Nina Schubert Featured Image by Alive Coverage/Electric Forest
Stepping into Electric Forest isn’t just arriving at a music festival—it’s entering another world entirely. For four unforgettable days, Rothbury, Michigan transformed into a kaleidoscopic dream where music, art, and human connection intertwined beneath the trees.
As a first-time attendee, I knew I was in for something special, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer magic that unfolded. From spontaneous laughter with strangers to moments of awe under twinkling lights, this was more than a weekend, it was a feeling. And that feeling? It was love.
The Heart of the Forest: Community, Kindness, Connection
At its core, Electric Forest is built by the community. Kindness lives in every corner. Strangers smile and wish you “Happy Forest” as they pass. People gift handmade bracelets, little critters, or tie-dyed socks just to brighten your day.
I’ve attended many festivals before, but none that made me feel so fully seen, welcomed, and loved. There’s a deep sense of joy in the air, and it’s contagious. Compliments are heartfelt. Totems read “You Belong Here,” and the wildest part is, you do.
Even the outfits become part of the story. Everywhere you turn, someone has brought a character to life: Pikachu, a wizard, Scooby-Doo, Princess Peach. Each person contributes to the whimsical magic that makes the Forest feel alive.
A Celebration of Sound and Soul
Electric Forest’s musical lineup was as diverse and vibrant as the festival grounds themselves. Whether you crave euphoric drops, pulsing underground grooves, or stripped-down acoustic moments, every stage offers something uniquely electric.
High-Energy Highlights
For fans of bass-heavy bangers and pulse-pounding sets, the weekend delivered.
- Ray Volpe electrified the crowd with a high-octane performance, including a “Beauty and the Beat” mashup that had everyone screaming in delight. His set walked a perfect line between hype and humor.
- Dimension kept the tempo relentless with a drum and bass set that was both fierce and joyful. At one point, fans were invited onstage to dance—one of those only-at-Forest moments where the boundary between artist and audience dissolves.
- Sara Landry closed out night one with an intense, dark techno set. Her sound was hypnotic, immersive, and relentlessly captivating—pulling the crowd into a collective trance.
Dance-Fueled Delight
For those seeking something smooth but still utterly danceable, the forest didn’t disappoint.
- Cloonee delivered one of my favorite sets of the weekend. Crisp house beats bounced through the trees, and it was impossible not to move.
- Barry Can’t Swim offered two completely different yet equally mesmerizing performances: a rich, emotional daytime live set, followed by an upbeat DJ set that turned the dance floor into a full-body celebration. During his earlier set, fans were treated to previews from his upcoming album.
Stripped-Back and Soulful
Some of the most memorable moments came when the music slowed down and opened up.
- HAYLA took to the Honeycomb stage with a breathtaking acoustic set. Her soaring vocals held the crowd in stillness, a collective breath suspended in the night air. I immediately added her music to my playlists after.
- Cyndee with a C brought her new EP POV to life with stunning energy and warmth. At one point, a woman near the front danced with a ribbon, completely immersed in the music. It was a moment of pure, joyful presence.
Big-Stage Spectacles
When it came to high-production, crowd-roaring sets, a few acts truly stole the show.
- Tiësto delivered a massive set, complete with lasers slicing through the sky and fans lifting glowing totems into the night. It was as bold as it was unforgettable.
- Justice stunned with their mirrored DJ setup and signature cinematic sound. Their set balanced nostalgic bangers with fresh, calculated energy—each drop like a tidal wave crashing into the crowd.
- Louis The Child closed out night two with a heartfelt performance that reminded us why live music matters. Opening with an Electric Forest remix, they spoke about how all year they looked forward to playing the festival. It was the kind of set that leaves your heart full.
These are only glimpses. In the Forest, music doesn’t just play—it surrounds you, surprises you, and connects you. Whether you’re dancing under lasers or stumbling into an acoustic jam deep in the trees, you’re always exactly where you’re meant to be.
Immersive Magic: Art, Spaces, and Surreal Moments
Falling Into the Forest
I waited until nightfall for my first full walk through the Forest, and I’m so glad I did. Twinkling lights guided the paths. Art installations lit up one by one. It felt like stepping into a dream or tumbling down the rabbit hole; everywhere you turned, another world revealed itself.
I found a glowing piano surrounded by fans belting “A Thousand Miles” with everything they had. A few steps later, I discovered the Call of Joy, an old payphone where people could leave voicemails sharing favorite Forest memories. It was quiet, intimate, and so deeply human.
The Dream Emporium
This surreal space is a playground for the senses, where each room unlocks a new world. Created by visionary artists, the Dream Emporium was a maze of immersive installations, performers, and interactive art. One room had us floating in the clouds. In another, I completely lost track of time. You could spend hours in this space and still feel like you only scratched the surface.
Spaces That Hold and Heal
Amid the chaos and color, Electric Forest carves out room for grounding, too.
- Sober Sanctuary offered a welcoming space for anyone navigating the festival sober, with daily support meetings and volunteers ready to help. It was a beautiful reminder that joy doesn’t require altering your state—it’s already here.
- To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) hosted a space where attendees could write and hang messages of hope and encouragement. I read note after note, each one filled with resilience and love. One read, “Remember, you always have family in the Forest! You are NOT alone.” I’ll carry that with me forever.
Green Vibes and Gratitude
Stay Green, Get Rewarded
Electric Forest thrives on care—for people and for the planet. Each night, fans lined up to join the Prize Cart initiative, grabbing trash bags and cleaning up the grounds in exchange for surprise rewards and exclusive merch. The spirit of environmental stewardship wasn’t just encouraged—it was celebrated.
The Magic Behind the Scenes
This entire experience is powered by an extraordinary team. Staff members didn’t just work the event, they lived it with us. They danced, wore gifted trinkets, and offered help with open hearts. Even the officers on site joined in the celebration, many of which I saw decked out with gifted bracelets and trinkets on them. It was clear: this wasn’t just a job, it was a shared labor of love.
Until Next Time, Forest Family
Electric Forest isn’t just about music, art, or unforgettable moments, though it has all of that in abundance. It’s about presence. It’s about building a world where everyone feels like they belong, even just for a weekend.
I left with more than memories. I left with a heart full of gratitude, a handful of treasures from strangers, a renewed love for live music, and a deeper belief in what’s possible when care and creativity lead the way.
To the Forest Family, THANK YOU. To the artists who gave us everything, THANK YOU. To the dreamers and doers behind the scenes, THANK YOU.
This festival changed me, and I know that I am not alone. And I’ll always have a family in the forest.
Happy Forest friends, until next time. 🫶🏻
If any information in this coverage is incorrect or needs to be fixed, please email PCD Editor at jessica@postconcertdepression.com. Thank you!
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