Every year we’re faced with the exciting yet daunting task of deciphering what festivals to attend. This year, there was one particular festival announcement that made our Memorial Day weekend plans a no-brainer: the reveal of Elements Lakewood Camping Music & Art Festival.
For those of you unfamiliar with the backstory, Elements Lakewood is the newest transformation of BangOn!NYC’s annual Elements Music & Art Festival that takes place every summer in New York. Traditionally a one day festival, it’s an eclectic, artistic arcadia previously hosted in the abandoned industrial waterfront of Red Hook, Brooklyn that attracts a distinct lineup and crowd yearly. Hands down, it’s one of the most unique festivals on the east coast for so many reasons. It’s only downfall has always been that it’s one day affair. In years past, you would wake up the next day with an immense amount of satisfaction, only to be suddenly overcome with emptiness when you realize that it was over too quickly. Yes, this a typical feeling to experience at the conclusion of any incredible festival, but because this has always only been a one-day event, the emptiness has always hit us a bit harder than the rest. Now, that’s all about to change.
Elements Lakewood Music & Art festival has finally transfigured into a 3-day long camping festival and we cannot stress enough how ready we are for this. Taking place May 26-28 in the mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania, it’s a short road trip outside of the city and is sure to be the perfect weekend getaway. The release of its Phase 1 lineup announced yet another mint selection of players including Claude Von Stroke, Claptone, Lee Burridge, Keys N Krates, Dave Tipper, Justin Jay, HEROBUST, and many more, and did we mention that was only the first phase?
I could easily make your head spin off ranting about why this was the easiest decision we made in regards to what festivals to attend this year thus far. For now, I’ll leave you with 3 convincing reasons to get on board.
It’s a summer camp for adults
Elements Lakewood revealed the magical landscape where the festival will be taking place— a traditional lakeside campground with cabins, activity areas, and trees galore, or in other words, and setting with plenty of room for some crazy activity. Prepare yourselves to nose dive hard into sports games, quirky crafting, rolling around a skating rink, and plunging into heated pools because the lake just won’t feel as good as it looks this time of the year. One of the most differing aspects will be the themed camp areas— spaces created for groups of friends that must be interactive, elaborate and consistently themed, like the Human Checkers Campsite or the Adult Toy Making Campsite.
You can dance until dawn
I don’t know about you but I am never ready to go to sleep when the time comes, ever. Elements Lakewood has confirmed that this is simply a factor its attendees do not have to worry about. There will be performances and plenty of music from sunset to sunrise taking place amongst three indoor stages. We’ve also caught wind that there will be Burner-style arts cars transporting night owls to secret dance parties, Claptone will host a late-night masquerade, and there will be a boat stage setting sail at every hour. Our only other hope is that there’s some form of a silent disco because who doesn’t love dancing in the dark with headphones on under the stars?
Experience a new kind of Burning Man
Elements Festival has been described as “Burning Man meets Bushwick.” That’s because everything from the interactive art installations, to wild performances from aerialists and fire breathers, to the eccentric vibe of the crowd and its overall environment has made it into an artistic utopia. Although this new location is less Burning Man-esque (sadly no eerie abandoned lots and masses of dusty rock), the 3-day extension in a more massive, natural landscape will deliver an entirely new kind of enlightening and immersive experience. There will be larger-than-life sculptures , interactive 3D projections, provoking performance art, and other elements that are sure to illuminate your senses and spirit in a fresh and peculiar way.
Get a thrill from the unknown
There is nothing more exhilarating than the unknown. Whether you find it absolutely terrifying or a pure thrill to be had, not knowing what to expect stirs up a ball of emotions in you and isn’t that what music festivals are all about? The first year of any festival is always exciting because you truly don’t know what exactly to expect. Of course, we have an idea that many of the components we love so much about this annual event will carry over— quirky art installations, bizarre performances, diverse lineup, and the unique cultural experience that is a result of all of this- but to what extent each of these and more will be delivered remains to be seen. I for one live for a good mystery, and am restlessly awaiting to step foot on the grounds to begin exploring.
Rest assured knowing that your going to have an incredible Memorial Day Weekend by making the obvious decision to go to Elements Lakewood Music & Art Festival. Its Phase 2 lineup drops next week! No hesitation necessary—purchase you’re ticket here.
Get a feel for the vibe of Elements with the officially2016 recap video.
See you at Lakewood!
Photo Credit 1/2/3/4/5: ELEMENTS Lakewood Music & Art Festival Website
Connect with Elements Lakewood Music & Art Festival:
https://www.facebook.com/ElementsFestNYC
https://www.instagram.com/ElementsFestNYC
Connect with BangOn!NYC:
https://www.facebook.com/ItsBangOnNYC
https://www.instagram.com/BangOnNYC
https://www.twitter.com/BangOnNYC
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