10 WTF-ONLY OFFERINGS
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY: SHAWN O’LOONEY // ADDITIONAL PHOTOS: DANIEL ZETTERSTROM & AARON GLASSMAN COURTESY OF WHAT THE FESTIVAL
Despite a little bit of moisture in the air, What The Festival was more than a perfect way to spend the summer solstice. A Northwest festival chock-full of family vibes, What the Festival returned to Wolf Run Ranch for its 5th year of magic. Tucked away in the hills of Dufur, Oregon, Tiffany and Glen Boyd were busy building their dream world once again where the Oregon family and extended networks can come together under the sun to be at home for the weekend. Overall, the span of electronic music was excellent, with some funk bands weaved in, representing local Portland talent and global acts. The grounds were populated with art that was truly breathtaking. There is so much to take in on the grounds of What The Festival, that it’s beautifully impossible to experience everything.
Photo: DANIEL ZETTERSTROM COURTESY OF WHAT THE FESTIVAL
Here are the 10 elements that made What The Festival special that were unmissable:
1. THE SPLASH STAGE
The best pool party happens right here in Dufur. Expanding from a two section pool last year to a much larger three section pool this year, vibes were on point, even when it was raining. Anyone who braved the weather on Friday was treated to the delight of a truly special Jai Wolf set. From fully clothed under an umbrella to shirtless dancing festival goers pretending it was 75 and sunny, attendees were out in full force… getting down.
Saturday gave us a very special surprise treat as Splash Stage manager, Kepi, ended up closing out the stage with his perfect poolside tunes – actually a What The Festival producer/DJ veteran since 2012. Sunday brought the sunshine and it gave everyone a chance to go all out with their pool party attires and simply enjoy the heat and the beats. Other amazing poolside sets included Louis The Child (known for “It’s Strange“), Darius, Le Youth and BennyRox. With the Splash Stage being a uniquely special aspect of this festival, all attendees made memories in these waters daily during the weekend experience.