself in “immersion,” and this extends from the open-air setting to the metaphysical healing sessions.
Imagine Music Festival may attract big talent and even bigger crowds, but it’s not without its faults. The event has previously had issues with security and water access, and a quick scroll on the Imagine Music Festival subreddit will reveal many qualms with its management. It’s up to you whether the water and the rave are worth it.
The Specs
- Over 50,000 people are expected to attend.
- A festival ticket (GA) costs $329, VIP are $449 and a Platinum VIP Pass is $999 at the time of writing. Pool access can also be purchased for $49. The festival also offers “add-ons” which can be bought. These include options for daily parking, an RV car companion pass, access to a pool, pass for Thursday early arrival and pre-party access.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to Atlanta here, and consider staying at the Wylie, Thompson Buckhead or Candler Hotels.
FAQs
Where does the festival take place?
The camping festival takes place on a 5,000-acre property near Rome, Ga.
How will I receive my festival wristband?
Festival wristbands will be shipped in August to the address you provided when purchasing your ticket. If you purchase a ticket following the shipping deadline (will be posted on the festival’s socials), you will need to pick up your wristband at will call.
Is festival reentry allowed?
No, ticket holders cannot leave and reenter the festival grounds on a given day unless they are camping.
What does the VIP ticket include?
Per the website, VIP ($449) will get you: expedited entry, premium restrooms, shaded VIP areas, and exclusive vendors. Though, this ticket does not include camping. Camping sold separately.
Can I secure a car camping spot next to my friends?
Yes, but you must arrive at the same time. Otherwise, you will not be able to secure adjacent camping spots.
Who is on this year’s lineup?
There are more than 100 artists scheduled and they span house, techno, trance, bass, dubstep and more. Artists include Big Gigantic, Chris Lake, Dab The Sky, Dillon Francis playing b2b with Knock2, Dom Dolla (sunset set), Jade Cicada, John Summit, NGHTMRE playing b2b with DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal’s DJ alter-ego), REZZ, Vintage Culture, Sofi Tukker, Slander, Ganja White Night and Subtronics doing their first ever b2b show, Elderbrook, Nostalgix, Deeper Purpose, Matt Sassari, Marauda and Mersiv, Telykas, Kasablanca, Dr. Fresch, Infected Mushroom (DJ set), Zomboy, Boombox Cartel, Cloonee, Eazybaked, Floozies, Emorfik, Crankdat, A Hundred Drums, Matroda, Sam Wolfe, Svdden Death: Into the Inferno, Trivecta, and more.
There will also be stage takeovers from brands including Brownies & Lemonade, Monstercat, KidsGoneMad! and Off the Grid.
2023 Poster
