Beginner's Guide To Lightning In A Bottle 2018

BRADLEY, CA – The Lightning in a Bottle 2018 festival kicks off Wednesday for early arrival pass holders and lasts all the way through Memorial Day weekend in Bradley, Ca. This year, headliners include rapper Anderson .Paak; British composer Tipper, electronic duo Modeselektor; American DJ Emancipator; DJ/producer Nicole Moudaber; dance DJ The Black Madonna; and DJ's MK and Stimming.

A whimsical world separated from the rest of reality is carefully crafted for the six-day festival at Lake San Antonio, and Lightning in a Bottle guests of all ages can enjoy more than just music: live painting, larger-than-life art installations, performance art, yoga and meditation classes, talks and discussions, workshops, and even food-focused cooking classes and workshops.

There are more than a few things that make Lightning in a Bottle unique – they've got a 5k run, a soap box derby race, and even a pots and pans parade. The Compass and Learning Kitchen will host talks by Democracy Now journalist Amy Goodman, medicine woman and sundance chief Carmen Vicente, activist and founder of the Indigenous Environmental Network Tom Goldtooth, and more.

Lightning in a Bottle is a family-friendly event, and includes a family campground for parents and children to camp together and get to know other families in the community. There is also a Kid Zone and Teen Scene, which both include hands-on workshops and art activities.

Tickets, Camping, Parking

Tickets are still available for the festival, but car camping passes are sold out. If you're camping at the festival and do not have a car camping pass, you will park in the general admission parking lot and walk your camping gear into the festival to your camp spot. Camping at the festival is freeform, with the exception of RV camping.

For those with early arrival passes ($75 + fees), you may enter the festival Wednesday – one day before every one else – to snag the best camp spot and enjoy some pre-festival entertainment. If you're heading out to the festival or decide to grab a last minute ticket ($332 + fees), check out the Lightning in a Bottle Pro Camping Packing List here.

Those who purchase last minute tickets will need to pick them up at Will Call, which is near the entrance of the festival.

Gate and Box Office Hours

For those camping on-site, expect a line to enter the festival – there is only one in and out of the festival grounds, so prepare to do a little meditating while you wait. Here are the gate and box office hours to plan accordingly:

• Wednesday 5/23: 11 AM - 11 PM (open to early arrival ticket holders)
• Thursday 5/24: 10 AM - 12 AM (open to the public)
• Friday 5/25: 9 AM - 11 PM
• Saturday 5/26: 10 AM - 10 PM
• Sunday 5/27: 10 AM - 7 PM

Getting There

Lightning in a Bottle is located at 2091 New Pleyto Road Bradley, CA 93426. For those coming from Los Angeles, you can take the I-5 North or the 101 North. From the I-5 North, follow the freeway for about 142 miles to Kern County and take exit 278 for California 46 towards Lost Hills/Paso Robles. Take a sharp left to stay on the CA-46 until you see the ramp onto the US 101 N. Taking a right on Sulphur Springs Rd should get you there. Follow the 101 N to Jolon Road, exit 252. Follow Jolon Road to New Pleyto Road.

From the 101 North, follow it to exit 252 for Jolon Road, and then follow Jolon Road to New Pleyto Road.

If you're coming from San Francisco, drive south on the 101 for about 150 miles down to Jolon Road, then take take the County Hwy-G14/Jolon Road exit, EXIT 283, toward Fort Hunter Liggett. Once you're on Jolon rd, stay on it for 32.6 miles (around 36 minutes without traffic). Be on the look-out for New Pleyto Road, and turn right.

Festival Ethos

Harassment: Lightning in a Bottle has a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment and their on-site safety team is there to support this policy. The festival also discourages wearing headdresses or culturally appropriating costumes of any kind.

Renewable Energy: Lightning in a Bottle reduces as much energy use as possible through energy management initiatives, including investing in LED stage lighting as much as possible, and using compact fluorescent bulbs in all other areas. Where possible, the festival also uses solar lights.

Green Team: The festival's Green Team works to keep the event green and clean, while educating attendees on recycling, composting, and keeping the grounds clean for a greater festival experience.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Lightning in a Bottle website. To listen to the sounds of Lightning in a Bottle 2018, check out the Spotify playlist below:

Festival poster provided by Lightning in a Bottle