Wakarusa returns to Mulberry Mountain from Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7 and we challenge you to find another festival that competes with this mountaintop extravaganza.
While most festivals are relegated to a specific venue, the entire mountain is your playground during your time in The Ozarks. If this sounds like an experience you can’t find anywhere else, that’s because it is.
Check out these 8 reasons why you need to attend Wakarusa.
Something for Everyone
Fancy yourself some funk? The Floozies have you covered. Want your cellular structure rearranged by bass? Minnesota has the cure. Seeking something a bit more tribal? Look no further than Thievery Corporation. Craving some summer vibes? Thomas Jack has what you need.
No matter your preference, there are multiple musical selections for every taste.
You’ve Never Been Closer to the Stars
With the Main Stage nestled against the mountaintop, chances are you have never watched music this close to the sky. Who needs stage lighting when the stars are this vibrant?
Multiple Artist Performances
Miss out on Wick-it The Instigator on Thursday afternoon? No need to worry. Catch him again on Saturday night. Many artists dotting the lineup stick around and perform multiple sets over the weekend, allowing you to tailor your schedule to take in as much music as you can.
Natural Beauty
Let the water flow over you in one of the many rivers weaving throughout the grounds, hike the winding trails, gaze at the stars, experience jaw-dropping sunrises and sunsets, and tune into that universal frequency resonating throughout Mulberry Mountain.
Unprecedented Value
Though Thursday is listed as the technical start date, Wakarusa always kicks off with a Wednesday pre-party that sees the campgrounds flooded the night before. 5 days for the price of 4? You can’t beat that.
Not to mention the 140 performances, 6 stages, and multiple camping areas providing enough options for you to customize your experience specifically to your liking.
Objectivity aside, the memories you will take away from your experience at Wakarusa cannot be associated with a dollar value.
Family
In 2014 Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips married a couple on the Main Stage prior to their performance. It’s no mistake that people choose to share these moments with the thousands of Wakarusa attendees. Love and camaraderie are two of the predominant themes throughout the festival.
No matter who you arrive with, be prepared to leave with a new found family, whether it’s your campsite neighbors or the crew you crossed paths with throughout your adventures.
Wakarusa Culture
Waka Waka. This will, undoubtedly, be one of the first phrases you hear upon emerging from your vehicle. Free spirits and happy faces will be present at every turn, so keep those bad vibes at home.
Disconnection from Reality
After hopping off Interstate 40, it’s a solid one-hour drive down desolate State Road 23 and winding mountain roads that ascend to the final destination.
Fill up on gas, stock up on essentials, and leave your problems in the city. Outside of family-owned gas stations, your options will be limited during the final leg of the road trip. And cell phone service? Forget about it.
This is just you, nature, the music, and thousands of like-minded Wakafarians sharing a soul cleansing experience.
For more information and to purchase tickets be sure to connect with Wakarusa on Facebook and through the official website.
We look forward to seeing you atop Mulberry Mountain for Wakarusa 2015!
All Photos via Wakarusa and Lani Michelle Photography, Jamie Seed Photography, and Phil Clarkin Photography.
