Written by: Daniela Gonzalez, Jasmin Lewis, and Anisa Lewis
Metamorphosis was truly an unforgettable experience. The theme of being “ready to transform” couldn’t have been more fitting, because by the end of the weekend I felt completely refreshed, inspired, and connected.
This intimate festival featured three stages, breathtaking art installations, and some of the friendliest artists I’ve ever met. Everywhere you turned, someone was ready to share their art, energy, or story, and it felt like one big family. The massive sand sculpture reading Metamorphosis became an instant photo-op favorite. The amount of flowstars, poi spinners, fan dancers, and hoopers were lighting up the dance floors. The vendors also brought so much life to the experience with THC-friendly booths, beautiful handmade art, and stunning clothing pieces that made it impossible not to stop and explore. It was like walking through a marketplace of transformation.
Vivid Sky Productions and Three Points Hospitality Group took over the establishment advocated for an understanding of fans’ expectations this time around and “going way beyond them.” Not only has the Orlando Amphitheater been a safe and welcoming space throughout the past couple of years, being a safe haven for other festivals we’ve attended annually including Forbidden Kingdom and Florida Groves, the Orlando Police Department has proved to be a protective and supportive ally to this community as well. Let us dissect this metamorphosis of change and how this festival metaphorically brought transformation of all sorts.
Day 1
The music came out swinging. I got wonky at Wonky Willa, danced my heart out to Dimension’s DNB set, and completely vibed with the flowtastic sounds of Of The Trees. The night closed with the one and only Alison Wonderland, who not only threw down an insane set but did it while fully pregnant. Absolute queen behavior. 👑
Day 2
Day two kept the momentum alive. Puffin brought the good vibes, and Bijou delivered my much-needed house fix. Since Flowdan was rescheduled to Sunday, Avello stepped into the Saturday slot, and I was obsessed. He dropped a surprise Bad Bunny track and paired it with the funniest DOMO visuals
But the set that truly stole the show was Big Gramatik. My entire squad was locked in, grooving nonstop to every beat. And of course, Levity did his big one with rainbow lasers that lit up the night sky like magic.
Day 3
The final day was the perfect closing chapter. EAZYBAKED had us sweating and dancing in the sun, and my first-ever Ravenscoon set completely blew me away. Seriously, holy moly, the vibes were unmatched. The evening wrapped with the iconic sounds of Duke Dumont and Lane 8, creating a dreamlike ending to the weekend.
Metamorphosis furthermore understood the fan’s expectations because it allowed for so many up-and-coming media photographers, drone pilots, and DJ’s alike to participate in their first official festival experiences. It’s crazy to think that not too long ago we’ve seen some of these practices and performances for the first time at our own OrlandoFlows; an organization of talented flowmies and individuals involved in music production, media, and vendors located in Orlando that meet up every month to bring community together. As management, it’s incredibly inspiring to see three of our very own talented individuals make it to the big festival getting to showcase their talents, while simultaneously crossing off some of their biggest personal goals off their lists this year.
Ultimately, Metamorphosis understood what returning fans desired. A protective police department that acknowledges and respects rave and festival culture, while also giving birth to an array of opportunities for growth and networking alike. Just like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, there is beauty in rebirth. Personal growth is a catalyst to freedom, beauty, joy, and new beginnings. New beginnings that ultimately take us exactly where we need to be.