Lightning in a Bottle was one of the best festivals of my life, definitely in my top three. I went in having heard so many great things, but it blew my expectations away. Driving in, I felt a rush of excitement mixed with a little apprehension. The landscape was dusty and barren, and by 10am it was already hot, which is not ideal for someone who doesn’t do well in heat. To top it off, we’d just gotten a video from our group of a rattlesnake spotted near our camp. But even with those nerves, I was excited for the music, the workshops, the venue, and the chance to meet some incredible people.
The LIB Festival Vibe
The festival is smaller than many I’ve been to, with around 18,000 people attending in 2024 — but that ended up being a huge benefit. Our camp was less than a 10-minute walk from the main stage, and there was still so much to explore: multiple stages, artcars, delicious food (the perogies were so good), and workshops ranging from yoga to cooking. It’s held at Buena Vista Campground on Lake Webb. There’s no stage on the water, but plenty of floaties and paddleboards helped people stay cool in the sun.
Credit: Ivan Meneses @ai.visuals
A Place to Exist as You Are
One thing that really stood out to me was the community. I know that’s something often highlighted in the EDM scene, but the LIB festival took it to another level. I’d compare it to the openness and acceptance of Burning Man, which that makes sense, since a lot of Burners go to LIB. I had a lovely conversation with one Burner who said they actually felt more at home here than on the Playa.
People were friendly, kind, and showed up as their most authentic selves, unafraid to be a little “weird.” I think we all have that goofball inside us, even if we don’t always show it. In regular life, it’s hard to let that part out, but at LIB, there was no judgment. It felt like a release. Being around others who were clearly fulfilled by simply existing as themselves energized me. It made me reflect on how I want to show up in my own life. LIB creates space to check in with yourself — to ask who you are, how you’re showing up, and if there’s something that needs to shift. It definitely gave me a lot of insight, and I know I wasn’t the only one.
Credit: Julian Bajsel @jbajsel
Bass, Sunsets and Nonstop Discovery
This year’s lineup was stacked, with artists across a variety of genres including house, bass, indie, alt, and funk. I’m more bass-centric, so my favorite sets included Subtronics, Hamdi, Tape B, Mary Droppinz, and Peekaboo. I also loved John Summit’s unexpectedly heavy set and Monolink’s sunset performance, which brought me back to Burning Man. Surprise sets like Subjohnics closing out Sunday added to the magic. Even though house isn’t usually my thing, I found myself exploring more thanks to my group. With stages going day to night, workshop spaces turning into venues, and artcars bumping music around the grounds, there was always something to dance to.
Credit: Jess Gallo @helloatlasmedia
A Moment that Shifted My Perspective
One thing that really sets LIB apart is the programming. There’s so much more than music — from yoga and sound healing to crafting, improv, a running club, and talks on everything from ocean conservation to lucid dreaming. On Sunday I went to an ecstatic yoga class at the Woogie stage, hoping for a reset after a rough day. Led by Amanda, who’s been coming to LIB since 2015, the class started with a grounding flow but quickly turned into something much deeper.
We moved through the space with playful prompts like walking as your favorite animal, then paired off for long, uninterrupted eye contact. It was uncomfortable at first — I’m usually good with eye contact, but holding it with a stranger for over 30 seconds made me feel exposed. Eventually, though, I let go of my own thoughts and really saw the person in front of me. There was so much emotion in that space. At the end, we each shared what we’d learned at LIB, and something my partner said mirrored exactly what I’d been struggling with. It felt like a weight lifted. I walked away feeling lighter, more grounded, and with a clearer sense of how I want to move through the world.
Credit: Ivan Meneses @ai.visuals
The LIB festival left me with more than just memories, it gave me insight, connection, and a renewed sense of self. If you’re open to it, this experience has the power to shift your perspective, just like it did mine.
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