Tucked away in the woods of Dufur, Oregon is where you will find one of festival season’s best kept secrets, The 3rd Annual What the Festival is already making multiple lists of ‘awesome alternatives to Burning Man’ and ‘most unique festival attractions.’ What the Festival is quickly earning an esteemed reputation in the booming festival scene. From partying in a giant pool with a bunch of nearly naked people, dancing to techno under the stars, and playing around the forest with a bunch of lights, here are a few reasons why you should be at this years What the Festival and a couple of “pro tips” to navigate the weekend.
So you’ve been to you fair share festivals where they have multiple stages, but have you been to a festival that features a “stage” that has its attendees party all day in a couple of wading pools? Thought not. During the day this is where you’ll be able to soak up some rays, and vibe to the tunes. Powered by Funktion One sound, chances are if you’re not at the pool party you WILL be able to hear it.
Pro Tip- Get there early so you and your friends can be the first to pee in the pool.
Hands down my favorite part of this festival that I could talk about forever, The Forest. During the day go and enjoy some fresh tea brewed by some of the finnest hippies the Northwest has to offer. Careful traversing the forest at night as it’s easy to stumble upon a couple going to pound town in a gypsy van…it happened and it was awesome. But the night time is when this place really comes to life!
Take a walk along the trail through the forest at night and you will not be let down, I PROMISE. Live visuals, an interactive puppet show, and even hut a secretly called the “Tripper Trap” are just a couple of treats you’ll literally stumble upon. You will not be disappointed and like me, may even prefer this area to the other stages.
Pro tip- Bring a flashlight or you’ll be tripping while you’re trippin’.
Being from Oregon I feel that I have always taken its beauty for granted, but after watching the sunrise 3 days straight over top of Mt. Hood that changed that forever. Being surrounded by towering Douglas Fir trees and actual green grass will always be better than a Vegas polo field or a speedway. For anyone traveling from Los Angeles you’ll be able to tell the difference of scenery instantly just by taking a deep breath.
Pro tip- Look around dudes, you’re partying next to the largest mountain in Oregon.
With a line up stacked with artists that have are IHC alumni, can bad things be said? The music at WTF will have you dancing through the day and night. Powered by Funktion 1 sound at each stage you’ll be able to vibe with IHC veterans Kaytranada, Gladiator, and Cashemere Cat just to name a few.
Also making his 3rd consecutive appearance at WTF is Dirtybird Records head honcho Claude Vonstroke who got so personal with the crowd last year he even apologized for having to pee mid-set. When you gotta go, you gotta go.
Pro tip- Wear something to cover your face because dancing in dust is 100% probable.
So maybe it’s time to hit up your random friend in Oregon and head out to the ranch because this is the funnest thing that’s happened in Oregon since What the Festival 2013. But if you don’t plan on bringing good vibes and party pants I highly suggest staying at home. Participate in the workshops, look at the stars, pick up your garbage and “let your freak flag fly”!
Tickets HERE.
