Set against a whimsical backdrop, the festival embraced the small and intimate nature of FWB, offering a truly unique and immersive journey into a harmonious blend of art and innovation. Talk of Web3, crypto, and recycling spread from formally programmed events to hammocks and picnic tables, where attendees lounged, sipping from reusable water bottles — which they were given if they didn’t have already. These blockchain nerds are also finding ways to fight climate change — hopefully Greta Thunberg gets the invite for next year…
What immediately struck me upon entering the Idyllwild Arts Academy was the communal atmosphere, reminiscent of Warped Tour in the early aughts, where only two stages were set up on opposite ends of an Orange County athletic field. Safe enough to meet a hundred strangers, and maybe make your new best friend, FWB deliberately limited the size of the gathering to help forge genuine connections and engage on a deeper level with one another in what felt like a summer camp simulation for adults looking to revisit those fleeting junior high vibes. If you’re reading this, mark my words: It won’t stay this cool forever.
What truly set FWB Fest apart, though, was the pool party, replete with smash burgers and lectures that I personally couldn’t sit still for. These little details made all the difference — a true testament to the power of intimacy and innovation. By bringing together music, technology, and a close-knit community, the festival succeeded in creating an experience that was not only captivating but also deeply meaningful. As the last notes faded and the event came to a close, I realized that I had only narrowly dodged a macro dose of mushroom tea, but I have a feeling many others didn’t, and were surely elevated to a higher frequency that could only have been magical.