Three weeks from today we will be funneling in by the thousands into the hallowed grounds of Electric Forest. What seems to have been an eternity of waiting is now reduced to 21 measly days, and excitement is at an all time high following the fourth and final lineup release. Whether it’s because of Moby, Zeds Dead, EOTO, or two nights of Umphrey’s McGee, there is reason for every attendee to be waiting on the edge of their seat. The music is shaping up to be outstanding in a lineup that is filled from top to bottom with diverse and quality artists.
That being said, sometimes the music isn’t everything. In a special environment like Rothbury, MI, the music has an opportunity to take a backseat to the numerous workshops and extracurricular activities planned for the weekend. There’s so much to take out of the Forest, sometimes the five days can pass you by without exhausting all the spoils Insomniac has made available to you. Electric Forest is a festival which prides itself on being about so much more than just the music, and at WRR we’re here to let you know some of the best activities you can find yourself in. Take a look below and start whipping up a checklist, as these are ten activities you will certainly want to keep on your radar.
1) Gold Rush Water Park
What could possibly be better than enjoying a water park during a midday lull in your schedule? The Gold Rush Water Park, a 60,000 square foot permanent fixture of the Double JJ Resort, will be open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily on Thursday, June 26th through Sunday, June 29th. Tickets to the Water Park are $20 per visit, and include a shuttle to and from the Water Park, a towel and a shower. Catch the Water Park Shuttle throughout each day at the corner of Clay and Water Roads.
2) Psychedelic Friendship Bingo
Psychedelic Friendship Bingo is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Part improv, part game show, and 100% ridiculousness. In true bingo fashion, there will be awesome prizes available and fans can look forward to appearances by Electric Forest celebrity guests throughout the weekend. Psychedelic Friendship Bingo will take place at The Observatory inside the Sherwood Forest. 4 nights in a row, 3 games per night.
3) Golf
Letting lose for 18 holes could be exactly what the doctor ordered in a weekend full of nonstop music. The Thoroughbred offers 18 championship holes that sprawl over 240 acres of rolling Michigan woodside. The strategic layout is challenging but rewarding to golfers of all abilities. Sign up for Electric Forest’s “Celebrity” Invitational or schedule a separate tee-time.
4) Daily Yoga (Free)
Ease your body and your mind with Electric Forest’s FREE yoga sessions. Leading each session is professional yoga instructor Hannah Muse, a longtime veteran of the practice. Her classes are more than just a series of physical poses: her teachings encompass mantra, pranayama, meditation, mudra, philosophy and her asana instruction combines therapeutic physical alignment with dynamic pranic flows that nourish, strengthen and heal both the physical and subtle energy body.
5) Electricology
The Electricology program is all about sustaining and protecting the beautiful environment we get the privilege of partying in for the week. This program rewards you (literally) for recycling and doing good deeds around your campsite. Simply put, help keep the Forest clean and you will be given reward points which can be redeemed at stores around the campgrounds for things like hammocks, diffraction glasses, water bottles, and so much more. Read more about Electricology here.
6) Work Exchange Team (WET)
Volunteer at Electric Forest 2014 in exchange for your ticket to the festival. WET presents an amazing opportunity to do good in your community while also being rewarded with the greatest prize of them all; free tickets. Work with your friends, request to be scheduled around your favorite performances and in addition to an event pass, receive a spot to camp. If you haven’t signed up already it’s not too late. Send in your application here and cross your fingers you get chosen.
7) Hammocks
Your stay at Electric Forest won’t be complete without laying out in the hammocks for an hour or two. Or Three. Or Ten. Bring your own hammock and link up anywhere to relax and take a much needed mental break from the craziness of the weekend. It’s free, and there’s absolutely no way to pass up the opportunity of basking in the glory of the beautiful Sherwood Forest.
8) Art Installations
Walk around and get lost in the woods with the state-of-the-art installations. Breathtakingly creative art can be found in every nook and cranny along your journey, so be sure to keep an eye out while wondering around. Sometimes getting lost is a great thing, so if you find yourself without a home temporarily don’t fret, simply take in the beauty all around you.
9) Food Vendors
Food vendors will be aplenty in this years’ edition of Electric Forest, and some of the most delicious local food will be on show for all to enjoy. Take a break from your camp food which got moldy after day 1, and walk down the seemingly endless line of fresh food vendors making anything from cheesesteaks to freshly prepared fruit smoothies. Insomniac always provides an amazing array of choices, and 2014 appears to be no exception.
10) BLVisuals
Of the numerous vendors which are sure to be at Electric Forest, none get me more excited than BLVisuals. These guys and gals custom make any number of clothes, hats, or accessories for you by dipping them in reflective black light paint, and the result is a custom made one-of-a-kind psychedelic creation. Yes, you can also get your body painted and look awesome when night falls. Keep an eye out for this talented group and be sure to get yourself painted to light up the Michigan sky.
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