First-timers and veterans alike flocked together for the fourth installment of Dirtybird Campout West Coast. For this year's festivities, campers travelled to Dirtybird's newest location at the Modesto Reservoir for the festival taking place on October 5-7. Upon arrival on Thursday morning, Early Birds were immediately greeted with high fives and smiles from none other than the boss of Dirtybird himself, Claude VonStroke. Cars and RVs blasted music and buzzed with excitement as they lined up and waited to enter the campgrounds they would call home for the next five days.
To those who have yet to experience Dirtybird Campout, one step inside will have you wondering how you could have possibly missed out on the fun for so long. The atmosphere and energy created at this event are incomparable to any of its kind. Dirtybird Campout creates a magnitude of freedom that allows all campers to wholeheartedly express themselves to the fullest extent without fear of judgment, discrimination, or prejudice. This family of creatives constructs a safe space for individuals to come as they are, embrace themselves, and listen to some amazing music while they're at it.
For the visitors who didn't think that three days of dancing were going to be enough, Dirtybird offered Early Bird arrival on Thursday. On the agenda for those who arrived early was a pre-party at the Bass Lodge, one of Dirtybird Campout's two stages. Campers eagerly gathered to watch performances by Claude VonStroke back to back with Wyatt Marshall, as well as an individual performance by Patrick Topping, a leading figurehead in the world of dance music. These three artists threw down and each set the tone for what the rest of the long, dance-filled weekend would hold.
Over the course of the next three days, high-spirited campers, counselors, and staff all reveled and rejoiced in the colorful world that is Dirtybird Campout. The lineup for this year's celebration brought some fan-favorite Dirtybird players, all throwing down across the festival's two stages. Serving up heaters at the BirdHouse this year were the likes of tech-house leaders Walker & Royce and Fisher, as well as South African favorite, Kyle Watson, and some of electronic music's leading ladies, VNSSA and J.Worra. Over at the Bass Lodge, campers were given a treat with performances from bass music experts Eprom, Ivy Lab, Salva, and Madam X, a gem from the UK, as well as many more.
An unforgettable part of the festivities that also occur during Dirtybird Campout are the games and activities which take place throughout the weekend. Returning this year to stimulate some friendly competition were some Campout classics like Dodgeball and Tug of War. Additionally, thanks to Dirtybird's newest location at the Reservoir, new water activities were added to the roster this year, including a .5k Floatie Race and even fishing-dinner anyone? However, if creativity and relaxation were preferred over competition, there was also Totem Crafting as well as Bead/Friendship Bracelet Making or Birdwatching and Star Gazing, among many other options.
Overall, Dirtybird Campout epitomizes and brings to life everything which Dirtybird works to project through their music, quirky artists, and the humble innovators behind this quickly growing community. Make sure that you put this event on your list for 2019 and come find out how Dirtybird is able to turn thousands of strangers into friends and friends into family in the campgrounds and on the Dirtybird dance floors.