In just a few weeks time, June 10-13, upstate New York’s Bethel Woods – home of the original 1969 Woodstock festival – will host the third annual Mysteryland festival. I’ve had the pleasure of attending the first two years and I’m comfortable saying that MLUSA is the highlight of my festival season. It’s everything you’d want: great people, unbelievable facilities, and amazing production quality.
The folks organizing must have had a busy year – they’ve brought in one of the best lineups of the summer concert circuit with big names and up-and-comers alike. Headliners include Odesza, Skrillex, Bassnectar, Young Thug, The Chainsmokers, Zeds Dead, Griz, and Gramatic. Attendees will also be graced by the presence of Penguin Prison, Claude Vonstroke, Emancipator, Hudson Mohawke, Ryan Helmsworth, Golf Clap, and many more. See below for the full lineup.
The space: For those who haven’t had a chance to make the pilgrimage up to Bethel Woods before, you’re definitely missing out. Massive, grass-covered hills undulate as far as the eye can see. The magic of the original Woodstock festival hangs in the air of each campsite, tent, and stage. It’s unlike any festival space you’ll ever experience. Elaborately crafted stages – including fan favorite “The Boat” – give the weekend the kind of polish you’d hope to see for such awesome acts. This year’s silent disco seems to be even larger than last years – a good thing considering the love everyone had for it last year.
The amenities: I’ve done MLUSA as both an off-site and onsite camper. If you can grab a ticket for onsite camping, you should (and yes, some tickets are still available for doing so!) Showers and bathrooms are relatively easy to access from the “Holy Ground” onsite camping – especially if you sneak in before to avoid the morning rush. Food and drink comes courtesy of some of NYC and the surrounding area’s best vendors. My vegan and veggie friends had no trouble finding what they were looking for, and meat-eaters will too find themselves in BBQ-induced bliss.
Parking and setup: Unlike massive festivals like Bonnaroo, Mysteryland is a pretty simple situation. Driving in you’ll be directed by friendly police officers along to the parking area. After a quick overview by the men and women in blue, you’ll proceed and park in a grassy area about 10-20 minutes from the gate. I highly encourage folks to pack their things on wheeled coolers or handtrucks – it’s no fun hauling everything on your back over grassy footing. There’s also a variety of shuttles from the NYC area if you’re looking to hitch a ride up, too.
As mentioned earlier, you can still snag tickets for most of the offerings. Single day passes run as little as $114 and 3-day on-site camping starts around $300 It’s quite possibly the best deal on the East Coast festival circuit. Click here to see all the options.
Looking forward to seeing all of you there so soon! Year three is shaping up to be the best Mysteryland yet. In the meantime, enjoy this Mysteryland 2016 Spotify playlist!
