Jam Band Meets EDM Magic
#ElectricForestSherwood celebrates Electric Forest Music Festival’s transformation of Rothbury, Michigan woodland into immersive art installation/music festival hybrid (2011-present), blending jam bands, EDM, and forest magic.
Origins & Madison House
Electric Forest evolved from Rothbury Music Festival (2008-2009). Madison House Presents partnered with Insomniac Events to relaunch as Electric Forest (2011), combining:
- Jam bands: String Cheese Incident (festival curators), Bassnectar, Pretty Lights
- EDM: Skrillex, Avicii, Tiësto, Flume
- Art installations: Sherwood Forest’s immersive light/sculpture experiences
Sherwood Forest Experience
The festival’s centerpiece: 40+ acres of forest transformed with:
- Art installations: Interactive sculptures, LED trees, projection mapping
- Secret stages: Hidden DJ sets deep in woods (Tripolee, Observatory, Forest Stage)
- Hammock hangouts: Designated chill zones
- Themed camps: Costume contests, yoga, workshops
- 24-hour music: Forest never sleeps
The “forest family” ethos emphasizes radical inclusion, gifting culture (trading bracelets/pins), and spiritual connection.
Weekend 1 & Weekend 2 (2017-2019)
Due to demand, Electric Forest expanded to two weekends (2017-2019):
- Weekend 1: June 22-25
- Weekend 2: June 29-July 2
- Combined attendance: 80,000+ across both weekends
COVID-19 cancelled 2020-2021; festival returned 2022 as single weekend.
Bassnectar & Jam/EDM Fusion
Bassnectar’s annual curated sets (2011-2019) became festival tradition before his 2020 retirement. His 3-hour journeys epitomized Electric Forest’s genre-blending ethos.
String Cheese Incident plays 2-3 nights every year, closing the festival with sunrise sets.
Cultural Impact
- Attendance: 40,000-50,000 per weekend
- Art installations: Pioneered festival-as-art-experience model
- Jam/EDM fusion: Proved crossover audience existed
- Forest family: Tight-knit community returns annually
- Midwest destination: Put rural Michigan on festival map
- Good Life VIP: Premium camping experience with amenities
Festival Moments
- Bassnectar Freestyle Sessions (2011-2019)
- String Cheese Incident sunrise sets
- Sherwood Forest secret sets (surprise artist performances)
- Observatory stage (360° art/music venue)
- Ranch Arena legacy stage