Lightning in a Bottle isn’t just a music festival. It’s a whole experience for your mind, body, soul, and yes, your ears.
The festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and going all out. If you’re attending Lightning in a Bottle this year, the sheer volume of amazing music, speakers, workshops, and installations might seem overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help you. Read on for a few of our can’t-miss experiences at Lightning in a Bottle 2022.
Ben Böhmer, Saturday at Woogie Stage
Woogie is our favorite stage every year, and 2023 is no different. While you could dance the entire night away at this stage and have an incredible time, if you can only make one set make sure it’s Ben Böhmer.
The German phenom will headline Saturday night, and it’s one of only a handful of opportunities to see him in America this year. You’ll dance, you’ll cry, and you’ll be in store for more than a few surprises.
Big Leroy’s Karaoke
Taylor Swift, Neil Diamond, and blink-182 walk into a trailer park … that’s no joke, it’s just Big Leroy’s Karaoke, one of our favorite interactive exhibits at Lightning in a Bottle. If you’re tired of listening to the professionals sing, stop by for some wildly entertaining karaoke and join the party.
Paul Stamets at The Compass
Lightning in a Bottle consistently delivers knowledge at The Compass, especially in the psychedelic realm. Paul Stamets is at the forefront of the psilocybin movement, and his talk “How Psilocybin Can Help Save the World” is one you shouldn’t miss. Educate yourself and catch some shade from the hot Central California sun at The Compass.
Lakeside Launch Party on Thursday
Lightning in a Bottle is a marathon, not a sprint, so we recommend arriving on Wednesday, getting your campsite together, and resting up for the Lakeside Launch Party on Thursday afternoon. Float around, get wet, and meet your new best festival friends before the stages even start.
Sofi Tukker, Friday at Lightning Stage
Sofi Tukker played the Lightning Stage as an opener back in 2018, when Lightning in a Bottle was in a different location and what feels like a different world. This year they’re back as headliners with an incredible live performance and a brand-new stage setup. We like the small stages just as much as you, but if there’s one headliner you catch at Lightning this year, make sure it’s Sofi Tukker.
Secret Sets at Junkyard and The Stacks
Some of the most magical moments of Lightning in a Bottle happen on the smallest stages and in the gaps in the schedule. Junkyard and The Stacks are the festival’s home to some of the best underground house and bass music, and occasionally some of the biggest names that were never on the lineup. Last year we caught Glitch Mob at The Stacks and a sunset set from Monolink at Junkyard, and we wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.
Catch all of these magical experiences and more at Lightning in a Bottle this Memorial Day Weekend! The festival takes place May 24th-29th at Buena Vista Lake, California. Tickets are still available but get them fast, you don’t want to miss out on the best party of the year.