Summer Camp Music FestivalDiverse music festival with jam bands, EDM, and chill vibes.

Music and Artists

The music lineup is wildly diverse. Whether you’re into jam bands, EDM, hip hop, or folk, Summer Camp’s got you covered. Here are some of the genres you’ll hear:

• Jam bands
• Bass-heavy EDM
• Folk
• Funk
• Hip hop

Big-name artists like moe., Umphrey’s McGee, The Flaming Lips, and even Skrillex have graced the stages. With multiple stages (up to nine stages at some editions!), you’ll never be bored. The stages range from massive setups like the Moonshine Stage to more intimate spaces like the Illumination Woods, an artistic area full of vibrant lights and unique performances.

Location

The festival happens at Three Sisters Park, which gets transformed into a mini city for the weekend, nearly tripling the local population! The park has a lush, scenic backdrop, adding to the chill vibes. And it’s not just the music—it’s a full-on experience with art installations, food, and camping spread across the park. Expect a mix of shaded woods and open fields, perfect for wandering and discovering something new around every corner.

Art Installations

Summer Camp isn’t just about music; the Illumination Woods is an immersive, interactive art experience. These installations light up the night and are designed to inspire creativity. You’ll also find live painting happening at multiple stages, showcasing artists expressing themselves in real-time.

Festival Experience

Multiple Stages

You’ve got stages like the Sunshine Stage, which hosts big headliners, and smaller, more intimate setups in places like Soulshine—where sustainability meets performance art. Each stage has its own vibe, whether you’re looking to dance hard or sit back and soak in the atmosphere.

Food and Drinks

The food scene here is super varied, with options ranging from BBQ to vegan. Chester’s BBQ and Greasy Mother Cluckers are crowd favorites, but you can also find healthier options and great coffee to keep you energized all weekend.

Fashion and Culture

Festival fashion here is all about self-expression. Think tie-dye, funky hats, and whatever makes you feel your best. You’ll see everything from chill, laid-back outfits to more creative and out-there costumes.

Workshops and Activities

Besides the music and art, there’s plenty to do! Here are some things you might want to check out:

• Sustainability workshops
• Live art sessions
• Yoga classes
• Music education sessions
• Permaculture talks

Camping

Camping at Summer Camp is a huge part of the experience. You can choose from general camping, which is closer to the action, or VIP camping for a bit more comfort. There are amenities like showers, water stations, and plenty of space to set up your home base for the weekend.

Accommodation

If camping isn’t your thing, you can stay at nearby hotels, but those spots fill up fast! Camping is more integrated with the festival experience, letting you be close to all the music and late-night parties.

Tickets and Attendance

You’re looking at tens of thousands of attendees each year. There are options for weekend passes or day tickets if you can only pop in for one day. For those who want a premium experience, VIP tickets offer perks like closer access to stages, better camping spots, and exclusive lounges.

History

The festival kicked off in 2001 with just 15 bands and a couple of stages. Since then, it’s grown into one of the Midwest’s premier festivals. The founder, Ian Goldberg, wanted to create a festival that brought people together for a shared love of music, community, and sustainability. Over 20 years later, Summer Camp has become a Memorial Day tradition for thousands of music lovers, Summer Camp Music Festival, Smile Politely.

Sustainability Efforts

Summer Camp is big on sustainability. They have biodiesel generators, recycling stations, and a composting system that’s been a part of the festival for years. Their Soulshine program is focused on educating attendees about eco-friendly practices like permaculture and composting. You’ll even be handed a recycling bag as you enter to help keep the grounds clean, The Soulshine Experience.

Hope this helps! Summer Camp is a whole vibe, and if you decide to go, you’ll leave with amazing memories and maybe a bit of mud on your shoes.