The final countdown has commenced. This weekend is coming up quickly as we eagerly prepare to go back to Paradise Lakes in Hammonton, New Jersey, for Submersion Festival’s coveted return. Every year the lineup seems impossible to compete with, production is the cream of the crop, and the family vibes are strong, to say the least.
This festival may have just popped up on the scene recently, but it’s run by veterans over at The Rust and Aspire Higher. No nonsense, no gimmicks, no over-the-top marketing, just real love for sound and the connections that come with it. To make sure you experience all that Submersion has to offer, here is a little more information on what to expect and explore.
Production
Whether you’re a sucker for live visuals, disco balls, or top-of-the-line sound systems, Submersion’s got you covered.
VJs are just as important as the DJs they’re paired with, especially at a festival like this. At Submersion, you can expect a carefully crafted VJ selection to go along with its stellar music lineup. Our eyeballs will be blessed by the likes of DR01D – who we’ve seen paired with artists like Tipper and Resonant Language, Diethylamide – who’s done visuals for Mickmanand Spoonbill, Smudge – who just did visuals for Supertaskat Sound Haven and many, many more to look forward to on the bill.
Photo Cred: Jeremiah Kane
Submersion offers a modest two stages. Which is perfect in our opinion. The Beachstage and the Woods stage bothoffering their own type of production and vibe.
Photo Cred: Jeremiah Kane
While both stages are on the smaller and more intimate side, the Beach stage feels very up close and personal. With great light and laser production, it’s enough to keep the energy going throughout the night without overdoing it and becoming a distraction from the live visuals. That balance is incredibly important and Submersion does it correctly every single time. In year one, the beach stage boasted a visually stunning Danley system while last year our ears were graced with a Funktion-One system. This year the Funktion-One rig makes its return, courtesy of One-Source Productions.
(DO NOT FORGET YOUR EARPLUGS!)
Photo Cred: Jeremiah Kane
The Woods stage, while similar in size, definitely feels a bit bigger but still maintains the intimate feel. In the past two years, we haven’t seen a screen at the Woods stage, but this gives a bit more room to the lighting and laser departments. Once dark skies take over, you’re also sure to find yourself gazing at the disco ball as it spirals everybody further in. As for the sound, year one saw the Funktion rig make itself at home there. Last year a massive Intent Audio system was deployed in its place. This year, the Intent system also makes a return.
(SERIOUSLY, WEAR EARPLUGS!)
Marketplace Vendors
The marketplace is another great way to spend your time supporting some really great projects and artists. Every year they bring in genuine and talented humans rather than a ton of low-quality, mass-produced product booths. No matter what you’re looking for, you can find it all at Submersion’s marketplace.
If you’re feeling like treating yourself to some really unique handmade clothes, stop by our friends at The Pink Palace and say what’s up to Kass and Ben. They hooked me up with a Detox Unit robe last year and it’s one of my favorite purchases ever.
If you’re itching for some more art for your house or studio, go check out Dan at Dank Drawings for all of your drippy, tribal, hyper-realistic, and nostalgic needs. Having multiple pieces by him only makes me want to continue collecting and you can truly see how much love he puts into each and every piece.
Maybe you wanted some new jewelry? But not the cheap stuff that’s turning your fingers green. Brad over at Shm00ps Pr0ducti0ns has you covered with some beautiful handmade jewelry, complete with your favorite stones. The man is one with his craft and if you don’t take our word for it, go check it out for yourselves!
Even if you just want a new pin or you forgot your fan or pashmina, the homies at iLL Art Collective will take care of you! These guys are constantly collaborating with impressive underground artists and offer some great quality stuff.
Food vendors are also top-notch this year, covering just about anything you could want at a festival. It’s typically pretty easy to save your money and say no to an $18 chicken tender basket, but it’s a different story when there’s great quality food at fair prices while you’re trying to refuel the dance tank.
If you’re looking for a pick me up midday, something to cure that nasty hangover or even just a good old Yerba Mate, then you have to go check out The Alchemy Bar. Their Cacao & elixir bar is geared towards enhancing your own individual festival experience. They have a wide range of non-alcoholic botanical beverages catered to every need and will be more than happy to make recommendations!
This Is A Farmhouse (VEGAN) is an absolute no-brainer. With produce and ingredients cultivated in Southern York County in the neighboring state of PA, you have a chance to get your hands on some delicious and local farm-to-fest meals.
Everybody loves a good dumpling. Have you ever wondered what a buffalo chicken dumpling might taste like though? Maybe a cheesesteak dumpling? Go drop by our friends at Humpty’s Dumplings to try some of these unique dumplings out for yourself and tell Stoof that James and River Beats sent you!
One of my personal favorites last year was Paradise Taqueria Birria. As the name suggests, they bring some delectable and authentic Tijuana-style tacos, birria, and quesabirrias to the table, and it’s nearly impossible to stay away from. The birria tacos were a staple for me last year and probably will be again this year.
Workshops / Extracurricular
As with most festivals, you can also expect a plethora of workshops to discover at Submersion. The difference between Submersion and every other festival’s workshops? How unique they are and what they decide to host. Just to give you an idea…
Safety In The Scene: Substance Discussion With Consent Coalition (Thursday 5:30PM) is one of the workshops included in Tranquil Thursday. Attendees will have the chance to talk and learn about harm reduction and substance use in the scene at Flow Beach. This topic could not be any more important as fentanyl and other dangerous substances continue to make their way into bags where they don’t belong.
Home Mushroom Cultivation (Friday 3:30PM) is going to be a nerd-out over growing spores at home and we’re here for it! There’s a lot of interest in topics like these where it may be tough to connect with a larger group in person to share ideas and knowledge. Friday is your opportunity at the Healing Yurt!
BDSM & Consent 101 With Mistress Muse (Saturday 1:00PM) is definitely one of the most interesting workshops we’ve come across at a festival. While it may not be your traditional workshop, it’s unique and inclusive. Submersion certainly doesn’t kink shame and neither does River Beats. So whether you wanna meet like-minded peers or you’re simply just curious, go to the Healing Yurt and see what it’s all about. Just remember that CONSENT IS SEXY AND REQUIRED!
Sunday Sunrise: Sacred Spectrum Sound Bath On The Beach With Jess & Sierra (Sunday 9:00AM) just sounds like such an optimal way to tie together what we already know will be an unforgettable weekend. The sunrise over the lake just feels different there, and we think a sound bath to accompany that would truly be healing.
In addition to everything mentioned, there’s also going to be live glassblowing throughout the weekend with an entire lineup of glass artists along with a full lineup of live painters doing their thing as well to add to the magic!
Nestled in the heart of the Pine Barrens, Paradise Lakes is a beautiful campground, park, and getaway. The lake is surrounded by sections of thick woods and a radiant white cedar swamp that give it such a captivating energy. I live just two hours north of this venue and it’s incredibly easy for me to forget that I’m anywhere near home in a place as beautiful as this. Driving in is pretty much as easy as it gets. The only thing I’d be wary of are the local roads at night. They can be pretty dimly lit with some areas not lit up at all. Take it slow and make sure your lights are working.
Photo Cred: Luda Ronky
Capping tickets and attendance off at just 2,000 this year gives attendees the peace of mind they need to know that you won’t be lost in a sea of people. The grounds themselves are very small as well. You’re essentially camped right along the two stages with not a whole lot of opportunity to get lost, if any. Also along the main path between both stages is where you’ll find all of your food, vendor, and merch needs along with med as well.
Photo Cred: Jeremiah Kane
Getting around the grounds is extremely manageable as well. The terrain is all flat so you have no hill climbing to worry about and nobody gets stuck camping on an incline. Camping areas are mainly grassy with some dirt and sand spots around, along with plenty of tree coverage. This venue is optimal for hammock chilling.
Photo Cred: Jeremiah Kane
The stages follow almost the same criteria with all flat ground and plenty of tree coverage to provide shade. One of the key differences is that the immediate Beach stage area is exactly that, a beach. Cool sand between your toes lakeside with some trees a bit further back in the distance to post up in a hammock is what you should expect there. The Woods stage also stays true to its name and feels a bit more in the woods than its counterpart. There’s plenty of space for a decent crowd and a nice area for the pit, but it’s wrapped a bit tighter with trees helping the stage production stand out further. For those who get tired of the sand, don’t worry, you’re back to grass and dirt at The Woods stage. The walk between both stages is probably less than five minutes, it’s very close.
Closest Resources (Gas, Liquor, Walmart, etc.)
Wawa
100 12th St, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Open 24/7
Walmart
55 S White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Mon – Sun: 6AM – 11PM
Shoprite
80 S White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Mon – Sat: 7AM – 11PM, Sun: 7AM – 10PM
Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor
80 S White Horse Pike A, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Mon – Sun: 9AM – 9PM
Exxon
734 12th St, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Mon – Sun: 5:30AM – 10PM
Exxon
90 N White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Mon – Sun: 5:30AM – 10PM
Weather & How to Pack
So far the weather is looking outstanding for the weekend back at Paradise Lakes. However, you never know what can change, and prepping for unpredictable festival weather can always be stressful. Rest assured this one won’t be. As mentioned above, the small and flat grounds allow for flexibility in terms of footwear. Even if we do get a little rain, boots won’t be totally necessary unless it downpours, and thankfully it isn’t looking to be that way. A good pair of sneakers or boots along with a pair of shoes for leisure, like Crocs or slides, should be perfectly fine for the weekend. Make sure to pack a light rain jacket or poncho as well to keep dry!
Photo Cred: Jeremiah Kane
You’re going to want to prepare and pack for Fall weather in the 70s during the day where you can feel the heat during peak sunlight, and colder nights where the temperature drops down to the low 50s. Shorts, lighter pants, t-shirts, and lighter jerseys would be ideal for the daytime while some sweatpants, thick socks, and a hoodie would be ideal for the nighttime. The draft off of the lake can also really add to that temperature drop, so be sure to pack some extra hoodies and blankets just in case. Those late night and sunrise sets at the Beach stage get really chilly.
Crazy wind hasn’t been an issue here yet thus far either, but you still wanna be prepared nonetheless. That said, do not forget to stake everything down to prevent any unwanted accidents or damage if Mother Nature decides to do her thing anyway.
Photo Cred: Luda Ronky
Every second counts. Start checking your lists off if you haven’t already, pack adequately, and keep up with the River Beats Dance and Submersion socials for updates. Our next gathering has finally arrived and you don’t want to miss it.
The final countdown has commenced. This weekend is coming up quickly as we eagerly prepare to go back to Paradise Lakes in Hammonton, New Jersey, for Submersion Festival’s coveted return. Every year the lineup seems impossible to compete with, production is the cream of the crop, and the family vibes are strong, to say the least.
This festival may have just popped up on the scene recently, but it’s run by veterans over at The Rust and Aspire Higher. No nonsense, no gimmicks, no over-the-top marketing, just real love for sound and the connections that come with it. To make sure you experience all that Submersion has to offer, here is a little more information on what to expect and explore.
Production
Whether you’re a sucker for live visuals, disco balls, or top-of-the-line sound systems, Submersion’s got you covered.
VJs are just as important as the DJs they’re paired with, especially at a festival like this. At Submersion, you can expect a carefully crafted VJ selection to go along with its stellar music lineup. Our eyeballs will be blessed by the likes of DR01D – who we’ve seen paired with artists like Tipper and Resonant Language, Diethylamide – who’s done visuals for Mickman and Spoonbill, Smudge – who just did visuals for Supertask at Sound Haven and many, many more to look forward to on the bill.
Submersion offers a modest two stages. Which is perfect in our opinion. The Beach stage and the Woods stage both offering their own type of production and vibe.
While both stages are on the smaller and more intimate side, the Beach stage feels very up close and personal. With great light and laser production, it’s enough to keep the energy going throughout the night without overdoing it and becoming a distraction from the live visuals. That balance is incredibly important and Submersion does it correctly every single time. In year one, the beach stage boasted a visually stunning Danley system while last year our ears were graced with a Funktion-One system. This year the Funktion-One rig makes its return, courtesy of One-Source Productions.
(DO NOT FORGET YOUR EARPLUGS!)
The Woods stage, while similar in size, definitely feels a bit bigger but still maintains the intimate feel. In the past two years, we haven’t seen a screen at the Woods stage, but this gives a bit more room to the lighting and laser departments. Once dark skies take over, you’re also sure to find yourself gazing at the disco ball as it spirals everybody further in. As for the sound, year one saw the Funktion rig make itself at home there. Last year a massive Intent Audio system was deployed in its place. This year, the Intent system also makes a return.
(SERIOUSLY, WEAR EARPLUGS!)
Marketplace Vendors
The marketplace is another great way to spend your time supporting some really great projects and artists. Every year they bring in genuine and talented humans rather than a ton of low-quality, mass-produced product booths. No matter what you’re looking for, you can find it all at Submersion’s marketplace.
If you’re feeling like treating yourself to some really unique handmade clothes, stop by our friends at The Pink Palace and say what’s up to Kass and Ben. They hooked me up with a Detox Unit robe last year and it’s one of my favorite purchases ever.
If you’re itching for some more art for your house or studio, go check out Dan at Dank Drawings for all of your drippy, tribal, hyper-realistic, and nostalgic needs. Having multiple pieces by him only makes me want to continue collecting and you can truly see how much love he puts into each and every piece.
Maybe you wanted some new jewelry? But not the cheap stuff that’s turning your fingers green. Brad over at Shm00ps Pr0ducti0ns has you covered with some beautiful handmade jewelry, complete with your favorite stones. The man is one with his craft and if you don’t take our word for it, go check it out for yourselves!
Even if you just want a new pin or you forgot your fan or pashmina, the homies at iLL Art Collective will take care of you! These guys are constantly collaborating with impressive underground artists and offer some great quality stuff.
Food Vendors
Food vendors are also top-notch this year, covering just about anything you could want at a festival. It’s typically pretty easy to save your money and say no to an $18 chicken tender basket, but it’s a different story when there’s great quality food at fair prices while you’re trying to refuel the dance tank.
If you’re looking for a pick me up midday, something to cure that nasty hangover or even just a good old Yerba Mate, then you have to go check out The Alchemy Bar. Their Cacao & elixir bar is geared towards enhancing your own individual festival experience. They have a wide range of non-alcoholic botanical beverages catered to every need and will be more than happy to make recommendations!
This Is A Farmhouse (VEGAN) is an absolute no-brainer. With produce and ingredients cultivated in Southern York County in the neighboring state of PA, you have a chance to get your hands on some delicious and local farm-to-fest meals.
Everybody loves a good dumpling. Have you ever wondered what a buffalo chicken dumpling might taste like though? Maybe a cheesesteak dumpling? Go drop by our friends at Humpty’s Dumplings to try some of these unique dumplings out for yourself and tell Stoof that James and River Beats sent you!
One of my personal favorites last year was Paradise Taqueria Birria. As the name suggests, they bring some delectable and authentic Tijuana-style tacos, birria, and quesabirrias to the table, and it’s nearly impossible to stay away from. The birria tacos were a staple for me last year and probably will be again this year.
Workshops / Extracurricular
As with most festivals, you can also expect a plethora of workshops to discover at Submersion. The difference between Submersion and every other festival’s workshops? How unique they are and what they decide to host. Just to give you an idea…
Safety In The Scene: Substance Discussion With Consent Coalition (Thursday 5:30PM) is one of the workshops included in Tranquil Thursday. Attendees will have the chance to talk and learn about harm reduction and substance use in the scene at Flow Beach. This topic could not be any more important as fentanyl and other dangerous substances continue to make their way into bags where they don’t belong.
Home Mushroom Cultivation (Friday 3:30PM) is going to be a nerd-out over growing spores at home and we’re here for it! There’s a lot of interest in topics like these where it may be tough to connect with a larger group in person to share ideas and knowledge. Friday is your opportunity at the Healing Yurt!
BDSM & Consent 101 With Mistress Muse (Saturday 1:00PM) is definitely one of the most interesting workshops we’ve come across at a festival. While it may not be your traditional workshop, it’s unique and inclusive. Submersion certainly doesn’t kink shame and neither does River Beats. So whether you wanna meet like-minded peers or you’re simply just curious, go to the Healing Yurt and see what it’s all about. Just remember that CONSENT IS SEXY AND REQUIRED!
Sunday Sunrise: Sacred Spectrum Sound Bath On The Beach With Jess & Sierra (Sunday 9:00AM) just sounds like such an optimal way to tie together what we already know will be an unforgettable weekend. The sunrise over the lake just feels different there, and we think a sound bath to accompany that would truly be healing.
In addition to everything mentioned, there’s also going to be live glassblowing throughout the weekend with an entire lineup of glass artists along with a full lineup of live painters doing their thing as well to add to the magic!
Venue/Location
Paradise Lakes Campground, 500 Paradise Dr., Hammonton, NJ 08037
Nestled in the heart of the Pine Barrens, Paradise Lakes is a beautiful campground, park, and getaway. The lake is surrounded by sections of thick woods and a radiant white cedar swamp that give it such a captivating energy. I live just two hours north of this venue and it’s incredibly easy for me to forget that I’m anywhere near home in a place as beautiful as this. Driving in is pretty much as easy as it gets. The only thing I’d be wary of are the local roads at night. They can be pretty dimly lit with some areas not lit up at all. Take it slow and make sure your lights are working.
Capping tickets and attendance off at just 2,000 this year gives attendees the peace of mind they need to know that you won’t be lost in a sea of people. The grounds themselves are very small as well. You’re essentially camped right along the two stages with not a whole lot of opportunity to get lost, if any. Also along the main path between both stages is where you’ll find all of your food, vendor, and merch needs along with med as well.
Getting around the grounds is extremely manageable as well. The terrain is all flat so you have no hill climbing to worry about and nobody gets stuck camping on an incline. Camping areas are mainly grassy with some dirt and sand spots around, along with plenty of tree coverage. This venue is optimal for hammock chilling.
The stages follow almost the same criteria with all flat ground and plenty of tree coverage to provide shade. One of the key differences is that the immediate Beach stage area is exactly that, a beach. Cool sand between your toes lakeside with some trees a bit further back in the distance to post up in a hammock is what you should expect there. The Woods stage also stays true to its name and feels a bit more in the woods than its counterpart. There’s plenty of space for a decent crowd and a nice area for the pit, but it’s wrapped a bit tighter with trees helping the stage production stand out further. For those who get tired of the sand, don’t worry, you’re back to grass and dirt at The Woods stage. The walk between both stages is probably less than five minutes, it’s very close.
Closest Resources (Gas, Liquor, Walmart, etc.)
Wawa
100 12th St, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Open 24/7
Walmart
55 S White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Mon – Sun: 6AM – 11PM
Shoprite
80 S White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Mon – Sat: 7AM – 11PM, Sun: 7AM – 10PM
Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor
80 S White Horse Pike A, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Mon – Sun: 9AM – 9PM
Exxon
734 12th St, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Mon – Sun: 5:30AM – 10PM
Exxon
90 N White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Mon – Sun: 5:30AM – 10PM
Weather & How to Pack
So far the weather is looking outstanding for the weekend back at Paradise Lakes. However, you never know what can change, and prepping for unpredictable festival weather can always be stressful. Rest assured this one won’t be. As mentioned above, the small and flat grounds allow for flexibility in terms of footwear. Even if we do get a little rain, boots won’t be totally necessary unless it downpours, and thankfully it isn’t looking to be that way. A good pair of sneakers or boots along with a pair of shoes for leisure, like Crocs or slides, should be perfectly fine for the weekend. Make sure to pack a light rain jacket or poncho as well to keep dry!
You’re going to want to prepare and pack for Fall weather in the 70s during the day where you can feel the heat during peak sunlight, and colder nights where the temperature drops down to the low 50s. Shorts, lighter pants, t-shirts, and lighter jerseys would be ideal for the daytime while some sweatpants, thick socks, and a hoodie would be ideal for the nighttime. The draft off of the lake can also really add to that temperature drop, so be sure to pack some extra hoodies and blankets just in case. Those late night and sunrise sets at the Beach stage get really chilly.
Crazy wind hasn’t been an issue here yet thus far either, but you still wanna be prepared nonetheless. That said, do not forget to stake everything down to prevent any unwanted accidents or damage if Mother Nature decides to do her thing anyway.
Every second counts. Start checking your lists off if you haven’t already, pack adequately, and keep up with the River Beats Dance and Submersion socials for updates. Our next gathering has finally arrived and you don’t want to miss it.
See you this weekend in Paradise Lakes.
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