GRiZ is Back and So Are Your Questionable Camping Skills
It’s CONFIRMED! GRiZ will be hosting a 3-day camping festival at the Valley of the Seven Stars in Arrington, VA. Tickets will be going on sale Wednesday, March 19th at 12 PM ET (11 AM CT, 10 AM MT, and 9 AM PT). GRiZ and his team have announced a line-up that currently has my jaw on the floor, camping options, hotel packages, and information about the experience!
First things first, the line-up. THE LINE-UP! I was right with my guesses (see my predictions article!!!) of Disco Lines, Levity, Of the Trees, Subtronics, Daily Bread, and Hamdi. I am beyond excited to see names like Alleycvt, Tape B, Wooli, Steller, Lumasi, ARtifakts, and Chmura on the lineup. The talent that GRiZ has booked to support him in his return is top-tier! This is the way to make a memorable return! After not hearing from GRiZ for almost two years this lineup is EXACTLY what the EDM community needed!
Let’s talk camping and accommodations! There are multiple options for festival-goers. There are on-site lodging, camping, and hotel packages. The on-site lodging has 3 options to choose from! There is a pre-setup tent, glamping tents, and RV rentals. Pre-setup tents are a millennial ravers, like myself’s, dream! This camping option provides you with a tent that is already set up and has a cot, pillows, and blankets in the tent for you! Glamping gives you a pre-setup tent with beds and a seating area. If the on-site lodging options aren’t within the budget or you’re looking for a different experience, no problem! There are multiple options for tent camping. You can choose from forest camping, tent-only camping, group camping, car camping, and BYORV (bring your own RV) with and without power options. Forest camping you get to choose your perfect campsite within the trees to call home for the duration of the festival. Tent-only camping, you will be assigned a 10’x10’ plot to set up your home base. For tent-only camping, you cannot bring your car into the area that you are setting up in. If you’d like to be near your vehicle then car camping will be the best option for you! If sleeping outside isn’t speaking to you, that’s not a problem! There are a few hotels in the area that are partnering with the event and will provide shuttles to and from the venue.
In GRiZ fashion, there is a section that discusses the 7 pillars or values of this festival, Inclusion, Sovereign Self, Sharing, Leave No Trace, Curiosity, Kula (Unified Heart), and Bunga (Wild Abandon). These values are here to remind everyone that festivals and raving must remain a safe space where all are welcome, having fun in a safe environment is key, and to be respectful of the people and the space around us. One of my favorite memories at a GRiZ show was the first year of Space Camp when he told everyone at the end of the night to clean up to help take care of the venue we’d just had an amazing night at. It was such a beautiful moment to see thousands of people looking for trash to pick up and throw away. Having had this experience, it’s no surprise that before his first ever camping festival he is setting expectations of how to show up and hold space.
Outside of the main attraction of the music, there are so many other things to do! There are options to benign your day with yoga followed by meditation to center you and awaken your body before embarking on the adventures your day may bring you. There will be options for ‘Mindlessly Mindful’ games, playful express with ‘KazooBoo’ creations, or a guided ‘Expressive Arts’ session if you’d prefer to create with your hands. If none of that sounds like your vibe, don’t worry there are options for nature walks or mountain biking! Do you have a talent you want to showcase? PERFECT! Join the Variety Show at Centercamp. There are even more opportunities to connect with the friends you’ve come with, to connect more deeply with yourself and even to connect with new friends through the wellness program options.
To say I’m excited about GRiZ’s return is an understatement! I cannot wait to dance under the stars with new and familiar friends to celebrate life and music together. This festival is not only going to be a highlight of the year when it comes to festivals it will also be an opportunity to come back to the root of connection through nature, music, creativity, and joy! I hope to see you there! Set an alarm so you don’t miss out when tickets go on sale on Wednesday, March 19th at 12 PM EDT!