Buena Vista Lake, CA — The magic returned to Buena Vista Lake this year as Lightning in a Bottle (LIB) 2025 lit up the California desert once again. Hosted by the ever-visionary DoLab, this five-day celebration of music, art, and transformation delivered another unforgettable chapter in the LiB legacy. From larger-than-life art installations to mind-expanding workshops and renegades, this year’s edition had something for everyone.
The festival featured five primary stages and countless pop-up art cars and renegade sets. The Woogie and The Junkyard catered to the house heads, while The Stacks brought the bass. The Grand Artique continued to blend live bands and eclectic performances with its wild west flair. The main stages, Lightning and Thunder, were home to the biggest names and the most dazzling productions.
LIB is known for its expertly curated lineups, and 2025 kept that tradition alive with a diverse mix of electronic heavyweights and up-and-coming talent. With immersive sound design and distinctive stage setups, each area offered its own flavor — making it nearly impossible to catch them all.
Music: A Lineup That Delivered and Then Some
Flying solo gave me the freedom to follow the music wherever it called — and it called a lot. Thursday kicked off with an all-out dance session at The Woogie. Here I watched Azzecca, Black House Radio, and an electrifying set from The Blessed Madonna. Over at The Junkyard, Tara Brooks set the tone with a trippy journey. My night ended with a surprise appearance by Zhu at The Stacks.
Friday was stacked from sunrise to well past sunset. MNTRA at The Woogie started the day strong with a set that ended up being one of my favorites of the day. Mary Droppinz brought the heat at The Thunder stage, while Monolink delivered a surprise sunset set at The Junkyard that felt like a movie. Nightfall brought Taiki Nulight, Flowdan, and Peekaboo to The Thunder. My highlight moment of Friday night was discovering Sammy Virji for my first time at The Lightning Stage. I capped the night with certified bangers from Troyboi, who never fails to leave it all on stage.
On Saturday, I got started with Kilimanjaro at The Woogie. Francis Mercier kept the groove going, and Joy Orbison became my top new artist discovery of the night with an amazing performance. The much-hyped Khruangbin lived up to expectations with their psychedelic set. Hybrid Minds brought a unique show to The Thunder stage with live instrumentation. Late-night favorites Marques Wyatt & Galen kept The Junkyard pulsing deep into the night. I closed things out with a secret set from Shlump at The Stacks.
On Sunday, aka Funday, was all about The Woogie. From 8 p.m. to midnight, I planted right in front of the stage and I didn’t budge. Girl Math, the new project from VNSSA and Nala, delivered a fiery performance that had the whole crowd moving into the sunset. Then came the long-awaited return of Claude VonStroke, who brought his signature funk and left no doubt that the house icon is back in full form with an unforgettable set of classics and new songs to come. The Woogie will always be home for me.
I finished Sunday off with John Summit at The Lightning Stage, complete with full pyrotechnics. I found some afterparty vibes The Kuker art car with sets from up and coming house artists, Tristan ChantZ and Techno Tupac. The big finale was the secret Subjohnics (John Summit b2b Subtronics) b2b set at The Stacks. The perfect ending to the music Sunday night at LiB.
Experience: Beyond the Music
While the music originally brought me to Lightning in a Bottle, the experience is what keeps me coming back. This festival thrives on radical participation and creative expression. I dove into workshops, strolled through live art zones, meditated under the sun, and indulged in some of the best vegan eats in the festival circuit. The roller rink looked tempting, though I opted to stay upright and watch from the sidelines. And I made lots of new friends, because you are never alone at LiB.
The vendor village was, as always, a beautiful danger to my wallet. From hand-crafted ravewear to art pieces and plenty of trinkets, there was no shortage of unique finds. The sense of community among vendors and attendees is something you don’t get everywhere — everyone was there to share what they love.
Interactive exhibits included the 80s-themed prom party, a karaoke RV park, and immersive western storefronts run by in-character vendors. Spontaneous afterparties seemed to pop up wherever you looked – especially The Mixtape. There is always something to do and always someone to meet. This is what makes LiB more than a music festival.
Final Thoughts
Lightning in a Bottle is a commitment — it’s hot, dusty, and demands a certain level of self-reliance. But if you’re ready for that kind of adventure, the reward is massive. From world-class music to deep human connection, from desert sunsets to late-night renegades, LiB offers an experience that resonates far beyond the five days you spend there.
One of LiB’s strongest suits is its commitment to sustainability. DoLab encourages everyone to pack it in, pack it out — a message I wish more people heeded. Seeing leftover garbage and abandoned gear is disheartening. Huge respect to the Green Team for doing the hard work to keep LiB beautiful.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, this event continues to shine as one of the most beloved festivals on the West Coast. Despite the hardships, there is a reason that so many people return year after year to the desert.
Don’t miss out on the next chapter of Lightning in a Bottle. GA and VIP tickets for the 2026 edition go on sale soon at libfestival.org/passes. For news and updates on LiB 2026 and more, keep it right here at Electric Feels.
