I’ve heard so much about sidequests and how fun they can be, but I never really had the chance to experience one for myself. That all changed at Lost In Dreams, where I discovered that some of the most memorable festival moments can happen when you step away from the expected path. With the festival being held at LA State Historic Park, a much smaller location with only enough room for two stages, covering the entire grounds was possible within the span of the day.
After developing my own routine when arriving at festivals, I made sure to hit all the activations first before the crowds became too large. The photo opportunities, including the cloud swings and the dream slide shaped like a unicorn head, created the perfect moments to capture and share on Instagram later. There was even an arcade featuring various nostalgic games where festival goers could take a break, reconnect with friends, and enjoy some downtime between sets.
With all my stops complete, it was time to make my way to the dance floor and dive into the pit. Letting the music pull me in, I was immediately greeted by fellow ravers who complimented my attire for the day. Passing out HOT stickers and small plastic amphibians, this is how we show our appreciation for one another during festivals. It is often based on a person’s energy, the way they dance, and the creativity of their outfits. It is how we commune with one another. Not long after, I was pulled into my first ever sidequest with a random duo we met in the pit.
By now, the endorphins had me going and I was ready to ride the wave. I was guided by the “leader” of the group. Let’s just call him “Team Texas.” He gave clear instructions and made us aware that there would be a lot of movement throughout the pit, which meant making our way deeper into the crowd of ravers.
The energy was like nothing I have experienced before. Vibing with others, exchanging social handles, and passing around more stickers and tiny little animals, the connections felt effortless. In moments like these that only last for the weekend, you find yourself hoping to see some of them again. Of course, group selfies were taken. These are the kinds of memories you want to hold onto.
Throughout the day, more and more people invited us to tag along, creating connections that might not happen outside of a festival setting. It made me wonder if day two could live up to the experience I had on the first.
Day two turned out to be more of a free reign day. No side quests, just vibes, dancing, and connecting on the dancefloor with fellow ravers. By the end of the night, I was spent. Overall, I really enjoyed the social aspect. Quick conversations with other festival goers, another stop at the arcade, because how often is there a free arcade at your fingertips? I finished the night at the Vivid stage with Raiden and HYO.
Lost In Dreams may be known for its music, but what stood out most to me was the sense of connection. Whether it was through a side quest, a quick exchange in the crowd, or simply sharing a moment on the dance floor, the experience went beyond the stages.
