W¡!d was started in 2021, at a time when we couldn’t have large indoor parties due to the pandemic, as a way to safely gather with friends.
It is now an annual opportunity to rest, laugh, dance, get outside, share our art, and foster community. W¡!d is a space for exploring and expanding, for seeing old friends and making new ones, and for appreciating the miracle of nature.
Whether you’re new to camping, unsure about dancing, or a seasoned woodland creature, you are welcome here. Come as you are, leave the rest in LA.
W¡!d 2024:
2pm Thurs. July 4 – Noon Sun. July 7
This year 4th of July is on a Thursday.
So call in sick on Friday, July 5, 2024. Get out of town and away from the noise /air pollution on the Fourth of July holiday weekend and come camp, dance, and recharge your soul in the forest
In a year will you be glad you worked that one extra Friday? Or will you fondly recall that long weekend you danced in the woods with the coolest, kindest weirdos in LA?
We plan to watch the 4th of July fireworks over the San Bernadino Valley from Beeks’ Rocks (pictured below).
As always W¡!d is a sober-safe place. If you don’t partake, no one will pressure you. Many of us are fully or partially sober, and many are not.
DJ Handsome Mike will be spinning tunes throughout the weekend. As well as special guests: TBA
We will also have yard games and some instructor-led mountain yoga.
If you would like to contribute some supplies or services, a performance, communal food, or whatever your art is, please text Joe to coordinate.
Some ideas/ things we’d like to source: battery packs, karaoke, projector, more lights/ lasers, photo-booth/ someone (with a flash) taking photos…
If you are new to camping or are missing some gear, reach out. Someone in the community will be able to help cover your needs.
That’s what its all about, making art with your friends. – Sara
If you’re able to help cover campsite costs please Venmo around $30 to Joe @jschmitz
(last year donations only covered 30% of the cost so it would greatly appreciated, however there is no obligatory charge as its important that money never be a barrier to nature and connection.)
DO NOT BRING ANY FIREWORKS!
Pray to the forest and rain gods that we’ll be allowed to have a camp fire again this year, but as always the word of the Forest Service is final say. We will NOT be the next gender reveal forest fire headline.
If you are so inclined, costumes & festival attire are highly encouraged. Dress up, embrace play, get weird. As our dear friend Nick Street would say, “Whimsy makes life better.”
“Rules”:
be kind
have fun
leave no trace (“Take only pictures, leave only footprints.”)
take care of yourself, those around you, and the land under you
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If you want to bring some new friends, its probably fine but please confirm with Joe first. When thinking about someone to invite the considerations are: uncommonly kind, wildly responsible, and judiciously rowdy. Its important this space feels inclusive, kind, uncrowded, and safe for all to be/ express themselves.
Carpooling is HIGHLY recommended if you can manage it.
Would also recommend leaving by noon or risking heavy traffic —
If you would like to offer a ride or are looking for a ride, please let Joe know.
