Written by: Tristan McCracken

We returned to GingerMan Raceway this year for GRIDLIFE Midwest — a music and motorsports festival in South Haven, Michigan. With the largest lineup to date, a full motorsports schedule, and a crowd exceeding 20,000, we knew we were in for an unforgettable weekend.

GRIDLIFE is just built different.

By day, high-performance vehicles race at full speed around the 2.14-mile track. Rubber is burned as pro-level and grassroots drivers drift through tight turns in front of packed crowds. Car culture enthusiasts explore the paddock and showfield to find their favorite cars and custom builds. There’s an arcade with racing simulators and retro arcade games that serves as a social hub and spot to lounge. Campers ride around on pit bikes, scooters, Onewheels, and go-karts to travel throughout the campgrounds and paddock. 

When the sun goes down, the bass turns up.

By night, the crowd on Festival Hill grows in anticipation of headlining acts — Levity, Dr. Fresch, Sullivan King, and NGHTMRE, just to name a few. Lasers and pyrotechnics illuminate the dark sky while thousands dance together to the beats and bass drops. Some of the best local talent (and maybe even a surprise B2B2B) keep the party going at the Trackside Disco once the Main Stage sets have ended. Renegade sets in the campgrounds, thrown by passionate campers with full DJ setups and sound systems, make sure the vibes never die.

There’s no place like the GRID.

What truly sets GRIDLIFE Midwest apart is the way it blends two vibrant communities — motorsports and electronic music — into one. Fans from both worlds connect effortlessly, sharing their passions and forming lasting memories. Whether cheering on drivers at the track or dancing side by side at the Main Stage, these unexpected friendships and shared moments add a sense of connection that makes this festival feel genuinely special.

GRIDLIFE Midwest is more than just a festival — it’s a celebration of speed, sound, community, and connection. It showcases the best of both car culture and live music, offering something exhilarating for every attendee. For anyone seeking the ultimate fusion of high-octane motorsports and world-class electronic music, GRIDLIFE is an experience not to miss. See you next year on the GRID!