Written by: Ashley Arndt
Endless drifting and motorsports, EDM headliners, local Wisconsin DJs, forest music pop ups with lasers under the night sky, all at Road America. Three days of the full experience cross over event where music meets cars…and it’s called Gridlife Summer Apex.
Friday early afternoon I was greeted by the sounds of tires and reving engines already active and practicing for their event in Elkhart lake, Wisconsin. Including extensive vendors for both racers and ravers, as well as food/drinks options of all kinds to keep everyone fueled and hydrated for the warm weekend ahead. Campsites varied among RVs, tents, glamping, and car camping, accessible by a variety of transportation including a free shuttle. Our group sat directly in front of the big screen and speaker for the full experience of the motorsports, and with only a short distance walk to the main stage and main area. There was no question it was going to be an enjoyable weekend to come.
I had never been to a motorsports event in the slightest, so I was incredibly eager to immerse myself in the experience. There were multiple different types of racing and drifting occurring from 8 in the morning all the way to 6 at night . I spent several hours the first day simply sight seeing that. I was left with a short period of time to recollect before getting ready for the music and night to come. Headliners included Jon Casey and Flosstradamus who did no disappoint. The stage both GA and VIP area were easily accessible, close to restrooms, food, an outdoor arcade and resting areas. Including impressive speakers, lights and lasers. Soon to follow the last set, a set in the woods accessible by walking, golfcart, mopeds, electrical scooters and bikes took place. This may have been my most favored part of the entire weekend. It gave a very similar experience to being at electric forest, as lights reflecting off the fog and tree tops covered the entire area above. Several hours were spent enjoying the music from various artists and B2Bs.
After a short nights sleep, be prepared for the first thing you hear in the morning to be the cars and racers preparing for the day. Waking up next to a race track was an encounter I’d prefer any day over an alarm clock. Especially with the idea of a repeat of the day and night we just had. After shaking of the cobwebs (and sweat) we made our way via our friends golf cart- shoutout you guys for the rides this weekend- to the main gate area. We thought we had seen it all the first day, but there was yet another area with even more food, car vendors, motor experiences, and pop up music. After grabbing refreshments to cool off from the weather, we caught a set from our good friend and local Milwaukee DJ Cody Krause. It was a perfect set to start the afternoon before watching more fine automotive events.
After putting my formula one cutoff and rave boots on I could feel the expectations of the vibes increase. Full gas in our tanks, the group headed to the main stage passing the cars finishing up their day. We started the evening with our another one of our friends amazing set, local Milwaukee DJ Aspen Fries with headliners Of the Trees and Disco Lines to follow. This was my first Disco Lines set and I don’t think my feet ever stopped moving. He has sensational talent and unique music with a fanciful stage presence. As soon as his set had wrapped up, we imediently made our way back to the woods where hours were spent with both old and new friends. Doing nothing better than dancing and singing to our favorite genre of music under the illuminated tree tops.
Gridlife Summer Apex was a remarkable time with immaculate vibes, music, and the full motorsport encounter. At the end of a long weekend it is rare that I find myself with the drive for another night, usually I just crave a shower and some air conditioning. Yet this was a festival I would’ve killed for one more night and would absolutely return to next year.