A festival’s attention to detail is the difference between a memorable experience and four days of listening to music in a field. While a good line up might reel people in, it’s not what keeps them returning. Madison House Presents and Insomniac Events hit the nail on the head with their collaborative festival, Electric Forest. Here are some examples of how the event has made a name for itself and keeps foresters coming back year after year.

HOLY WATER STATIONS, BATMAN

In 2015, the Monarch Program winner, King Jason, wanted to increase the number of water stations at the event and they’ve continued the practice. By 2018, the lines never seemed longer than three people a spout. Hell, some stations even had volunteers to help pour and move the process along even quicker. Providing access to water shows the event prioritizes attendees safety and wellbeing over making a buck off bottled water.

 THE HANGER

After purchasing the ticket, travel expenses, stocking up on camping gear and food, Electric Forest can get a little pricey. For some foresters, spending money once they’ve arrived is out of the question. But, the festival shows it’s not just out to make a buck; it’s creating an experience.

The Hanger is lined with rooms offering free activities and amenities such as a tattoo parlor, a game room, hair braiding, haircuts, buffering and a scavenger hunt.

The area used to accommodate a small stage that featured local and up and coming acts. This year, EF included a whole new tent off the back of the Hanger and called it the Carousel Club. It offered round tables, palm trees and a fancy feeling.

SAFETY FIRST

Let’s admit it, asking for help can be scary. It’s not so scary when the festival makes your safety a top priority. In 2017, EF implemented Grounds Control. Grounds Control volunteers are seen walking around the campgrounds and venue, in purple shirts with white wings on the back. Their soul purpose is to be easily spotted incase a forester needs help with a non emergency. Instances can include: needing someone to walk with to camp, directions or to report suspicious activity.

For more threatening matters, medical team members were seen in pairs walking the grounds in bright red shirts, walkie talkies and a smile. The medical tent’s are made easy to identify and inviting. 

RING RING

To many attendees’ pleasure, the telephones returned for a second year to Electric Forest 2018. The telephones are placed randomly around the venue and are interconnected. Foresters can pick up the phone and chit chat with multiple other foresters simultaneously. 

What seemed like merely a fun activity in the forest was actually a tool to connect with foresters on a deeper level. In 2017, the festival teamed up with Bassnectar and To Write Love On Her Arms and used the phones to talk about mental health. Check out the video here.

EARTH FRIENDLY VENDORS

All food vendors at Electric Forest were required to use compostable plates, cups, utensils and so forth. Its level of consciousness did not end there. The festival also provided numerous vegetarian and vegan friendly food options in both the campgrounds and venue.

Many of the craft vendors also displayed a level of care with repurposed and recycled items for sale.

Photos by: Alycia Grace