Why the Midwest Unites at the Magical Summer Camp Music Festival

by Michael Ryan · Published April 10, 2023

The Illinois festival returns May 26-28 with sets from Excision, Mastodon, Ganja White Night and more.

Summer Camp Music Festival is closer than ever, with the Midwest’s most EDM enthusiasts aching to return for three days and nights of dancing underneath the lush canopies of Three Sisters Park.

Since its launch in 2001, the Chillicothe, Illinois festival has become synonymous with airy fields, magical late-nights and—perhaps most of all—a sense of community. Summer Camp is also renowned for its annual lineups, and their 2023 iteration offers one of the biggest in the festival's history.

But it's not just about the music. A big part of Summer Camp's appeal lies in its memorable onsite experiences, all of which lend credence to the festival's renown as a multi-sensory adventure.

Summer Camp Music Festival.
Austin Friedline

The Illumination Woods is an illusory, experiential art area where attendees can get lost in various installations. The same goes for Summer Camp's "Soulshine Experience," an all-encompassing collection of activities, workshops, live art and more that aims to enhance the social and environmental awareness of the festival's tight-knit community.

Field Day also makes for one of Summer Camp’s most exciting experiences. It's the festival's take on a classic Color Wars tournament where teams battle it out through a number of games and competitions, including tug-of-war, giant Twister, dodgeball and even an eating contest. The Field Day Champions win a celebratory Victory Party at the festival and their team is inscribed on the Summer Camp Cup trophy.

*The Illumination Woods at Summer Camp Music Festival.*
Keith Griner

Now onto the music. Thousands of attendees from across the Midwest will unite to discover and dance to house, bass, bluegrass, funk and more on Summer Camp's exuberant grounds. The massive 2023 Summer Camp lineup features Excision, Ganja White Night, Rusko, Wooli, Green Velvet, Manic Focus, Boogie T and The Sponges, among other can't-miss electronic acts.

This year's fest also boasts high-profile sets from chart-topping heavy metal band Mastodon, esteemed funk quartet Vulfpeck and beloved jam rock band moe. Take a look at the full lineup below.

Summer Camp Music Festival returns May 26-28, 2023. Tickets, camping passes and upgrades are available via the festival’s website.