Full-System Reset: A Recap of the Sublime 2024 Lightning in a Bottle Festival

by Michael Ryan · Published June 9, 2024

You know when something's just not working properly, and no matter how many times you try to unplug it and plug it back in, or turn it off and back on again, nothing seems to do the trick?

Ultimately, the solution is a full-system reset, wiping the slate clean. But did you know the same can be done with humans, too?

From May 22-27, tens of thousands gathered at the esteemed Lightning in a Bottle festival to reignite that spark within—to harness their own lightning in a bottle, if you will.

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More so than ever before, modern-day society is filled with an excess of distractions. Rampant consumerism, whether it be content or goods and services, spreads our time and attention thin. And we become drained as our inner light dims, or even goes out entirely. This is when we experience burnout if we're not careful.

So what's the solution? It's simple, really. We all need a full-system reset. We need to play and express ourselves unapologetically with no judgements, and music festivals like Lightning in a Bottle are the ideal places.

Who were you before the world told you who to be? Year after year, LIB reminds every attendee, artist, performer and creator of the importance of play, and that it's safe to be your authentic self. All of you is welcome.

EDM.com was onsite to actively participate—and report back on—this year's extraordinary LIB festival, which was chock full of one-of-a-kind activations and standout performances. While this level of diversity can cause reservations to some, it's an opportunity to experience the whimsy and unconventionality of one of the nation's best festivals.

In the music category, some notables include the rising New-Zealand star ASHEZ, who smashed his set at the Stacks on Friday night, followed by an invigorating Skream performance at the Thunder stage. On Saturday, Maddy O'Neal launched us all on a sonic expedition—with a safe landing, we might add—and EDM.com Class of 2024 artist Of The Trees rooted his place in the spotlight with his hypnotic bass and rustling percussion.

Closing out, CloZee surprised us all with a mind-bending, bass-heavy adventure, and Skrillex did what he does best.

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Let's not forget about Skrillex's surprise set at the Stacks on Friday night and RÜFÜS DU SOL (who weren't even on the lineup) gracing us with a surprise sunset performance on Sunday. Both served as a powerful reminder to be open to embracing the unexpected.

With the 21st edition of LIB now in the rearview, you can relive some of your favorite moments with the photo gallery below. If you didn’t make it out this year, here’s your chance to witness a few moments in time captured by the festival's talented media team.

A limited amount of Lightning in a Bottle 2025 pre-sale passes are on sale now. Navigate here for more information.