WAKAAN Returns to the Mountain

By Val Overbeck | June 29, 2026

Save the Date! My absolute favorite camping festival, WAKAAN Music Festival announced its return to Mulberry Mountain in Ozark, Arkansas September 30-October 3, 2026. Prepare yourself for world class production, amazing activations, bangin’ music and outstanding community-driven art. Tickets on sale now!

Founded and curated by Liquid Stranger, WAKAAN Music Festival is one of those places that gets better every year. After visiting the mountain 4 other times, I’ve come to realize the magic comes from the intentionality in the design. Attendance is capped at 10,000 people and it feels like WAKAAN has traded massive crowds for a more personal experience. You’ll spend more time making new friends than standing in line for food or the loo. Don’t get me wrong, massive festivals with 8+ stages are a blast, but Liquid Stranger has carved out his own lane by focusing on the attendee experience. There are so many activations all day, and virtually no set-conflicts at the main stage.

Sure, the lineup is always stacked every year, but WAKAAN has never been just about who’s playing. It’s more like a giant family reunion for people who all speak the same language of love, wubs, and general weirdness. The music never really stops and each stage takes on its own personality after the mainstage closes. There’s a spaghetti eating contest every year, and also a talent show. Mulberry Mountain is truly a place to show up, and show out. With 400 acres of natural terrain, campgrounds, cabins and wooded trails, there is no shortage of things to see beyond the stages.

As incredible as the music is, WAKAAN would still be worth exploring if without the fire lineup. The festival is packed with art installations, interactive spaces, and little surprises that make wandering around just as fun as catching a set. Every year, I stumble across something new, whether that’s a new installation, a cozy hangout spot, or some crazy hands-on experience I wasn’t expecting to spend an hour on. This is one of those experiences where you get out EXACTLY what you put into it. If you’ve been before, you’ll be happy to see the return of some fan-favorite installations, as well as new additions to keep everything fresh.

One of the most notable things about this festival is the “WAKAAN Family“. The organizers rely on the attendees to help shape the experience. They truly design the festival based around the atmosphere, spirit and culture. There’s always a spotlight for underdogs: – up-and-coming artists, independent creators and innovative collaborators across all aspects of the weekend. Additional details, including lineup, programming, and on-site experiences, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Posted in Festivals and tagged Wakaan Music Festival