It’s officially May, and that means that we’re finally journeying into summer festival season. Although there are dozens of festivals gearing up to accept their attendees in the coming months, Elements Lakewood is already just around the corner, and has an ever-accelerating hype train barreling toward what is guaranteed to be a lit Memorial Day Weekend.

Run by the same whimsical world-weaving production team that has been gracing New York City with electronic music parties for the past decade, 2017’s inaugural Lakewood festival set the bar incredibly high. BangOn!NYC took over a summer camp in the wooded valleys of Northeast Pennsylvania and transformed it into a stunning collection of interactive art pieces, thematic stages, and nonstop musical magic.

Taking all the best parts of their Elements NYC events and expanding upon them exponentially, Lakewood is an overhaul of everything you thought you wanted from a festival. Combining the exciting activities of a stay-over summer camp with the euphoria and inclusiveness of a rave, Elements Lakewood offers a truly unique experience for all attendees.

At the pinnacle of this year’s lineup are a collection of heavy-hitting headliners sure to engage fans with varying musical tastes. From the psychedelic psytrance of (Shpongle’s) Simon Posford DJ set, to King Dirtybird himself Claude VonStroke, there’s an eclectic mix of artists for all to enjoy.

Also gracing Lakewood with their presence will be Rezz, Lee Burridge, Jai Wolf, and titan of trap: Troyboi. The undercard is phenomenal as well, with artists like Brightside, Ethan Glass, Spundose, Charlesthefirst, and Wax Future making appearances.

Even without the star studded collection of producers to entice your eardrums, Lakewood has so many incredible hidden gems for you to dive into. The world created on the campground is lush with endless distractions that could even allow the music take a backseat. From interactive theatrical experiences like the “Lakewood Sanitarium,” to throwing it back to the dawn of house with the fan-favorite roller disco, there are a plethora of activities that make the event so much more than just a music festival.

Personally, I’ve fallen in love with BangOn!NYC and everything they produce, but Lakewood has such a special place in my heart. But not just for the activities, for the music, or even the amazing location at which it commandeers.

For me, the biggest draw with returning to Lakewood is the absolutely unrivaled feeling of acceptance, inclusivity, and individuality that they have established. I spent countless hours at last year’s inaugural event meeting new people, pushing my comfort zone, and really coming to embrace the community that Lakewood created; it even opened me up to genres of music I’d previously steered clear from.

Everywhere I looked as I strolled through the grounds, I saw an incredible collection of unique, loving, and eccentric individuals who provide a vibe that I had only heard existed. For this alone, I made sure my attendance at Lakewood was mandatory this year.

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I’m insanely excited to make my trip back to camp.  What are you most excited about this year at Elements Lakewood? Let us know in the coming moments below!