We Want to Give You Tips and Tricks on How to Make the Most out of Your Electric Forest Experience
Electric Forest is more than just a music festival—it’s an immersive experience filled with hidden wonders, spontaneous adventures, and a deep sense of community. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned Forest veteran, there’s always something new to discover. We compiled a list of secrets and tips from attendees who have been returning for over a decade, ensuring you get the most out of your time in the Forest. From hidden fairy doors to the legendary scavenger hunt, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
The Scavenger Hunt: An EF Tradition
One of the most magical aspects of Electric Forest is the scavenger hunt, an ever-changing experience that leads participants through hidden wonders of the festival. If you ever find yourself unsure of what to do between sets (though most would find that impossible), starting the scavenger hunt is a great option. Many attendees take days to complete it due to the vast number of other activities happening, but the reward is always worth it. Each year, new secrets of the forest are unlocked for those who finish the hunt.
Discovering Tiny Doors: A Hidden Wonderland
Throughout the festival, tiny fairy houses are hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered. These enchanting miniature doors serve as portals where attendees can leave a gift and take a gift. Some of my most treasured festival finds have come from these tiny doors. However, it’s crucial to be mindful—only leave items that will bring joy to others. Avoid trash or gum wrappers; instead, leave something meaningful that will contribute to the magic of the festival, rather than something that creates extra cleanup for the hardworking crew.
Keep Your Festival Schedule Updated
Electric Forest is known for its spontaneous and secret sets, which can pop up anywhere on the festival grounds. Major artists like GRiZ, Mersiv, and Zeds Dead have been known to surprise attendees with intimate performances on small stages or even at campsites like Good Life and the Back 40. To stay in the know, keep your festival app updated or chat with festival staff, who often drop subtle hints about upcoming surprise performances. These impromptu sets often become lifelong memories.
Explore Other Campsites and Make New Friends
Some of the most cherished moments at Electric Forest come from meeting new people. No one is a stranger here—it’s a community of love and light. If you’re an introvert, stepping out of your comfort zone might feel intimidating at first, but the connections you make will be unforgettable. I arrived at my first Electric Forest feeling nervous and left with lifelong friends simply by wandering through campsites and being open to conversations.
Trust the Magic of the Forest
Lost at a festival with no phone service? Don’t panic. Electric Forest has an incredible way of bringing people together, ensuring that everyone finds their way. Always remember that EF ground patrol work hard to ensure that you are safe wherever you are in the forest. If you ever get separated from your group, take a deep breath and embrace the moment. Many attendees have stories of getting lost, only to miraculously reunite with friends in the most unexpected places. It’s all part of the magic—trust that “the forest will guide you where you need to be” as commonly said by attendees.
Leave Time to Wander
With a lineup as stacked as Electric Forest’s, it’s tempting to plan out every set you want to see. However, some of the best experiences often come when you let go of rigid schedules. You may think you’ll make it to every planned set, but the festival has a funny way of changing your course. Instead of stressing over logistics, embrace spontaneity. Some of the most unforgettable moments happen when you let yourself explore and simply exist in the moment.
The Giving Tree: A Tradition of Sharing
One of the most beloved aspects of Electric Forest is the Giving Tree. This massive tree at the entrance of the forest serves as a space where attendees leave a gift and take a gift. It’s a cherished tradition that adds to the sense of community and generosity.
Gift Ideas:
Plushies, Kandi bracelets, Handwritten notes, Sprouts or small plants, Hair clips, Pashminas, Sunglasses, Hats Practical festival items (e.g., cooling towels, fans, lip balm)
One year, I found a Vicks stick at the Giving Tree, and it was a lifesaver for the entire festival! When deciding what to contribute, think about what you would love to find and pay it forward.
What Not to Leave:
Trash or broken items, Food or perishable goods, Anything that could be harmful to the tree or festival attendees. Remember, not everyone has the same idea of how their weekend is going to go as you do. So, be mindful that forest is full of all different walks of life, including children during the day (sometimes).
Be Present, Be Kind, Be Respectful
Electric Forest is more than just a music festival—it’s a community built on love, respect, and environmental stewardship. Each year, the grounds are carefully replenished to ensure the festival’s future. To keep this magical space alive, practice the “Leave No Trace” principle. Pick up after yourself and respect the environment so the forest can thrive for years to come.
Kindness is the foundation of the Electric Forest experience. With a diverse blend of EDM and jam-band fans from all over the world, patience and understanding go a long way. Here, people express themselves freely—through fashion, dance, and exploration. This is a judgment-free zone, a place where self-expression is celebrated. Embrace the differences you encounter and remember that no one is better or cooler than anyone else. At Electric Forest, we live by PLUR: Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect.
Above all, be present. The weekend will fly by, and before you know it, you’ll be wishing you could stay forever. Capture memories in ways that don’t keep you glued to your phone—bring a Polaroid camera or a disposable film camera to document the magic without distractions.
Stay Tuned for More
Want to know what to pack for the festival? Stay tuned for our upcoming guide on packing do’s and don’ts, as well as tips for ensuring a safe and happy festival experience. We will see you in the Forest fam!
We Want to Give You Tips and Tricks on How to Make the Most out of Your Electric Forest Experience
Electric Forest is more than just a music festival—it’s an immersive experience filled with hidden wonders, spontaneous adventures, and a deep sense of community. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned Forest veteran, there’s always something new to discover. We compiled a list of secrets and tips from attendees who have been returning for over a decade, ensuring you get the most out of your time in the Forest. From hidden fairy doors to the legendary scavenger hunt, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
The Scavenger Hunt: An EF Tradition
One of the most magical aspects of Electric Forest is the scavenger hunt, an ever-changing experience that leads participants through hidden wonders of the festival. If you ever find yourself unsure of what to do between sets (though most would find that impossible), starting the scavenger hunt is a great option. Many attendees take days to complete it due to the vast number of other activities happening, but the reward is always worth it. Each year, new secrets of the forest are unlocked for those who finish the hunt.
Discovering Tiny Doors: A Hidden Wonderland
Throughout the festival, tiny fairy houses are hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered. These enchanting miniature doors serve as portals where attendees can leave a gift and take a gift. Some of my most treasured festival finds have come from these tiny doors. However, it’s crucial to be mindful—only leave items that will bring joy to others. Avoid trash or gum wrappers; instead, leave something meaningful that will contribute to the magic of the festival, rather than something that creates extra cleanup for the hardworking crew.
Keep Your Festival Schedule Updated
Electric Forest is known for its spontaneous and secret sets, which can pop up anywhere on the festival grounds. Major artists like GRiZ, Mersiv, and Zeds Dead have been known to surprise attendees with intimate performances on small stages or even at campsites like Good Life and the Back 40. To stay in the know, keep your festival app updated or chat with festival staff, who often drop subtle hints about upcoming surprise performances. These impromptu sets often become lifelong memories.
Explore Other Campsites and Make New Friends
Some of the most cherished moments at Electric Forest come from meeting new people. No one is a stranger here—it’s a community of love and light. If you’re an introvert, stepping out of your comfort zone might feel intimidating at first, but the connections you make will be unforgettable. I arrived at my first Electric Forest feeling nervous and left with lifelong friends simply by wandering through campsites and being open to conversations.
Trust the Magic of the Forest
Lost at a festival with no phone service? Don’t panic. Electric Forest has an incredible way of bringing people together, ensuring that everyone finds their way. Always remember that EF ground patrol work hard to ensure that you are safe wherever you are in the forest. If you ever get separated from your group, take a deep breath and embrace the moment. Many attendees have stories of getting lost, only to miraculously reunite with friends in the most unexpected places. It’s all part of the magic—trust that “the forest will guide you where you need to be” as commonly said by attendees.
Leave Time to Wander
With a lineup as stacked as Electric Forest’s, it’s tempting to plan out every set you want to see. However, some of the best experiences often come when you let go of rigid schedules. You may think you’ll make it to every planned set, but the festival has a funny way of changing your course. Instead of stressing over logistics, embrace spontaneity. Some of the most unforgettable moments happen when you let yourself explore and simply exist in the moment.
The Giving Tree: A Tradition of Sharing
One of the most beloved aspects of Electric Forest is the Giving Tree. This massive tree at the entrance of the forest serves as a space where attendees leave a gift and take a gift. It’s a cherished tradition that adds to the sense of community and generosity.
Gift Ideas:
Plushies, Kandi bracelets, Handwritten notes, Sprouts or small plants, Hair clips, Pashminas, Sunglasses, Hats Practical festival items (e.g., cooling towels, fans, lip balm)
One year, I found a Vicks stick at the Giving Tree, and it was a lifesaver for the entire festival! When deciding what to contribute, think about what you would love to find and pay it forward.
What Not to Leave:
Trash or broken items, Food or perishable goods, Anything that could be harmful to the tree or festival attendees. Remember, not everyone has the same idea of how their weekend is going to go as you do. So, be mindful that forest is full of all different walks of life, including children during the day (sometimes).
Be Present, Be Kind, Be Respectful
Electric Forest is more than just a music festival—it’s a community built on love, respect, and environmental stewardship. Each year, the grounds are carefully replenished to ensure the festival’s future. To keep this magical space alive, practice the “Leave No Trace” principle. Pick up after yourself and respect the environment so the forest can thrive for years to come.
Kindness is the foundation of the Electric Forest experience. With a diverse blend of EDM and jam-band fans from all over the world, patience and understanding go a long way. Here, people express themselves freely—through fashion, dance, and exploration. This is a judgment-free zone, a place where self-expression is celebrated. Embrace the differences you encounter and remember that no one is better or cooler than anyone else. At Electric Forest, we live by PLUR: Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect.
Above all, be present. The weekend will fly by, and before you know it, you’ll be wishing you could stay forever. Capture memories in ways that don’t keep you glued to your phone—bring a Polaroid camera or a disposable film camera to document the magic without distractions.
Stay Tuned for More
Want to know what to pack for the festival? Stay tuned for our upcoming guide on packing do’s and don’ts, as well as tips for ensuring a safe and happy festival experience. We will see you in the Forest fam!
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