Desert Hearts made its return at Playa Ponderosa for 4th of July weekend located in Flagstaff, Arizona. The magic and good energy on the playa was unmatched! This was the second time the renowned festival took place in Flagstaff, after many years of calling California their home. What started out as a renegade stage back in the year 2012 has now evolved into not only one of the most loving, intentional, and welcoming festivals, but also a record label (Desert Hearts Records), and global touring group.
There’s something extremely unique and beautifully intimate about Desert Hearts. It feels like a homie festival, but in the best way possible. Everywhere you turn, you’re greeted with a smile, a hug, and even a spontaneous dance with someone who instantly feels like an old friend from years ago. The positive energy was infectious and healing throughout the whole weekend.
What makes Desert Hearts even more special, you ask? The fact that the music didn’t stop for a full 72 hours – from Friday July 4 at noon all the way till Monday July 7, there was not a single pause. There was one stage and one vibe. That is the Desert Hearts ethos: one singular dancefloor where everyone comes together from sunrise to sundown to moonrise filled with love and soul. With so much room to dance, lose track of time, live in the moment, and share a collective rhythm with thousands of others grooving to the same beats.
A standout feature from the festival were the arts cars. This was not your average vehicle getting you from point A to point B, but a rolling car of expression and creativity. These were moving art installation pieces that artists took months to piece together. At night, these art cars lit up the playa landscape with bright colors, deep conversations, motion , and even a few with fire. Some of the favorites included the Fuzzy Bunny Art Car, The Giving Tree, Byte Art Car, The Walter Bus, and the Shack Art Car. Each art car added a unique individual layer to the playa.
Desert Hearts would not be complete without ArtaFlame. Flames lit up the night and during the day at the heart of the festival grounds next to the DH Main Stage. There were fire performers, flame throwers, and dancers flowing to the beats under the firelight.
The Healing Sanctuary lived up to its name, offering daily yoga classes, breathwork, sound bath, and other wellness workshops. From partner yoga to slow flow to yin, the Sanctuary provided a grounded and peaceful reset for attendees. Nearby was the tea Temple, they served matcha, offered a group past life regression workshop and even hosted a Sober Hearts ceremony for those festival go-ers who are sober or trying to be sober.
Some musical highlights across the weekend included sets by Ranger Trucco, OMNOM, Mary Droppinz, Nala, Destructo, Omri, Kevin Knapp B2B DJ Minx, Lee Reynolds, Mikey Lion, Porky, Justin Martin and the Desert Hearts crew themselves. Even a fashion show turned Saturday into a celebration of self expression and creativity.
Live painters and interactive installations brought the art walk to life. As the night fell, the art was glowing even brighter. From the music to fire to movement to stillness, Desert hearts provided a welcoming space for the inner child to roam free, a place where you can be barefoot on the desert floor, and be surrounded by so much love and care.
For anyone searching for a smaller, intimate, deeper and moe connected festival, make sure to add Desert Hearts to the list. It’s a magical portal so worth stepping into!
