There’s something undeniably magical about gathering lakeside under an open sky, and Same Same But Different Festival delivered that enchantment at every turn. Held at Moreno Beach in Lake Perris State Park, the venue felt like a secret sanctuary…waves gently lapping at the shore, warm breezes drifting through trees, and stages glowing in the twilight. 

The crowd size and capped attendance fostered true intimacy. Plenty of room to breathe, dance, and connect with fellow dreamers without losing the energy of a festival family. The lineup was luminous, with headliners like LSZEE (LSDREAM + CloZee), Zeds Dead, and Dr. Fresch anchoring sets that ranged from deep and soulful to wildly euphoric.

One of the most surreal moments was spotting a hot air balloon drifting overhead, its gentle glow mirrored by the lights below — a soft reminder that we were somewhere between dream and reality. And then there was Nakey Island — a small island in the lake reachable by boat, housing its own stage and hidden party vibe. It wasn’t a nudist beach (as clarified by the festival), but it radiated a kind of freedom and whimsy.

In the end, SSBD felt less like an event and more like a living story, one you were lucky to get to step into. Can’t wait for next year.