Written by: @leahgetsreal
Where do I even begin? Dirtybird Campout x Northern Nights wasn’t just a festival, it was a full-blown transformational experience. A one-of-a-kind blend of summer camp chaos and EDM magic, wrapped up in a shimmering, soul-soothing PLUR bow. It genuinely shifted the way I’ll perceive festivals forever.
From the moment we arrived, I could tell this wasn’t going to be your average weekend. One of my favorite things right off the bat was the flexible camping setup. Instead of being assigned a designated plot, my friend and I had the freedom to choose our own space. We found the perfect little spot beneath a shady tree, popped up our tent, and immediately made our way to the Crystal Stage.
And wow, the Crystal Stage. Pole dancers, lasers, and an elevated platform that let us gaze out over the crowd, it felt like stepping into another dimension. Every set we caught at that stage felt like something out of a dream. After the music wrapped, we wandered back to our camp and started meeting our neighbors. That’s when the real magic of this festival hit me.
Unlike many large-scale festivals, Dirtybird Campout x Northern Nights has a strong community vibe. Everyone we met was kind, welcoming, and down to connect. Our neighbors even brought a grill and served us the best grilled cheese I’ve had in my life. (Seriously. Life changing.)
After a few hours of sleep (if that), we were back up at sunrise, buzzing with excitement to hit the River Stage. When I tell you the energy was electric, I mean it. Picture this: people floating in the river, girls in bikinis blowing bubbles to the beat, couples sharing quiet moments, new friendships blossoming all around us. The vibe was nothing short of euphoric. My friend and I spent most of the day soaking it all in, floating and dancing and smiling nonstop.
Later that evening, we headed back to camp to get ready for two of the most anticipated sets of our weekend: Wreckno and Levity. These were the artists that made our 9-hour drive from Portland, Oregon absolutely worth it. I’ve seen Levity live before, but this time watching from VIP, with space to dance, scream, and fully let go, it hit differently. I could feel serotonin flooding my brain with every drop. Pure bliss.
The rest of the night was a whirlwind of new connections, shared laughter, and that indescribable feeling of being exactly where you’re supposed to be. If I could only go to one festival a year, it would be this on, without question. I’ve already told everyone I know about it, and I’m counting down the days until next year.