Where can you find a weekend of games, sports, swimming, crafts, culture, and music?

No, it is not your 6th grade sleep away camp your mom shipped you off to ages ago.

That summer is long gone, it is time to stop living in the past. It is time to be an adult, which means camp is out of the question… or does it?

Believe it or not, none other than Modesto, California is the destination to fulfill all your adult summer camp dreams and relive moments of pure childish joy from before ‘adulting’ was even a concept you had to wrap your head around. From October 4th to 6th at the Modesto Reservoir Campgrounds, Dirtybird will be hosting its annual campout, which has a reputation for being the summer camp of an adults dreams. The festival aims to have campers feeling nostalgic about those warm summer days on the lake while immersing themselves in an inspiring realm of top-notch, music, art, culture, and most importantly, community.

With two stages of music, as well as an escapade stage, there is always something to do and somewhere to be. The largest stage, the Birdhouse stage, is a destination for those seeking their house and techno fix, while the Bass Lodge features an array of of bass music, drum and bass, and more. The Bass Lodge is also where campers can get busy on the dance floor after the Birdhouse comes to a close in an after-hours silent disco experience. Each stage is stacked with an incredible lineup ranging from chart-topping well-known artists in the electronic music industry to lesser-known acts that will broaden your musical horizons and make you wish you had known about that artist all along. Whether you are out to see big names or learn some new ones, you are sure to be blown away by the abundance of talent playing this year.

If your feet are hurting and your ears have had their thumbing bass fix, head on over to the third stage, Claude’s Cabin, where there will be a plethora of events and activities for campers to indulge in throughout the weekend. Events include — but are most certainly not limited to — comedy shows, speed dating, and whatever else campers care to come up with. You heard that right, here at Dirtybird Campout, the campers make the campout. Your weekend is in your hands.

Unlike most festival experiences, campers are highly encouraged to not just enjoy the experience, but be an active part of it. This is why there are not only chances to see some of the best talent out there, but perform and show off your talents as well. Dirtybird strives to provide campers with the opportunity to have an incredible weekend, but it is up to the individuals within the community to join together and take full advantage of this giant celebration of life, love, and the music that brings us together.

Here at camp, your weird is not just endured, it is welcome. Bring your quirks, your kinks, your whackiest fits, your dancing shoes, your biggest smiles, and most importantly, an open mind. This experience is meant to be more than your average music festival, it is a place for like-minded individuals to gather together in a communal setting to spread positivity, express themselves, and pursue their creative endeavors.

Forget the unfortunate realities of everyday life — the hustle, the bustle, and the struggle — you are at camp now. Leave your worries at the door and get your feet moving on the dance floor. The time is now to move and groove and relish in this incredible community of campmates Dirtybird has brought together from across the planet. Here, the kids at heart can unleash that inner child, unapologetically and enthusiastically.

So pack your sleeping bag and don’t forget that toothbrush — camp is almost in session.

For more information on the festival, as well as to purchase tickets, visit the official Dirtybird website here.

Jovi Vella and Max Chacon are Cal Poly students and KCPR staff members. They wrote the article. Featured image credit to Get Tiny.