Lightning in a Bottle Festival Guide

So, you want to go to a music festival this year but you aren’t sure which one. Coachella looks appealing but is so expensive, and you have also heard amazing things about EDC but Vegas seems like a lot of energy. Then one day, you see a post on Instagram about a festival referred to as “LIB”. Whether you have never heard of Lightning in a Bottle, or you already bought your wristband and car camping pass, this Lightning in a Bottle festival guide has everything you need to know about the festival from someone who has been there firsthand. 

Jump to a specific question by clicking below:

• What is Lightning in a Bottle Festival?
• Types of Camping at Lightning in a Bottle
• Conditions: What to Expect at Lightning in a Bottle
• My Favorite Gems at Lightning in a Bottle
• Food and Drink at Lightning in a Bottle
• Shower at Lightning in a Bottle

What is Lightning in a Bottle Festival?

Lightning in a Bottle Festival, or LIB, is a 5-day music festival that happens in Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area every Memorial Day weekend. This is not just any music festival. This festival is a conglomeration of yoga, art, discussions, and music. Not to mention, there are many other activities that the festival puts on. A soap box derby and a 5k race are just a few of the activities that are offered to festival goers. 

Lightning in a Bottle is an independent festival put on by the Do Lab, a group dedicated to creating experiences and inspiring others to be their authentic and true selves. They are frequently recognized by the stage that they have at Coachella, which always features a variety of artists and performances. 

Types of Camping at Lightning in a Bottle

There are many different kinds of camping at Lightning in a Bottle, such as car camping, regular camping, and RV camping. These passes are all sold separately from the individual wristband purchased for the festival itself. If you do not opt to have a vehicle with you during camping, you will need to park your car in a separate lot and set up camp in a different part of the festival. 

In years past, I have always opted to car camp. When car camping, individuals only need to buy one ticket per car, which means if you go with multiple people you can split the cost of camping. Having a car with you is a great way to store valuables and easily pack up your campsite. If you do not have a car with you, I highly recommend bringing a wagon, as the walk from the parking lot to the campsites can greatly vary.

If you bring an RV, there is a separate campsite for you to set up, and camping passes are more expensive. Similarly to RV camping, individuals with families can opt to camp outside of the regular camping and car camping section and camp in a family-specific part of the festival grounds. 

A major difference between Lightning in a Bottle and other camping festivals is that camping is a complete free-for-all. There are no designated dimensions per camping site, so you can spread out over however much land you need. Please keep in mind, that you should only use a reasonable amount of space. However, this means if you want to have a nicer setup, the space allows for it. You should also note that if you are camping with others and have multiple cars involved, you must all go through security and enter the festival together to guarantee camping with one another. 

Conditions What to Expect at Lightning in a Bottle

When packing for a festival, it’s important to ask yourself what conditions are like where you are going, so that you can be prepared. Conditions in Bakersfield tend to be extremely hot during the day, and milder at night. Previously, daytime temperatures have reached the 100s, with nighttime temperatures being around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. I have also been at this festival when there have been thunderstorms and rain, so it can sometimes be a toss-up. 

With the weather being so warm, it’s a blessing that there is a lake for everyone to swim in. I highly recommend bringing a swimsuit and floaties for lounging in the lake and cooling down. Please be sure to locate where you can buy ice and refill water, as becoming overheated can be common. Take breaks while you set up camp, or opt to set up camp in the evening when temperatures are milder. 

Lastly, Lightning in a Bottle is notorious for having very dry and dusty conditions. I have always brought pashminas, N95 masks, bandanas, and anything else that will attempt to keep the dust away from my face. Many people bring goggles to keep dust out of their eyes as well. Dust tends to get worse during the later days of the festival, with more foot traffic kicking it up. Depending on the year, wind can also kick up dust (and campsites), so come prepared and be ready to see some mini dust devils. 

My Favorite Gems at Lightning in a Bottle

Lightning in a Bottle has so many offerings, it can oftentimes be overwhelming and hard to choose what activities you want to do throughout the day and night. Some of my favorite gems from Lightning in a Bottle are below: 

• Gong Sanctuary – The Gong Sanctuary has changed over the years that I have been at the festival. Previously, it was a small area of the festival under the trees where individuals would play crystal bowls, gongs, and other instruments which created a sound safe haven for those participating. It is now at a much larger scale and was most recently offered at the Beacon stage. 
• Grand Artique Pickles – Go to the western stage, and get the pickles. 
• Frick Frack – Can’t sleep? Go play poker at Frick Frack, where you can bet using anything but money! Get creative and bring your friends for a wild late-night time. 
• Roller Rink – The roller rink is a unique part of Lightning in a Bottle that never gets old. Listen to disco music and skate around (bring your own or utilize the ones they provide). My favorite time to go is at night when they have lights on and music bumping!

Food and Drink at Lightning in a Bottle

As far as the food goes, Lightning in a Bottle does a good job of keeping fair pricing and offering decent portions. Vendors range from selling poke and Pad Thai stuffed dumplings to chicken and waffles or Caribbean food. Pricing depends on what vendor you go to, however, I have never felt ripped off at the festival. I would expect to pay about 15-20 dollars per meal, so if you want to budget I recommend cooking at camp when possible. There are also a variety of dairy-free and vegetarian options. I am not gluten-free so have never looked into these options, but they typically try and have something for everyone. 

There are a variety of bars around the festival offering alcoholic beverages as any festival does. There are also water stations around the festival and at campsites, so filling up a hydration backpack or bottle is never an issue. 

Shower at Lightning in a Bottle

Showers are offered at Lightning in a Bottle, and individuals will have to pay for a shower ticket each time they want to take one. They are available in the camp plazas, and easily accessible. If you are planning on taking a shower, be sure to bring sandals since they can get pretty gnarly over the 5 days. 

Rather than using the showers they provide, I opt for using a sun shower at camp. It is free, easy to use, and allows me to shower whenever I like. Again, be sure to bring a towel and biodegradable soap. 

Skipping showers at Lightning in a Bottle is not the end of the world. The lake provides you the ability to clean some of the dust off, and body wipes always tend to do the trip in a pinch. I would recommend trying to fit a shower in when possible but know that you will get immediately dirty afterward. 

In conclusion, Lightning in a Bottle is one of my favorite festivals offered in California. It takes more preparation than other festivals do, but once you arrive it is typically smooth sailing. There are always people willing to help set up camp, offer you items you may have forgotten, or show you the way to a certain set. I highly recommend attending this festival at least once, and don’t let the dust deter you! Once you have purchased your ticket, you can check out the website FAQ for any questions that you couldn’t get the answer to. Other than that, sit back, relax, and get ready to woogie!