There's No Place Like Home
There's No Place Like Home
Dancefestopia 2023
The car is all packed, and it's Tuesday night. It's a six-and-a-half-hour drive to a magical place... We decided to leave the night before to cut the drive in half, staying in Omaha. Paul, the master packer, packed our car yet again for another amazing adventure. Dancefestopia, a festival in Kansas, plays off the theme of The Wizard of Oz.
Wednesday morning, we got up and hit the road. Early entry started at two, so we were able to sleep in and embark on the final leg of the journey. We had our two friends, Chris and Brandon, slightly behind us, who were super excited because it was their first-ever music festival. Just a short drive south of Kansas City, and we were there.
We arrived shortly after two, hit the box office, loaded up our wagons, and went looking for our spot nestled in the trees. After looking around, we settled on a spot closer to the venue than last year but not on the trail this time. This did make navigating to our campsite a little trickier, especially as the forest filled up with ravers, but eventually, we got our paths down.
We had two other friends, Marshall and Edgar, join us at four and set up camp. Nights in the forest are so magical because the whole area comes alive with lights and sounds. Happy ravers, glad to be home.
Music was going on at the Forest Stage, so we went down there for a little bit. Some ravers had a huge umbrella, just like grade school, so of course, I joined in.
Also, these crafty guys made a free claw machine called “Little Party Favor” for people to play! I even won a tiny duck and dino!!! We listened to some more music and headed back to camp for the night.
Thursday was the pre-party. We went into the venue early to get official merch and our Dancefestopia pin... and headed back to camp. We started the day by making Kandi to trade, throwing some Cornhole, eating some food, and then heading to the venue.
They changed the main stage this year, and it looked as magnificent as ever, truly like an Emerald City. Thursday night is where the magic began to happen. We started the night out with Heyz, then Zingara and her trippy space music, Dr. P, who I had only seen at a back-to-back, and then Sullivan King was the headliner. This was his first time ever headlining a festival, and he has played at Dancefestopia more than any other artist. Though SK is a little too heavy for my liking, we got reckless with him, and I was able to catch an awesome remix of one of my favorite songs by my favorite artists, Zeds Dead/Griz.
Our other friend Ming finally showed up, and our camp was complete ❤️We ended the night at the Lollipop 🍭 Stage and were able to catch Tokyo Machine, who has been on my list to see for some time now, and man, was he amazing. If you have never listened to him, please check him out!
Friday was the day I was looking forward to most! Zeds Dead was the headliner (who are my all-time favorite EDM artists) but was also able to catch Kai Wachi again, and Svdden Death was the special guest. All three amazing acts, but one of the best parts of Dancefestopia is the immaculate vibes.
Everyone was so friendly and polite, and I really have nothing to complain about. I was able to vibe with the love of my life, make some awesome new connections, and feel at peace in my soul.
Walking back to camp Friday night was kind of a bummer. Ready to cross the bridge, some guy broke his leg, so we had to trek the long way home, and somehow, I lost the awesome fan that I had gotten at Breakaway Music Festival in July. Somehow, 3 of us lost our fans that night. I didn't let it ruin my spirit, though...
Saturday had to be the most fun day, though! Not only was the lineup stacked with Jansten, Borgore (who I have been dying to see), Knife Party, Zomboy — ending with Excision...
We had decided to dress up as PLUR Police and drove around in our fake police car, giving tickets (too sexy, too smiley, too much fun). Never have I had so many hugs or so much fun at a festival. Everyone loved getting tickets, and we were able to roam around free and accepted — no judgment by anyone.
Saturday night, we managed to finally hit up the silent disco at the Forest Stage. The forest stage was held inside the camping area this year. The DJs who played in Dancefestopia contest and won got to play here, the Lollipop and Mainstage this year.
Sunday was the last day of the festival. It's always so hard to know it's all over so soon. We were blessed with another amazing lineup on Sunday, with Level Up, Funtcase, Bear Grillz, Kayzo, and Subtronics (who had pry my favorite set of the whole weekend).
We ended at the Lollipop 🍭 Stage with Yookie. We then went back to camp and prepared for the journey home.
Dancefestopia is home to me. After being at Lost Lands for three years — it growing rapidly — it's nice to find a smaller festival with real camping. I love being outdoors. There were no lines for the bathrooms or food or drinks, and Buzz Kill Hill may have its reputation, but I didn't let it defeat me. (It's a long, steep hill coming from the venue to camp.)
The shower pass was worth it to be able to get clean and feel refreshed every day. The nights weren't too cold, and the days were warm but not too hot. Often, no big acts overlap one another, which gives everyone a chance to see all the artists. I loved going to Dancefestopia, and it will always have a special place in my heart... There is no place like home ❤️
We have lots of memories to share, so if you want to check out full recaps of all the festivals or music experiences we go to, check out https://www.youtube.com/@twolittleravers1294
***ALSO check out the PLUR POLICE BODYCAM FOOTAGE on the same page**
See you in the future <3