I got to spend 3 Days dancing to my favorite music with my Oregon Festie Bestie and my oldest/dearest friend in my favorite city! If I had to relive one day of my life over and over again a la Groundhogs day, it would be Saturday June 10, 2017. I’m pretty sure my heart exploded multiple times from sheer joy and unadulterated happiness. 

These two = my heart. 

Before we delve into the highlight reel too deeply – Spring Awakening, aka React, has got to do something about water next year. Endless lines, low water pressure, expensive bottles of water for sale in scorching hot weather is inhumane. 

And now- the Highlights & Tips: 

DON’T do Surge rates: walk into Pilsen, eat some dank tacos, try the Ramen spot, get drinks, hang out. Pilsen is such a great neighborhood and it’s a bonus that you can walk right up the street into it from Spring Awakening. Once you’ve eaten and relaxed those Uber rates will be lower and traffic less crazy. 

DO support the neighbors: the folks living around the park were selling cold water, sodas, snacks etc. make sure you have cash so you can hit them up before going in to the festival. 

Trust the vibe: The lineup was bonkers. I wanted to clone myself and be at every stage, but after chasing headliners for a few hours I realized that it was better to stick around one stage, make friends, and really soak in every minute I had with my favorite people. 

DIPLO. I don’t care. Overhyped. Whatever. Diplo made me dance like a crazy person and I will always adore him. 

On a personal note, I encourage everyone to leave room in your lives for old friends to re-enter and surprise you. If you had told me 17 Years ago that I would one day be dancing my ass off in dreads and tie-dye next to this character, I’d never have believed you. What an unexpected gift to add new layers to a friendship that has already weathered so much, and to see new friends and old friends also become best friends. *heart explosions*