This spring, California’s dusty desert becomes a canvas for Lightning in a Bottle, a festival that’s part commune, part concert. Headlined by Skrillix, Labrinth, and James Blake, the fest’s soundtrack is both eclectic and ethereal. Each stage, from the Thunder Stage’s booming beats to the Woogie’s house melodies, is meant to be a space for you to dance like the 1960s and the hippies still rule the Golden State.
LIB packs a lot into the five-day festival. From interactive art installations to pop-up karaoke sessions, yoga classes to spontaneous drum circles, the festival is designed to ensure that you are not just a spectator but a participant. It’s camping-centric too, and the ethos here is about sustainability, community and engagement. There’s even a whole page on their website dedicated to guiding first-timers on how to celebrate life and dive into the LIB experience wholeheartedly. It includes a glossary that explains LIB lingo like “The Compass,” where workshops, talks and classes will be held at the festival. Notably, it seems that many, if not most, attendees don some combination of glitter, neon, and fringed outfits. Between the experiential emphasis and commune-spirit, LIB is likely a great trial run for those interested in attending Burning Man somewhere down the line.
The Specs
- The festival capacity isn’t listed, but last year around 18,000 people attended.
- Ticket costs start at $359 for a 3-day GA pass and go up to $779 for a 5-day VIP pass.
- Download the festival’s app here.
- From Joshua Tree to San Luis Obispo and Ojai, there’s plenty to do in the surrounding cities.
FAQs
What is the closest airport to Lightning in a Bottle?
Los Angeles Airport (LAX), is the most common airport for festival-goers to fly into, despite it being about 115 miles from the festival. The festival website lists some shuttle options if you don’t have access to a car.
Where exactly does the festival take place?
What’s the bag policy?
The website doesn’t list a concrete bag policy. It does, however, say that coolers are permitted.
Is the event ADA-accessible?
Between ADA parking and wheelchair-accessible grounds, the festival makes an effort to be ADA-accessible. They have a website page dedicated to details for those with a disability.
Where should I stay?
The festival’s website offers information on campsites, RV sites, group camping, and more. You can buy standard camping passes starting at $165, opt for their boutique camping option, or look into hotel packages on their website.
Which artists are on the Lightning in a Bottle lineup?
The full lineup is: Skrillex, Labrinth, Lane 8, James Blake, M.I.A., ISOxo, Tipper, Fatboy Slim, CloZee, Nora En Pure, Bob Moses (Club Set), Cannons, Bomba Estéreo, Honey Dijon, Damian Lazarus, Mura Masa, Of The Trees, Floating Points, Overmono, Barclay Cresnshaw, Nia Archives, Jyoty, ANNA b2b Sama’ Abdulhadi, Justin Martin, Aluna, it’s murph, Qveen Herby, Skream (Dubstep Set), Tycho (Sunset Set), Adam Ten b2b Mita Gami, Ayla Nereo, DJ Holographic, Elephant Heart, Fleetmac Wood, Galen, Glass Beams, goddard., IAMNOBODI, Jasper Tygner, Jimi Jules, La Lom, Machinedrum, Maddy O’Neal, Mette, Miss Dre, Nimino, Oakk, Parallelle, PawPaw Rod, Qrion, Rohaan, Sinego, Shermanology, Venbee, Yulia Niko, Anastazja, AQUTIE, Blaq Pages, Borak, BrittanyFromEarlier, Cocobuckk, Dela Moon, DJ Dials, Ella Romand, Jubilee, Little Dinosaur, Maria Tambien, Raecola, Siren & Seer, Sweet Anomaly.
Playlist
Poster
