The temperature’s changing, camping gear is being pulled out from winter hibernation, your bank account continuously reads $0—it must be time for festival season! For all my newcomer festers and those who know all about not showering for four days, here is a lineup of some of the finest, more intimate, interactive festivals happening this summer.
SOAK: Portland Regional Burn
May 26–30
If you’ve ever considered going to Burning Man but aren’t sure it’s for you, check out the Portland Regional Burn. A smaller group of people, same idea: Leave no trace. The theme this year is science, so roll up your safety gloves and grab your white lab coat, this year is sure to be a measurable good time.
Although SOAK is already sold out, check out the official SOAK ticket exchange facebook page: facebook.com/groups/SOAK2016TicketExchange/
What The Festival!?
June 17–20
Run with your pack at Wolf Run Ranch in Dufur, Oregon for WTF!?’s fifth year in a row. This festival provides an experience for you and your pack to forget reality and embrace the wonders of interactive art and music. From the Illuminated Forest to movement classes, WTF!? gets you connected to everything around you. Lineup includes Bonobo, Claude Vonstroke, Jai Wolf, Hermitude and many more. Grab your tickets today: whatthefestival.com/ticket-info/
The Pirate Party
July 8–11
Get your pirate on in Lolo Hot Springs, Montana for this intimate 1,500 person festival. Chillax by the natural springs pool by day and boogie by night to the tunes of electronic DJs, VibeSquaD, SugarBeats, TroyBoi and tons more. The carefree environment exuded in this setting helps one to embrace their inner pirate and take in some magically sunny times. Don’t let Blackbeard down, get hooked up on tickets here: tickettailor.com/checkout/view-event/id/50052/chk/9174/ref/pirateparty2016
Northwest String Summit
July 14–17
Enjoy a summer weekend filled with bluegrass, circus performances, beading, and so much more with your family and friends. Northwest String Summit is celebrating their 15th anniversary with a bangin’ lineup: Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth, Keller Williams Grateful Gospel and so many other groovy gigs. Their large festival campground is located in Horning’s Hideout, North Plains, Oregon. Snag your tickets here: ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1076201
SHIFT
July 15–17
Brought to you by Tectonic Burning Man theme camp, this first-year festival will feature fire, art, music and performances. Stick to the mindset: leave no trace, everything you bring in must be taken out. Located in the city of Hood River, access to the river allows you to freshen up after a night of festivities. This quaint festival is sure to sell out: shift-festival.com/tickets/
Pickathon
Aug. 5–7
Founded in 1998, Pickathon is an independent festival in Happy Valley that features a diverse lineup such as Jeff Tweedy, Beach House, Yo La Tengo and many more pickers. Catering to the Portland area, Pickathon celebrates the use of food trucks, vendors from local breweries and wineries, and six stages with a unique setup for each one. Camp in the woods with your family and friends in the shady trees. They cap off at 3,500 people to keep the focus on quality over quantity. Pick up your tickets here: brownpapertickets.com/event/2488914