Ever since the birth of Burning Man, the festival experience has pivoted from a simple weekend of music to that of a transcendental enigma. Passive voyeurism is dead. The Burn made way for other festivals to follow in pursuit of life, love and eternal consciousness, such as the biannual Joshua Tree or NorCal’s EDM-meets-yoga Lightning in a Bottle every May. Being immersed in music and mind expansion is a natural high not like any other and, over the past six years, one southern California festival has perfected the craft. Desert Daze – three full days of tuning in and dropping out – takes place every fall with a myriad of musical genres to set the perfect soundtrack to a weekend of weird. Not only that, but it’s become known as the last standing true festival, encompassing the pure, raw energy of what festivals used to be like – what they should be like. No Coachella millennial drama. Nothing trendy. Desert Daze’s underground stature is its beauty: let’s be pure without pretension and mainstream media.
Desert Daze’s underground stature is its beauty: let’s be pure without pretension…
Now in its 7th year, Desert Daze is ready to relocate to the sandy shores of Lake Perris, CA and attendees have the opportunity to jump in the water whenever they like! This camping fest is known for its spiritual enlightenment things, offering festivalgoers opportunities to attend soundbaths, shamanic ceremonies and guided plant walks. Take in the natural scenery of Moreno Beach: the trees, the sand, the air, the water, the earth. Take a yoga class from one of the many hired Mystics and meditate on existence for a while… Speaking of Mystics, campers can enjoy traversing the Mystic Bazaar, an onsite gathering of “wanderers, teachers and bright souls” (as advertised on DD’s website). Pick up a Persian rug while you’re there or anything else soft, satin or satiating. These trinkets are all one-of-a-kind!
Over on the musical side of things, Desert Daze 2018 boasts a mighty lineup of jam band, new alt, rock and straight up strange. Daily lineups have been released (with an overwhelming amount of bands per day) and Friday’s stacked rundown ends with the eccentric echoes of Tame Impala. Saturday headliners King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard furthers the vibes before Sunday closes with Irish rockers My Bloody Valentine. What a coagulation of sound already. Other bands include Hinds, Chelsea Wolfe, Deathgrip and the list goes on and on.
Being so close to the event, Desert Daze tickets are selling fast. General admission and VIP packages are still available, starting at $110 single day and $299 for general admission weekend wristbands. Camping – either tent, car or RV – starts at $99 and, for those who want to set up shop early, Thursday early arrival is possible for an additional $32. Upgrade your DD experience by splurging for a VIP Moonstone visitor pass, allowing all the usual VIP amenities plus exclusive access into the fest’s Moreno Beach Club, an Italian-style cabana on the sand equipped with hammocks, shade, lounge areas, a towel check and private bar. Really up the ante with Desert Daze’s all-out Azurite Visitor pass, including everything Moonstone Visitors receive as well as artist meet-and-greet, onsite shuttle service around the grounds, entry into DD 2018 kickoff shows in LA (happening all week!!) and more. All VIP patrons receive collectable Desert Daze 2018 tote bags, as well.
… Desert Daze remains true to its origin, its mantra, its essence.
Don’t miss out on what could be the last year before this premium fest goes mainstream. As Desert Daze continues to grow in popularity, its only an eventuality that the rest of the world catches on to its value. Early adopters are already aware that Desert Daze lingers on that pivotal edge. Whether or not that day comes sooner than later, one thing is for sure: Desert Daze remains true to its origin, its mantra, its essence. For more information or for tickets, visit www.desertdaze.org.
Links: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website
Share this article
or
Get music updates in your inbox