Memorial Day Weekend Goes off the Grid With Chet Faker, Grimes, Jamie XX and More at Lightning in a Bottle

Stephanie Hernandez

Pack your bags and leave reality behind for a few days. Lightning in a Bottle is here to make your Memorial Day weekend one for the books. Considered a transformational music experience, the festival’s promoters, The DoLab, seek to promote sustainability, creative expression and social cohesion. From its humble beginnings as a private birthday party blowout in the early 2000s to its eventual move to a full blown public three-day event held in Southern California, LIB for the second time this year will be taking up residency in the northern California town of Bradley. An eclectic mix of music, art and culture, Lightning in a Bottle is truly something you have to experience to understand.

Integrating elements outside of the norm like guest speakers, interactive installations, yoga classes, group meditation as well as other on-site activities, there are countless ways to get lost in the magic here. Featuring over 70 acts spread over three days and three stages, your ears are in for some good times. Taking the stage this year are some of our favorite artists. From Big Gigantic, Lucent Dossier Experience to Cashmere Cat and Four Tet, LIB’s eccentric taste continues on through their lineup, making the three days widely varied and full of surprises. With big names this year like Chet Faker, Grimes and Jamie XX attendees will get their fix of a music and performance filled weekend in an uncontrived setting. The Lightning Stage, Thunder Stage and The Woogie stage all have their own vibes, take it in, love it and find some like-minded people to start a dance party/drum circle with – yes it will happen.

The best way to immerse yourself in the world of LIB is to take advantage of their on-site car camping. The most popular accommodation choice by festival goers, this “roughing it” option builds an insane sense of community and is where you’ll be making most of your new friend for next year’s pilgrimage. Never boring, Lightning in a Bottle makes sure to provide a plethora of campsite activities and anything you need is just a stone’s throw away in the general stores and markets surrounding the grounds, Looking to bring the whole squad along? Their RV camping is great, too! This option starts at $325 and builds to $500 for a set up that includes water and electrical hookups.

Now for those who want to “glamp” in style, there are multiple luxury tent packages. We aren’t talking your high school camping trip tent. We’re talking real mattress, charging hookups and shaded outdoor lounge tents. Starting with the “Really good tent package” at $1,400 for a one-bed setup and building to a two-bed deal, the packages also include guest passes for your friends to chill in your air conditioned abode with you all weekend. No worries if this doesn’t float your boat, you can always upgrade to the “uber tent package.” Starting $2,400 for 200 sq. ft., the uber package includes furniture, complimentary ice (which will be your saving grace) as well as a personal on-site concierge to fulfill your every, reasonable, desire. And because Lightning in a Bottle is the only United States festival to win the Outstanding Award from A Greener Festival, five years in a row you know they are doing everything sustainably, so go ahead and enjoy your holiday weekend guilt free.

Head to Bradley, CA, May 25 through May 30 to experience Lightning in a Bottle. Tickets available here.