My excitement was through the roof leading up to my first Lost Lands in 2023. As a die-hard dubstep fan, Excision’s festival in Ohio felt like a dream—but nothing prepared me for the incredible community I found there.
From spotting fellow headbangers at the Columbus airport to the moment our bus turned into Legend Valley, revealing the first glimpse of dinosaurs, the anticipation kept building.
Lost Lands was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life, and if you’re thinking of making the trip, here are five key lessons I learned along the way.
1. Bring Trinkets and Kandi to Trade
One of the most memorable aspects of Lost Lands was the abundance of kindness. The EDM community is known for its openness, but this festival takes it to another level with selfless giving. The amount of compliments, kandi, and trinkets I received was unreal, and I wished I had brought more to trade.
There were so many people whose vibes I loved, and while a compliment is great, a physical trinket creates a lasting memory. Lost Lands attendees are incredibly generous, and bringing trinkets or kandi lets you fully participate in the community. Don’t make the same mistake I did; pack extras!
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lost Lands takes place in Legend Valley, a beautiful venue with rolling hills, wooded areas, and open spaces. Each stage is set far enough apart to prevent sound bleed, which means a lot of walking.
Between trekking from my campsite (a mile from the entrance) and bouncing between stages, I averaged 12 miles a day. Luckily, I wore sneakers, but friends who opted for boots were suffering. Trust me when I say that comfort over style is the key here.
3. Express Yourself Without Limit
Before Lost Lands, I had only been to one smaller festival, so I didn’t have a clear idea of what people wore to EDM festivals. What I quickly realized was that it doesn’t matter what you wear; what matters is how it makes you feel.
Lost Lands felt like a place where people expressed themselves through their clothing rather than dressing to fit a certain EDM aesthetic. Unlike other large festivals that can feel like an influencer spectacle, Lost Lands had an authenticity that made fashion feel personal, not performative.
Festival fashion is about expressing your most authentic self, something we don’t always get to do in everyday life. Whether that means rave fits, cosplay, or dressing for comfort, wear what makes you feel empowered. Lost Lands is a judgment-free zone, so don’t hold back.
4. Don’t Forget to Eat (and Please Drink Water)
Lost Lands is a 3-5 day marathon of walking, dancing, and minimal sleep. Fueling your body properly is essential. I made the mistake of embodying the chicken tender festival meme and felt exhausted, with recovery taking a full week.
A big, well-rounded breakfast can make all the difference. That way, even if you eat less later, you’re not running on empty. And in the wise words of Subtronics, please drink some f-ing water and eat some food.
Being the only one in my group with a hydration pack meant I was constantly sharing, but luckily, Lost Lands made staying hydrated easy with plenty of refill stations and short lines. Whether you bring a CamelBak or a refillable bottle, keeping water on hand is a must.
5. Decide on Must-See Sets Before You Go
With so much happening at Lost Lands, it’s easy to lose track of time and miss a set you were dying to see. One of the best things I did was screenshot the daily set times, circled my must-see artists, and set it as my phone wallpaper for quick access.
Having a game plan helped me enjoy the festival even more, because I wasn’t worried about missing an artist I really wanted to see. It allowed me to relax, explore, and enjoy the experience without constantly checking the clock. Whether you plan your whole weekend or just have a few must-sees, having your schedule easily accessible makes a huge difference.
Experiencing Lost Lands in 2023 for the first time awakened something in me. It wasn’t just about the music; it was the community, the energy, and the overwhelming kindness that made it truly special. The amount of PLUR and genuine connection I felt was unreal. I walked away feeling better about myself, more in tune with the EDM scene, and honestly, more empathetic toward people in general.
Lost Lands is more than a festival—it’s an experience that stays with you. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning headbanger, it has a way of bringing people together and creating memories that last far beyond Legend Valley. If you’ve been there before, what’s your top tip for first-timers?
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