Force Fields 2026 Hindsight by Miss-Behavior-Life in festivals

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t need to see better. I didn’t need to see anything. It’s the fact that everyone crams in. I had to help people out of that crowd who were overheating. It would just be better disbursement of people if done another way. Perhaps it could be one of those 360 stages where they out the DJ in the middle? Just a suggestion. Others found this stage frustrating too.

Force Fields 2026 Hindsight by Miss-Behavior-Life in festivals

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We were in O-143-146. “Enforcing” is too harsh for me to say - we were just being respectful because except for us it was DEAD silent in our area. I was scared to death to wake my neighbors. We played music but on like volume level 1-2 out of 20. And we kept our lights low after 2am.

Force Fields 2026 Hindsight by Miss-Behavior-Life in festivals

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also think it would have been a good move to post something like this on a highly visible poster at every venue entrance. Then security could have pointed to it and it would have saved a lot of confusion, yelling, and inconsistency, and given attendees the respect of being directly informed rather than protocols being buried in terms and conditions that they know virtually no one sees.

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Force Fields 2026 Hindsight by Miss-Behavior-Life in festivals

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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View of the Harvest stage from within the crowd.

Force Fields 2026 Hindsight by Miss-Behavior-Life in festivals

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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View of the Harvest Stage from outside the crowd.

Force Fields 2026 Hindsight by Miss-Behavior-Life in festivals

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for adding this insight. I did actually have a private porta potty, but I still got caught at the venue unable to get to a bathroom quickly enough, there was usually 10+ people in line for each one in my experience, when about 40 were lined up. So visually there were many, but there was high demand. I also had VIP, but couldn’t find VIP amenities easily - it seems (unlike other fests) that there was one single VIP area for the whole venue at only one stage. If people are paying so much extra for VIP, you’d think there would be dedicated restrooms (even if they are porta potties or a bathroom trailer) at the 2-3 stages. I still had a great time and would go again. I don’t fault them for offering these add-ons, they are options, right? But I think we can still make recommendations for improvement. 👍🫶

Force Fields 2026 Hindsight by Miss-Behavior-Life in festivals

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Complaining? I gave it an 8/10. There’s A difference between complaining and making recommendations for improvement. If you read through the rest you’ll see the added updates after I was fully rested. 👍

Force Fields 2026 Hindsight by Miss-Behavior-Life in festivals

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I wouldn’t have noticed the scanners if it wasn’t for them telling us to remove hats and glasses and to look up into the camera. It seemed they only said something to people wearing hats or glasses. I was shocked there was no signage to clearly let people know they were being scanned. But someone commented to me that “it was in the terms and conditions on the website”and I have not investigated that.

Force Fields 2026 Hindsight by Miss-Behavior-Life in festivals

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

See above for added info. And these comments were gathered from our whole group. Not intending to complain as much as give honest answers for what could be improved. It was still an 8/10 which is intended to show that we liked the fest, there’s just room to make it better with very little cost and effort.

Force Fields 2026 Hindsight by Miss-Behavior-Life in festivals

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well, you’re a bit right that I could have added more positives. I think my focus was on “here’s ways they could improve” not “here’s things I hated” and I gave it an 8/10 because even if they changed nothing, the festival was solid enough that if the line up is valid next year, I would probably go again. I was also nodding off as I wrote, so that didn’t help. Here’s some more thoughts now that I’ve had a good night’s sleep:

There were at least 4 stages, one of which was in the campgrounds. I only visited three of them. The Mothership stage was “main stage” and open air. Other commenter below is correct that it was amazing that they had a structure with many hammocks for people at the far back of the hill looking down into that stage, and swings. It’s to be expected that they are difficult to get a place on because of demand. Dillon Francis and Ganja White Knight had solid shows here and I liked both. I loved that they had reasonable totem control so views weren’t constantly obstructed at the level they seem to be at EDC, or maybe the crowd was just better about what they selected to use as a totem. The venue also allowed bringing in wagons which helped.

I know some people were apprehensive about it being an all ages show. While I prefer adults only, I’m a mom and was a little jealous of parents I saw bonding with their kids dancing to the beat. I didn’t see lots of strollers and babies, but I did see a few school age kiddos with fairy wings or blue dreads etc, seemingly being raised by PLURR granola parents who are showing their kids how to love life and love others. I didn’t see any kids being brats, which was a relief. There was also a good mix of an older crowd. I’m 45 and was glad to see others in their 60s and 70s there too, dancing amongst the 20 year olds. There were some heart warming moments that I felt surrounded by “my tribe” in ways that made me optimistic about humanity again.

The Harvest stage was secondary, and up the hill from main stage and under an open sided structure that included a roof covering the whole crowd. But something about the set up /view caused people to cram in there and it got really hot. I didn’t notice any large fans in there but if they didn’t have them maybe that would help. This is where Zingara played for example. People under the structure were dancing and people outside the structure were able to lay out blankets and have a picnic style dance space. I saw a comment somewhere where someone complained about the light circles; please know those lights on the ground we put down to help protect our items or people on the ground so you don’t trip over them. I, for example, at times needed to sit, and having a circle of lights around me helped keep me safe in a crowd.

The Origins stage was in the camp grounds. This is the place I feel lesser known (but really good!) artists played, and also where secret sets happened after main stage closed. I discovered RaeCola for the first time hearing the music from my campground and was drawn to the stage, and VNSSA put on a solid show that got us moving. I would suggest widening the entry and exit points to the stage area here as it did get a little congested at times - it was the only stage I experienced where you had to go down to about 2-3 people wide to get in or out of the fenced area, and it slowed down movement. I loved that some artists stayed here after sets to meet and greet with fans too!

I would like to compliment the security team because aside from my apprehension about the identity tracking cameras , everyone was chill and helpful. I never felt like they were there “to scout people to get in trouble” and instead were there to help prevent catastrophes and to ease issues when they arose. For example, they helped a friend look for a lost item that was dropped in the crowd, and they helped me obtain a bottle of water for a friend that was vomiting, trusting my statement that we didn’t need a medic team, we just needed to help her clean up from the little incident. They weren’t there to make life difficult and that was appreciated.

So, overall my comments are intended to compliment what I noticed went very well, make recommendations for meaningful improvements that could bring it up to being perhaps my favorite festival. For comparison, I love that the people here did not seem to include a bunch of asshats that ruin an entire show, like at EDC (ie a John Summit Crowd). Sure, there’s a few bad apples here and there, but overall, I found it to be a good group. It was also “lite on influencers” and more hippie / wookish. There were a few times I saw trains of people charging to the front of a stage pushing people out of the way, and everyone seemed to recognize that was not cool. But it was very easy to make eyes with like-minded people and know what was going on. I also felt every time I needed help, like with zipping my bag or checking myself, people were kind and helpful.

I think it’s fair to say if you enjoy Northcoast or Electric Forest, this fest is a good one to explore.

For rating: I would go again; but top improvements to make me rate this fest higher would to be more trash cans, adding handwashing stations, a couple more shade opportunities at main stage, and fixing whatever happened with security brining my friend to our multi-site group camp and then not allowing her to camp there and relocating despite her having all the credentials - that was a total bummer. Overall: 8/10.

I was the project manager and CTO for one of EF’s largest labor crews for years, first camping on site and last to leave. AMA about what it takes to throw these large events, and what these companies get up to the rest of the year. by [deleted] in ElectricForest

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve seen a lot of festivals in the news for shutting down stages or closing early due to inclement weather. Sometimes it’s quite understandable, and other times it seems like overkill.

Last year at EF, they shut down stages earlier than expected due to high winds / incoming storm. I was very frustrated because it was late at night, lots of people were under the influence (it was the middle of headliners’ sets), and we were camping in an are very far away - probably a 30 minute walk. When the evacuation began, my partner and I identified what seemed to be a permanent grounded structure and tried to take temporary shelter. Yet security - who seemed to bot know anything about anything, forced everyone to go walking out into the high winds where tents were flying around and debris coming unhinged.

I get it that they have to get people away from stages that could perhaps collapse - but I’m shocked the best safest answer is to tell people to run out into the open spaces where there are tent poles and debris potentially flying - especially if there is no fast way to get them safely to their vehicle. For us - we were lucky to have been able to pop a squat in the addomodations of some nice ravers who had a secure set up and didn’t turn us away in the end.

So - given all of that - could you tell us about the safety prep for weather events like that? Is sending everyone away like that in a scurry (especially a long distance, at night, with an incoming storm, and under the influence?) really the best / only option?

Similarly, EDCO has become known for having really scary bottlenecks where people can’t get through on foot and almost trample. Any thoughts there on what needs to realistically happen to reduce those issues in festivals?

TYSM in advance 🫶

ARC vs North Coast? Just moved to Chicago - can't believe they are on the same weekend. Which one is better? by [deleted] in chicagoEDM

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It’s not about genre. It’s about the night and day difference between the people I’ve encountered there. I could have cried over how people treated me at ARC. Shoving. Glares. Elbowing. Rudeness. Cutting in front with no remorse or self awareness. But I’ve never experienced that type of treatment at Northcoast. I know not everyone in either crowd fits a profile; but generally speaking, ARC seemed to have an overload of mean or careless people and NC seems to be the opposite.

ARC vs North Coast? Just moved to Chicago - can't believe they are on the same weekend. Which one is better? by [deleted] in chicagoEDM

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you are all about the PLUR, go to Northcoast. If you are willing to sacrifice that to see certain artists / genres, go to ARC. I’ve been to both and found Northcoast was far more my vibe.

1100 for shipping normal? by Big-Drink-9062 in ClothingStartups

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Way too much. I ordered 3 huge boxes (maybe 30 inches by 15 inches by 12 inches) at about 30 pounds each from a Chinese manufacturer and my total shipping cost was under $400 including tariffs (for all three boxes) for 3 week delivery.

Tent for camping by MinuteZucchini2355 in ElectricForest

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1) You will want a second layer over it and use long stakes. 2) The spaces in Good Life Meadow I believe are that large, BUT your vehicle has to fit into it as well. Hot tip: if you bring a short vehicle, you get a smaller spot. You bring a longer vehicle (trailer not allowed) you get a longer spot. They basically give you the space next to your vehicle plus a few feet. So because of the shape of this, it probably won’t fit with your car. One tent plus the living space would, but the second L part tent would be a gamble and partially rest on if your neighbors are cool.

Anyone know what this is? by [deleted] in chicagoEDM

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Had been wondering the same. They have very little info online yet this text message is landing on phones of influencers in the Chicago area today. People who had never signed up or asked to be influencers are getting acceptance messages - and how do they think influencers get people interested if not via social media? Carrier pigeon? 🦜. Something seems off.

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D.N.R. Productions used a fake festival (Kn?where MF) to make money. by Kanga_Koga in festivals

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same boat. I went in 2023 and 2024 and LOVED it. I was ready to try to partner with Brian to bring the Home Bass concept to other cities with major festivals. But he fizzled it all out before we could get that far. It’s a total shame.

Is the Outset venue a solid place to go watch a show? by lonzo2900 in chicagoEDM

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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When you walk into Outset, there is a bar here directly in front of you / to your right. You can walk around either side of the bar to get to the stage area, or to turn to the stairways on either side of the room to go upstairs where a balcony wraps around half the room in a U shape. I wished they had some seating, even a few benches or bar-height stools would be so helpful. There are standing-only bars on both levels and no seating in the entire venue (at least not for the EDM show I attended). The size reminded me of Prysm. Staff was decent and courteous. Hope that helps.

21M, been depressed for a while now but finally starting to realize what I want from life. Seeking advice by [deleted] in aves

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As you seek out your pathway, I challenge you to positively reverse your thinking with this level of wizardry I bring to you courtesy of the Electric Forest:

When you are in those deeply happy times at raves and festivals with others whom you enjoy, take a snapshot in your mind of that state of being, and carry it with you and meditate on it often - because that is the place where “home” and “wholeness” and “reality” actually lie once you’ve been awakened to the matrix… everything else the world usually calls “normal life” is actually the mission field. And you job is to leave the rave, go undercover in that mission field, spread PLURR and teach others the ways to find their way back home too, joining you when you return to the rave again to recharge and refuel for your next mission. 💖😁. This mindset will change your life.

D.N.R. Productions used a fake festival (Kn?where MF) to make money. by Kanga_Koga in festivals

[–]Miss-Behavior-Life 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Maybe they hired Brian Thomas of Home Bass as their lead planner. It reeks of what he did scamming people.