Driving solo from Florida to Michigan for Electric Forest isn’t an experience for everyone. But with an open mind and lots of preparation, it can lead to an adventure of a lifetime.
I arrive midday Thursday to a quick security check before being sent to Camp Terawatt. My campsite feels generous in size and probably more than the 12’x30′ advertised. Setting up camp is everyone’s first priority and all my neighbors were friendly and easy to coordinate with.
Before going into the venue for the first time, I called the West Orlando News Editor to confirm my arrival. The surprise of having clear phone reception was a topic of conversation, as was the impressive lineup of vendors and food options in the GA Campground’s “Main Street.”
A young couple* who sat next to me to enjoy a fresh açaí bowl in the shade tell me they’re from Florida. We share a laugh when we realize we all came from the Tampa Bay area too. This would be the first of many positive and innocent encounters with other forest goers.
After covering Florida events such as Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival, Sol Fest, and EDC Orlando, I was expecting the venue to be just another variant of those. But stepping into the forest the first time was overwhelming.
Beyond the multiple stages, the Electric Forest experience truly feels magical and endless. I enter thinking I will quickly memorize my way around before nightfall. Instead, I find myself letting go and just taking in the sights and sounds that are all around me.
Within a matter of minutes I encounter folk singers, house music, an attendee playing piano, and abstract artists doing live paintings. Feeling overstimulated, I realize I need to slow down and make a plan.
I find cold filtered water easily at refill stations placed all around. Portable toilets were also numerous and well located (and the portable toilets were shockingly clean all weekend). Cell service remains strong, so I use the official Electric Forest app to create a custom schedule, before going on to find all the stages.
As would be typical each day, I leave the venue to rest in the campgrounds until nightfall, mostly to escape the unrelenting daytime heat. The highlight on Thursday’s schedule for me is Justice who delivers a great light show while kicking off the festival with a familiar feeling, yet bespoke, performance.
I’ve always heard to make a schedule and then throw it away to truly enjoy the Electric Forest experience. This turned out to be the best advice all weekend. For example, I walk towards Sherman Court looking for Liquid Stranger, and get captured dancing to the funk of Disco Dom instead. Or coming across my favorite set of the weekend, SOTA at the Grand Artique, rather than waiting at the rail for Zeds Dead.
As the mindset of being in the forest sets in, losing time in a hammock, or having silly interactions with strangers becomes just as important as seeing the next major act.
By Saturday night I am familiar with places such as the Dream Emporium, where I find a secret set in the hidden roller skating rink.
Sunday evening is bittersweet. At the end of the night, I lay upon a wooden box staring up into the colorful trees, and feel the bass take over my body one last time as Of The Trees plays a beautiful closing set. I know this won’t last forever as my feet begin to ache again and I start to yawn.
I take one last walk from the venue to my campsite, and start to think of all at Electric Forest I never got to experience. From finishing the Scavenger Hunt to winning at the Prize Cart, I’m leaving satisfied yet wanting more.
My first Electric Forest was an unforgettable experience and I am already dreaming about next year.
All photos by Alive Coverage for Electric Forest
* To Cameron and Brooke, I was already lost in the moment and gave you the wrong contact info for WhatsApp. Until we meet again new friends!
