🎉 Festival Rundown: July 18 – 20
Beats, Bikes & Buds
We’re knee-deep in the sweaty middle of summer, and the festival calendar has absolutely no plans of letting up. If the first half of July had you dipping your toes into the scene, this back-half is cannonballing in with tattoos, techno, two-step, and THC all included.
This week’s Festival Rundown takes you coast to coast and underground to Redwoods with five absolute units of events: from Secret Dreams’ mind-expanding installations to Rock Fest’s mosh pit mayhem, the National Cannabis Festival’s mellow activism, Inkcarceration’s haunted headbanging, and Northern Nights’ river-lounge raving.
Whether you’re packing your cooler or your rolling tray (or both), we’ve got the tips, vibes, lineups, and product picks to keep your fest game locked. Let’s dig in.
🌌 Secret Dreams Music & Arts Festival 2025
📍 Legend Valley, Thornville, OH
🗓️ July 17–19. Gate times: Wednesday (Early Arrival) 12:00pm – 10:00pm. Thursday 10:00am continuously through Friday 11:59pm. Saturday 10:00am – 9:00pm.
History & Vibe:
Secret Dreams is a multi-genre music and arts festival that brings together a dream-worthy lineup in a space transformed by an unbelievable community of artists. It’s a haven for dreamers, jammers, bass enthusiasts, and creatives.
2025 Lineup Highlights:
Headliners include Pretty Lights, Tipper, and Of The Trees. Additional artists scheduled to perform are Mary Droppinz, Mickman, Yheti, Alix Perez, Truth, Dogs In A Pile, Lespecial, The Floozies, Dr. Fresch, and Opiuo.
Unique Experiences:
- Immersive Art Installations: Explore a space transformed by a growing community of artists.
- Workshops & Activities: Participate in various workshops that cater to creatives and enthusiasts alike.
- Community Vibe: Join a bold community of dreamers and artists in a collaborative environment.
First-Timer Tips:
- Stay Hydrated: Bring a reusable water bottle to stay refreshed.
- Comfortable Attire: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for dancing and exploring.
- Engage with the Community: Don’t hesitate to participate in workshops and meet fellow attendees.
Why It Stands Out:
Secret Dreams offers a unique blend of music and art, creating an immersive experience that fosters community and creativity.
Product Pick:
Moon Mat – Keep your legs fresh and free to dance and explore.
🤘 Rock Fest Wisconsin 2025
📍 Chippewa Valley Festival Grounds, Cadott, WI
🗓️ July 17–19. Camping/Main Gate times: Sunday (July 13) 10:00am – 6:00pm. Mon – Tues 12:00pm – 8:00pm. Wed 9:00am – duration of festival open 24/7.
Concert gates open: Wed 5:00pm. Thurs, Fri, Sat 11:00am.
History & Vibe:
Rock Fest is the largest rock and camping event in the U.S., featuring over 80 bands across five stages. It’s a haven for rock enthusiasts seeking high-energy performances and a vibrant camping community.
2025 Lineup Highlights:
Headliners include Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, and Bad Omens. The festival will showcase a blend of iconic headliners and emerging talent, with 26 national acts performing at the festival for the first time.
Unique Experiences:
- WFC Kickboxing Tournament: Experience the adrenaline-pumping action of a kickboxing tournament featuring over 100 fighters on-site.
- Camping Community: Join a community of rock fans in one of the 7,500 campsites available.
- Multiple Stages: Enjoy performances across five stages, ensuring non-stop rock music.
First-Timer Tips:
- Ear Protection: Bring earplugs to protect your hearing during loud performances.
- Stay Cool: Pack a portable fan or cooling towel to beat the summer heat.
- Plan Ahead: Review the lineup and schedule to catch your favorite bands.
Why It Stands Out:
Rock Fest offers an unparalleled rock music experience, combining legendary performances with a vibrant camping atmosphere.
Product Pick:
Vibes Hi-Fi Earplugs – Keep your ears safe without drowning out the music with a great pair of Hi-Fidelity earplugs.
🌿 National Cannabis Festival 2025
📍 RFK Festival Grounds, Washington, D.C.
🗓️ July 18–19. Gates open Friday 4:00pm – 11:00pm and Saturday 2:00pm – 11:00pm. Early entry and VIP guests can get in an hour early.
History & Vibe:
The National Cannabis Festival celebrates the end of marijuana prohibition with a full day of music, food, culture, and activism. It’s a gathering for cannabis enthusiasts, advocates, and music lovers.
2025 Lineup Highlights:
Performances by Big Boi on July 18 and Three 6 Mafia and Ty Dolla $ign on July 19.
Unique Experiences:
- Exhibitor Fair: Explore a diverse range of cannabis-related products and services.
- Munchies Zone: Satisfy your cravings with a variety of food options.
- Educational Sessions: Participate in discussions on cannabis policy, culture, and wellness.
First-Timer Tips:
- Valid ID: Ensure you have a valid ID for entry and age verification.
- Stay Informed: Attend educational sessions to learn about cannabis advocacy and policy.
- Comfortable Footwear: Wear shoes suitable for walking and standing throughout the day.
Why It Stands Out:
The National Cannabis Festival uniquely blends music, education, and activism, creating a comprehensive celebration of cannabis culture.
Product Pick:
Clear Drawstring Backpack – Keep your essentials organized and accessible during the festival.
🏰 Inkcarceration Festival 2025
📍 Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield, OH
🗓️ July 18–20. Gates open at 11:00am daily. Music goes til around 11:00pm.
History & Vibe:
Inkcarceration combines rock and metal music with tattoo culture, set against the historic backdrop of the Ohio State Reformatory. It’s a unique festival experience for music and tattoo enthusiasts.
2025 Lineup Highlights:
Headliners include Slipknot, Falling In Reverse, and Five Finger Death Punch. The festival features over 60 rock and metal bands, including Lamb of God, Acid Bath, Knocked Loose, and Three Days Grace.
Unique Experiences:
- Tattoo Artists: Over 100 tattoo artists available for on-site sessions.
- Haunted Attractions: Explore haunted attractions within the historic prison.
- Music & Tattoo Fusion: Experience a festival that seamlessly blends music and tattoo culture.
First-Timer Tips:
- Booking Tattoos: Schedule tattoo appointments in advance to secure your spot.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle to stay refreshed during performances.
- Explore the Venue: Take time to explore the historic reformatory and its attractions.
Why It Stands Out:
Inkcarceration offers a distinctive combination of live music and tattoo artistry, set within a historic and atmospheric venue.
Product Pick:
Crowd Compass – Getting inked on-site can split up groups. Keep tabs on your friends’ location when the cell service drops out with one of our favorite festival innovations.
🌲 Northern Nights Music Festival 2025
📍 Cook’s Valley Campground, Piercy, CA
🗓️ July 18–20. Gates open from 10:00am – 10:00pm each day.
History & Vibe:
Northern Nights is a boutique music festival that combines music, cannabis culture, and wellness in the heart of the California Redwoods. It’s a celebration of music, art, and community.
2025 Lineup Highlights:
Headliners include Jungle (DJ Set), Zeds Dead, Aluna, Justin Martin, Levity, and Walker & Royce. Additional artists include Ardalan, N808, Mz Worthy, DJ Rundat, Beat Kitty, Luna Assassin, Life On Planets, Deron Delgado, Sacha Robotti, and Urn.
Unique Experiences:
- River Stage: Enjoy performances while floating on the river.
- Tree Lounge: Experience the first-ever cannabis dispensary and consumption lounge at a music festival.
- Wellness Activities: Participate in yoga, meditation, and other wellness-focused activities.
First-Timer Tips:
- Eco-Friendly Gear: Bring sustainable and reusable items to minimize environmental impact.
- Stay Connected: Download the festival app for schedules and updates.
- Explore Nature: Take time to appreciate the natural beauty of the Redwoods.
Why It Stands Out:
Northern Nights uniquely integrates music, nature, and cannabis culture, offering a holistic and immersive festival experience.
Product Pick:
Baja Sweatshirt – Bring a stylish extra layer for when the night time temperature drops.
🎤 Wrapping Up: The Mid-July Madness
From psychedelic river floats to tattoo-fueled mosh pits, July’s second half is coming in hot, and we mean raging-bonfire-during-a-heatwave hot. Whether you’re headbanging in a haunted prison, two-stepping in the Badlands, or vibing under the redwoods with a joint in one hand and a crystal in the other, one thing’s for sure: this stretch of summer is stacked with soul-filling, story-worthy, “did-that-just-happen?” experiences.
What ties these wildly different fests together? A shared mission to bring people together under the banner of art, music, and fully letting go. So pack your Clutchloop, grab your Baja, and charge that phone, July isn’t slowing down for anyone.
See you in the crowd, legends.
☮️💚🅱️
