This Festival Was Not Same Same But Different

I was beyond excited for Same Same But Different this year! The anticipation had been building for weeks, and when the festival weekend finally arrived, I couldn’t wait to hit the road. I packed up all my camping gear, loaded the car, and set off for the short, quick drive to Lake Perris. With the promise of perfect weather—hot, sunny days for swimming and cool, crisp nights for dancing—I knew this weekend was going to be special.

When I arrived at the campsite, the energy was already high. I set up camp next to an incredible group who had traveled all the way from Hawaii just for the festival! We instantly bonded over our shared excitement. As I walked around, I met more neighbors—a fun crew from Long Beach and a group that had driven down from San Francisco. It felt like a mini-community of festival-goers from all over, all converging for the same reason: to experience the magic of Same Same But Different.

Day 1 kicked off perfectly. I arrived around noon, set up my camp, and spent the afternoon decompressing. It felt great to just relax, take in the vibe, and ease into the festival atmosphere. By the evening, I was ready to explore, and heading into the festival was seamless—the lines were quick and well-organized, setting a positive tone for the night.

The festival grounds were nothing short of magical. Scattered across the sand were massive art installations and colorful, interactive displays that added a whimsical touch to the atmosphere. One of my favorite features was the stunning flower arches. At first, I thought the flowers were fake—after all, who brings real flowers to a festival? But as I got closer, I was amazed to learn that a florist had created these breathtaking installations using real flowers. It was so unexpected and beautiful, adding an elegant, natural element to the festival that tied everything together.

The creativity didn’t stop there. Throughout the weekend, artists were doing live painting sessions, creating beautiful pieces in real-time, while the art gallery offered a deeper dive into their work. The festival truly embraced art in every form, making it more than just something to look at—it was an immersive experience.

On top of the visual spectacle, the wellness offerings at the festival were on another level. Day 2’s LSDREAM Lightcode set was a spiritual journey like no other. His performance was more than just music; it was healing. As we stood there under the sun, his ethereal bass and cosmic soundscapes seemed to open our hearts to the universe, creating this collective energy of joy and peace. It was a moment of pure bliss, where the whole crowd felt connected through the sound waves.

The VIP section took the wellness experience even further, offering perks I’d never seen at a festival before. One of the most surprising and amazing features? Ice baths! After hours of dancing in the heat or into the night, plunging into an ice bath was the perfect way to refresh and recharge. Who would’ve thought a festival would offer something like that? It felt like such a luxury, and it became one of my favorite perks.

The VIP area also featured exclusive DJ sets just for VIPs, which made it feel like a private concert within the festival. It was so intimate and personal—something that really set the VIP experience apart. There were also tarot and star readings, giving the whole space a mystical, spiritual vibe. And after dancing until 6 a.m., the air pressure massages were a lifesaver, soothing my aching feet and legs, making sure I was ready for another day of dancing. The VIP section wasn’t just a place to relax—it was a haven of wellness, luxury, and care.

And let’s talk about the music. Day 2’s LSDREAM set was definitely one of my favorites. His blend of dreamy bass, ethereal melodies, and cosmic soundscapes made the entire crowd feel like we were on a collective spiritual journey. It wasn’t just about dancing—it felt like we were healing together, riding the waves of energy and soaking in the good vibes.

On Day 3, Daily Bread and Big Gigantic took the festival to another level. Daily Bread’s set was an epic mix of old-school funk and soul with modern, glitchy beats. His signature style—hip-hop-inspired rhythms paired with funky guitar riffs—kept everyone grooving. It was the perfect blend of nostalgia and futuristic sounds, creating this vibe that made you want to move.

And Big Gigantic? They were the perfect finale. Their blend of live saxophone, heavy bass, and powerful drumming electrified the crowd. The sax riffs echoed into the night, and the bass shook the ground beneath us. The energy was contagious, and the crowd was alive, dancing with pure joy as the weekend came to a close. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable experience.

but different

Same Same But Different wasn’t just a music festival—it was a holistic, immersive experience. From the stunning art installations to the wellness offerings, every detail was crafted to inspire and connect. It was about more than just the music; it was about taking care of your body, mind, and soul, while connecting with others in a beautiful, creative space. I left Lake Perris feeling recharged, inspired, and already counting down the days until next year!

And of course, I can’t forget the *But Vegas* stage, which quickly became one of my absolute favorite parts of the festival. This stage brought a little slice of Sin City right to Lake Perris with nightly performances that were equal parts entertaining and wild. The shows typically kicked off after all the main stage music had wrapped up for the night, making it the perfect after-hours escape. Whether it was a live orchestra, sultry burlesque dancers, pole dancing, or unexpected variety performances, *But Vegas* embodied all the glitz and glam you’d expect from Vegas-inspired entertainment.

But the fun didn’t stop at the performances. The *But Vegas* stage had its very own casino, complete with games and entertainers, which added a playful, interactive twist to the night. It felt like being transported into a mini-Vegas, right at the festival! And tucked away behind a grand heart-shaped entrance, there was even a hidden room. Inside, you could find plush sofas to chill out on after a long day, but the room wasn’t just for relaxing—it also featured some spicy late-night performances, and even an X-pole that festival-goers could hop on for a bit of extra fun!

Every night at *But Vegas* was different, and it kept the after-hours energy alive with its unpredictability and creativity. It became one of my go-to spots once the main stages shut down for the night, and I couldn’t wait to see what kind of performances they would roll out next.

Same Same But Different wasn’t just about music and art—it was a fully immersive experience where every corner of the festival had something unique to offer. From the breathtaking flower installations and wellness offerings to the unforgettable performances at *But Vegas*, the festival went above and beyond to create a space that was as playful and creative as it was nourishing and inspiring. It left me feeling recharged, connected, and already counting down the days until next year!

Same Same But Different Photos by Dominique Alexi. Link to complete album HERE.