When most people think of Electric Forest, they probably think of the epic mainstage moments and the lowkey renegades where they can catch their favorite artists throwing down on top of an RV. But there are many more adventures to be had.
Some of my favorite Forest memories have come from wandering through the different activations and discovering something new around every corner. Year after year, the lineup continues to change, but to me, that doesn’t matter nearly as much. What keeps bringing me back are the side quests in between the main story. Read my review of last year’s Electric Forest and check out some hidden gems below.
The Dream Emporium
The Dream Emporium is a mysterious place that every Forest-goer should experience at least once. I can’t go into too much detail because it would ruin the surprise, but you might stumble upon things like a roller rink or even a wrestling ring. Last year, Boogie T and other artists were spotted throwing down a surprise set right in the middle of the roller rink.
I may or may not have wiped out in front of a bunch of people. The bruise on my hip has long since faded, but the memories of the Dream Emporium have stayed with me. Pro tip: head there early in the day to beat the crowds and enjoy some much-needed air conditioning while you’re at it.
Interactive Art Installations
Another must-see at Forest is the collection of interactive art installations scattered throughout the grounds. From immersive audio-visual experiences where visitors can manipulate the projections themselves to handmade sculptures that make for incredible photo opportunities, there’s no shortage of mind-bending creativity.
Not all of the art is stationary, either. You might find a group of time-traveling mimes roaming through the trees, making it feel like you’ve stepped into another world entirely. If you’re attending this year, I highly recommend setting aside some time to simply explore.
Hidden Places to Relax
One of my favorite places to take a load off after a hot day is among the scattered hammocks and woven rope chairs hidden throughout the Forest. Beyond the hammocks, there are plenty of relaxing spaces designed for hanging out and recharging.
One of my favorite spots is the wooden tower overlooking the Observatory stage. Apparently, it’s a permanent installation on the festival grounds. If you’ve never made the climb to the top, the view alone is worth the trip.
The Vendor Marketplace
Something that’s easy to overlook is the incredible vendor marketplace. Vendors offer everything from handmade clothing and jewelry to artwork and festival accessories. Some of my favorites include EVOL Chicago, Grassroots California, and Joshua Tree Skin Care.
EVOL Chicago has just about every festival essential you could need, from jerseys and Flow Stars to pins and accessories. What makes these vendors special is that they’re not just there to sell products—they’re there to share their art and connect with the community.
I also have to give a shoutout to Dave from the Joshua Tree Skin Care booth. Located near the Ranch Arena, it’s a stop I make every year. Their all-natural skincare products are great, and if you ask nicely, you might even leave with a custom lip balm holder.
Get Lost in the Forest
At the end of the day, the music is what brings us all together beneath the tall trees of Sherwood Forest. But the memories we make between the sets can be just as meaningful—if not more so.
So for anyone meticulously planning every artist they need to catch, I encourage you to leave some room in your schedule to get lost in the Forest. You never know what you’ll find, and that’s exactly what keeps me coming back year after year. There truly is something for everyone.
Article by Harrison Lupfer
Photos by Alive
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