Cascade Equinox Was Such An Experience
There was no better way to close out summer 2025 than dancing at Cascade Equinox Festival in Redmond, Oregon. The reasons for gathering at events like Cascade Equinox are numerous. It’s a carnival of fashion, art, and music—where organization meets chaos. How you set up camp is just as important as curating your “must-see” artist lineup.
Little festival families are born this way. Show up with the coolest lights but forget the tools to drive in your tent stakes? No worries. Meet the Mallet’s, a collective of festival aficionados born from an act of service. They’ll make sure your tent stays grounded—and in return, you’ll reward them with good vibes and happy dance moves at Disclosure. The collective melted when Disclosure played “Latch,” turning the 90-degree heat of Friday and Saturday into a warm, spirited night under the mountains on a chilly PNW Sunday.
One of the beauties of Cascade Equinox is its space for wanderers and ravers who love keeping their groups together. Hula hoopers and poi artists gathered around the pit, stilt walkers strutting through the crowd, and I swear everyone at the festival ran into folks bouncing on bouncy balls. True commitment that lifted many festival goer’s spirits.
Navigating a festival is an art—totems, themed crews, solo travelers, and performers help guide the way. Engaging with someone running solo often leads to discovering new artists and passions, exchanging a few pieces of PLUR candy, and creating memories—and maybe a new friend to dance with later.
And dance we did—especially amongst the Candy Cane Crew while ARTIFAKTS delivered one of the weekend’s most memorable sets at the Tilt Stage. Their blend of groove and hip-hop, with some of the heaviest tones of the weekend, kept everyone moving. The Tilt Stage—aka The Rave Cave—kept the energy high into Sunday night, with Boogie T taking over the decks and maintaining the head-banging momentum.
Kudos to the lighting and sound team behind the Tilt Stage. Filling a barn with just the right balance of sound and lights to mimic a small club is no small feat. Acts like Passion Pit, Chromeo, Mersiv, The Funk Hunters, and Flamingosis all showcased vastly different visuals and styles, yet the clear, pure sound—often enjoyed without earplugs—reminded me why I love festivals. Too many times, earplugs stay in from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., but not this weekend.
The lineup was stacked with electronic artists, but it was a treat to catch live sets from BALTVS and White Denim, both bringing their unique styles. BALTVS delivered psychedelic grooves Friday night, creating a sensual dance floor, while White Denim tore through their blues-jazz-psych set, drawing some of the most dedicated ravers to the rock stage.
The festival also featured fantastic vendors—offering fresh threads, ink at Zap Trip Mobile Tattoos, tasty treats, and even a bathhouse for those needing a refresh after the night’s wook-foolery.
One of my favorite discoveries was Rythmatix apparel by Portland artist Chris Wu. His geometric patterns, inspired by his festival journeys, added that missing (or perfect) piece to many festival outfits. I was delighted to find that Chris also performs as Mr. Wu at the Full of Tricks stage Saturday night, seamlessly blending his music with his art.
That stage became a late-night haven for many. With a Burning Man vibe—complete with couches and a stellar lineup of local and touring DJs—it provided a perfect retreat after a day of roller skating or dance-floor adventures. Hats off to the teams creating these immersive spaces and stunning installations. It felt like the county fairgrounds were made for all-night dance parties.
Aside from some minor campground confusion, Cascade Equinox offered a very comfortable experience. I managed to see over 20 artists during the weekend—thanks to a well-curated lineup. Set lengths were ideal—they allowed me to catch a good portion of each act, hop between stages, and enjoy a variety of styles. Water stations and restrooms were easily accessible and clean. No stage was too cramped, and the quick access from camping made the whole experience hassle-free. Compared to many festivals, the dreaded walk back to camp was minimal and never drained your spirit.
Cascade Equinox is still young but showing incredible growth. It’s exciting to see established acts like Sylvan Esso, Big Gigantic, and Disclosure joining the lineup—signaling that big-name artists want to be part of this festival’s future. The momentum bodes well for Cascade Equinox.
All signs point to an exciting Cascade Equinox 2026. Pre-sale passes will be available to previous attendees starting 10/6. If you missed this year, don’t hesitate—get in on the action next time. Fire up those group chats, pretend to save money, and do the dang thing in 2026. Cascade Equinox is waiting for you!!