Charlie the Unicorn, the Pearl Necklace pirate ship and the Dirty Beetle were just a few of mystical structures that were part of last weekend's Boogaloo Art Car and Music Festival. This whimsical gathering was organized by a group of burners called the Dirty Beetles. Their aim: to recreate the 'Burning Man vibe' before the burn in September. Together with other art and music collectives, the creative Burning Man community brought their unique, custom-built art cars to activate Orange County's Oak Canyon Park with their magic, laughter and love of all things music.
This year's Boogaloo Festival featured four primary stages: Dirty Beetle’s projection-mapped Beetle Bus, a two-story Charlie the Unicorn car, the Lucid Gardens triangle stage and a live-music stage. Surrounding the festival were unique artists selling their one-of-a-kind art, handmade clothes and jewelry.
Throughout the grounds, you could find many artists visualizing the incredible music through their paintings and artwork. Festival-goers wore silly costumes- some with face and body paint. The safe atmosphere and experimental environment at Boogaloo is something that all should experience to release the creative energy inside each and every one of us.
Lucid Gardens hosted the notorious techno label Minimal Sessions on Friday to curate the lineup for their stage.
The age range at the festival is one of the unique aspects that sets Boogaloo apart from many other festivals. It is heartwarming to see so many parents enjoy this festival with their kids -- many with matching outfits too. Boogaloo has a designated family camping area near the main stages where families with children can have their quiet time after 11 pm when the music stops on the main grounds.
After dark is when the real fun starts. Scattered throughout the rest of the camp grounds are renegade stages that keep the music bumping all night. From an enormous 80-foot pirate ship to a pink fuzzy flamingo sleeping car, this festival had it all.
So many memorable magical moments were made at Boogaloo this year. The loving energy vibrated through everyone as we connected through new friendships, incredible music, vibrant artwork and holistic workshops. Boogaloo 2017 was like that magical, happy dream last night that you want to relive over and over again.
Written by Karen Tang
