The Happy Castle Art Festival
THREE DAYS IN THE DESERT
The Happy Castle Art Festival is an immersive, multi-day event celebrating creativity, community, and self-expression in the heart of the New Mexico desert. Over the course of three days, guests will explore interactive art installations, enjoy live performances, and experience the magic of radical self-sufficiency. This festival is more than just a party—it’s a chance to connect with others, engage with the land, and contribute to something greater.
Our vision is to merge past, present, and future into a holistic celebration of human expression. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or this is your first time, you’ll find something to inspire and excite you at Happy Castle. From hands-on workshops to large-scale art installations and themed performances, each moment is crafted to challenge perceptions and inspire joy. Our off-grid, eco-conscious commune creates a sustainable and welcoming environment where creativity flourishes, community thrives, and everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves.
Planning Ahead for the Perfect Festival Experience
Gates, will-call, exits, attractions, camping.
Ethos, Culture, and Atmosphere.
The Happy Castle Art Festival is the main-attraction of the Happy Castle experience. For three days, the intention is to create a sense of permanence, a community with a home. that can grow, put down roots, and build a lasting legacy of self-sufficiency, community, ecology, and creativity. Unlike other festivals which spring up and dismantle every year, Happy Castle doesn't just seek to create a three-day experience for our people, but a permanent place for them to gather, connect, and create.
Our attendees are more than a product, they're supporters, collaborators, and partners. All proceeds from our Art Festival are reinvested into Happy Castle. When you own apiece of it. They join the commune, they build the campground, make the art, the grow the farm. They invest in the idea that community can thrive outside the establishment order, that people can live connected, sustainably, freely, and communally. Plus, its a great time.
Three Days in the Desert
The Experience of A Lifetime, Over and Over
Each Day of our three-day Art Festival represents a different step in our shared journeys of transformation and self-discovery. The Past. The Present. And the Future.
DAY ONE
The Past
DAY TWO
The Present
DAY THREE
The Future
On Day One we celebrate our past; the things we've done, the people we've met, and the choices we've made that have led us here. Everything that made us who we are today. We forgive ourselves for our mistakes and express the deepest gratitude for our wisdom.
On Day Two we embrace/emobody the Present moment. The people we're with, the environment we inhabit, and the feelings we're experiencing. We become fully aware of our own temporary existence and bask in it . We reflect on and accept our own temporality. This is the essence of life.
On Day Three we embrace in the Future and all it's possibilities. We commit to growing, changing, learning and loving. We trust in the Love and Direction of the universe. We set our intentions and manifest our destinies.
Happy Castle Art Festival
culture and ethos
The ethos and culture of Happy Castle Art Festivals are rooted in a deep commitment to radical self-expression, inclusion, participation, community, and environmental consciousness. At its core, the festival is a celebration of creativity in all its forms, where art is not just something to observe but to experience, interact with, and contribute to.
From massive, climbable installations to intimate workshops, everything at Happy Castle is designed to foster connection and collaboration. Inclusivity is paramount—whether you're an artist, a performer, or simply an admirer of beauty, you're invited to be an active participant. This is a space where everyone’s voice matters, and every contribution, no matter how big or small, is valued as part of the collective experience.
The festival thrives on the principle of shared responsibility, where self-reliance and communal support coexist in perfect harmony. Attendees are encouraged to bring their authentic selves, to give, to receive, and to take care of one another. Love, respect, and empathy permeate every interaction, creating a warm, welcoming environment where all are free to explore and express their true selves. At the same time, environmental stewardship is central to the Happy Castle ethos—leaving no trace and respecting the fragile desert ecosystem are essential to the festival’s mission. In this vibrant, self-sustaining oasis, the festival offers not just an escape from the ordinary, but a glimpse into a more connected, conscious, and creative way of living.
How We Roll at Happy Castle
At Happy Castle, we live by a few key principles that make the experience magical for everyone:
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Respect the Space: The desert is fragile, and we take great care to protect it. Follow our "leave no trace" policy by packing out everything you bring with you and being gentle on the landscape.
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Participate & Collaborate: This festival is about more than just spectating. Get involved—join a workshop, help build an installation, pick up a shift, dress up, or share your skills and talents. The more you put in, the more you’ll get out of it.
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Look Out for Each Other: The community atmosphere is strong here, and that means looking out for your fellow festival-goers. Share resources, offer a hand, and spread kindness.
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Be Safe: Nothing ruins a good time like someone getting hurt or endangering others. From fire art and alcohol to cacti and wildlife, there's lots to be mindful of. Don't put yourself in a bad situation and be proactive about your safety.
The Stage of Life
Discover Yourself at Happy Castle
At the Happy Castle Art Festival, you are the festival. Each day is filled with curated spaces and activities that encourage interaction, exploration, and expression, but ultimately, the experience is what you make it. Unlike traditional festivals that rely on headline performers or fixed schedules, Happy Castle doesn't book acts, rather it serves as a platform for all artists, creatives, and dreamers to share their talents with a community of like-minded individuals.
Our space is intentionally designed to foster connection and creativity. Communal fire pits, dome villages, shared campsites, and open courtyards provide opportunities for spontaneous gatherings and conversations. Human-scale art installations, like the Pyramid of the Sun and the Labyrinth, invite you to explore both your surroundings and your inner world. The festival layout itself is a canvas for your imagination.
But more than any installation or planned event, it's the people—you—who truly bring the festival to life. Whether it’s through your unique costumes, impromptu performances, collaborative art, or simply your presence and energy, each attendee plays a role in shaping the atmosphere and culture of Happy Castle. The festival becomes an organic, evolving expression of the people who are there.
Over time, our goal is to nurture a festival culture that emphasizes connection, intimacy, authenticity, and presence. The environment we’re building at Happy Castle is meant to inspire those interactions, but the magic really happens when you bring your full self to the experience. So whether you're an artist, performer, builder, or just someone eager to engage, you are the true architect of the Happy Castle Art Festival. Come as you are, and together, we’ll create something extraordinary.
The Art
COMMUNAL CAMPFIRES
Throughout the Happy Castle campground, hundreds of communal campfires burn brightly, each offering its own unique atmosphere and inviting festival-goers to connect in meaningful ways. These fires are scattered across the grounds, ranging in size and design, creating spaces where attendees can gather, relax, and share in the collective energy of the festival. Each campfire takes on a life of its own, becoming a micro-community within the larger festival. Some may feature intimate storytelling sessions, where guests share personal tales or meaningful experiences under the stars. Others may become the site of impromptu cookouts, with groups coming together to prepare meals and exchange recipes. As the night deepens, some fires might invite more free-spirited expressions, such as naked dances or spontaneous music-making, allowing festival-goers to shed their inhibitions and connect with others through pure, unfiltered self-expression. The beauty of these campfires is that no two are the same, and attendees are encouraged to wander from fire to fire, discovering the space that resonates with their personal sense of connection and community. Whether you're seeking a quiet conversation, a place to reflect, or a lively celebration, there’s a fire for everyone. These communal spaces serve as the heartbeat of the campground, reflecting the festival’s spirit of participation, inclusion, and shared creativity. They foster an environment where festival-goers are not passive spectators but active contributors, shaping their experience and forging deep connections with their fellow attendees. The communal campfires at Happy Castle are more than just a source of warmth—they are spaces of unity, spontaneity, and shared human experience. Each fire becomes a hub of interaction, inviting people from all walks of life to gather, create, and leave their unique mark on the festival’s evolving narrative.
Designing for Participation and Connection.
Deep in the Happy Castle Art Festival lies the Drum Circle, a specially designed acoustic haven where the power of rhythm brings people together in joyful expression and spontaneous collaboration. This vibrant building, filled with a diverse array of drums from around the world, invites guests to immerse themselves in the transformative experience of collective music-making. From the very first day until the final night, the Drum Circle remains a continuous, evolving soundscape of collaboration and creative expression. The beauty of the Drum Circle lies in its ever-evolving nature. As guests wander in and out during the three-day festival, the rhythm never stops as newcomers join the ongoing rhythm beat to the sound of their own drum. As the crowd shifts and new hands take to the drums, the rhythm evolves, building and blending with every participant’s energy and talent. No matter where you enter the circle, you’ll find yourself swept into a wave of sound that transcends individual contributions, fostering a sense of unity and deep connection. Each moment is a unique collaboration, where different rhythms blend and weave together, creating a sense of unity and connection among all who partake. Throughout the festival, the drumbeats ripple out into the festival grounds, inviting all who hear them to come closer, join in the shared experience, and express themselves through music. From intimate daytime sessions to late-night bursts of energy, the drum circle is alive with possibilities, representing the festival’s core values of participation, self-expression, and community. It’s a place where individual voices are woven into a larger tapestry, and where the simple act of drumming together can create profound moments of shared human experience. Whether you come to play or to listen, the Drum Circle offers an unforgettable encounter with the universal language of rhythm. As the festival unfolds, so too does the evolving sound of the Drum Circle, reminding us of the joy, connection, and magic that can be found when we come together in the spirit of collaboration.
DRUM CIRCLE
COLLECTIVE CLOSET
At the Happy Castle Art Festival, we embrace the spirit of self-expression, creativity, and sustainability through the Costume Collective—a unique interactive installation that encourages attendees to share their festival fashion in a communal wardrobe experience. Festivals are renowned for fostering vibrant and eclectic fashion styles, where attendees showcase their creativity through costumes and outfits that reflect their individuality. However, many of these unique pieces often find themselves relegated to the back of a closet after the festival ends, never to be worn again. The Costume Collective aims to change that narrative by creating a dynamic, living, breathing wardrobe that invites festival-goers to leave behind unwanted clothing or discover something new. This ever-changing collection serves as a communal closet, where creativity meets sustainability, and the spirit of festival fashion is born from the collective. The Costume Collective thrives on the exchange of garments, where festival attendees can freely give or take from the selection of outfits, costumes, and accessories that have been gathered over time. From elaborate costumes to simple pieces, each item tells a story, and the Collective grows richer with every contribution. As participants wander through, they are invited to swap out their own festival attire or uncover something new to wear, allowing them to express themselves in fresh and exciting ways. Throughout the three-day festival, the Costume Collective becomes a hub of transformation and self-expression. Whether you're searching for something bold and eccentric or just need an extra layer for a chilly desert night, you'll find the Collective brimming with possibilities. Festival-goers don new looks, creating a visual tapestry of color and style that reflects the spirit of the event. More than just a place to find clothes, the Costume Collective is a celebration of the festival's ethos—one of sharing, sustainability, and creative expression. It fosters a sense of community and connection, as each item of clothing carries with it the essence of its previous wearer, containing a story or memory of a moment shared at Happy Castle. By promoting the concept of leaving clothing behind, we advocate for sustainability and reduce waste. Instead of letting beautiful garments collect dust, attendees can pass on their unique pieces to future festival-goers, ensuring that the cycle of creativity continues year after year. Over the years, this shared resource will grow into a dynamic festival tradition, reflecting the diverse styles and identities of those who participate in the festival and offering a playful and eco-friendly alternative to fast fashion while embodying the joy of collaboration that lies at the very heart of the Happy Castle experience.
THE LABYRINTH
At the edge of Happy Castle lies The Labyrinth, a sprawling, acre-wide maze that invites festival-goers to lose themselves in its winding paths, hidden alcoves, and unexpected turns. Designed as both a physical and metaphorical journey, The Labyrinth is an interactive art installation that reflects the twists and turns of life, offering a space for reflection, discovery, and adventure. Each pathway within the maze leads to a new experience—whether it's stumbling upon an intimate art piece, a small gathering of fellow explorers, or a quiet place to pause and reflect. As you wander through, the world outside fades away, and you become immersed in the present moment, focused on navigating the maze’s intricacies. The Labyrinth is more than just a challenge of direction; it's a symbolic journey that invites you to confront your inner landscapes. Just as life’s path is rarely linear, The Labyrinth's winding routes mirror the complexity of our personal and collective journeys. Along the way, you might discover hidden messages left by other participants, personal notes, or tokens that add to the maze’s evolving story. As day turns to night, The Labyrinth takes on a new dimension, with soft lights guiding the way and shadows deepening the sense of mystery. Whether you explore alone or with friends, the experience shifts and evolves with each trip, inviting you to return again and again, discovering new aspects of both the maze and yourself. The Labyrinth at Happy Castle is more than just a puzzle to be solved; it’s an invitation to wander, to reflect, and to connect with the experience of being present in the moment. With every step, you are reminded of the festival's core values of exploration, self-expression, and the unexpected joys that come from the journey rather than the destination.
THE PYRAMID OF THE SUN
Towering over the desert landscape, The Pyramid of the Sun is a monumental, climbable art installation that serves as both a symbol of human ambition and a focal point for the festival’s energy. This 100-foot-tall pyramid invites attendees to ascend its steps, offering a physical and spiritual journey toward the sky while connecting with the earth beneath their feet. The Pyramid of the Sun draws inspiration from ancient structures, evoking a sense of timelessness and the sacred, but it also functions as a living, interactive piece of art. Its towering presence calls participants to engage with it, whether through climbing to its summit, meditating on its tiers, or simply marveling at its scale and geometry. As you ascend, each level offers new perspectives—of the festival grounds below, the desert horizon stretching outwards, and the sun casting shadows across the landscape. At the summit, festival-goers are greeted with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Happy Castle Art Camp, a reminder of the vastness of the desert and the community gathered below. It’s a space for contemplation, celebration, and connection—a vantage point where attendees can reflect on the festival experience, exchange words with fellow climbers, or simply take in the spectacle of the sun as it rises or sets. By day, The Pyramid of the Sun is a gathering place for adventurers and those seeking a deeper connection with their surroundings. By night, it transforms, illuminated by soft lighting and casting long, dramatic shadows across the desert. It becomes a backdrop for spontaneous performances, gatherings, and quiet moments of reflection under the stars. More than just a physical structure, The Pyramid of the Sun embodies the spirit of the festival: a place where individuals come together to rise above the ordinary, to reflect on their journeys, and to connect with something larger than themselves. Whether climbing its heights or simply admiring it from afar, the pyramid invites you to look both outward and inward, offering an experience that is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.
FUNDING THE FUTURE OF HAPPY CASTLE
Building the Commune One Ticket at a Time
At Happy Castle, the festival is more than just a celebration of art, music, and community—it’s the lifeblood of our vision. Every dollar raised through festival tickets, merchandise, and donations goes directly back into the growth and development of our commune. From the ground up, the Happy Castle community is built through the contributions of those who believe in a different way of living: one that embraces sustainability, creativity, and self-sufficiency.
The money generated by the festival funds the construction of essential infrastructure such as Superadobe Earthbag domes, renewable energy systems, water collection and purification methods, permaculture gardens, and large-scale community art installations. Your support directly helps build homes, create sustainable solutions, and fund the shared spaces that make Happy Castle a reality.
In addition to physical structures, the festival also supports our workshops and educational programs, ensuring that Happy Castle becomes a hub for learning and personal growth. Whether it’s teaching sustainable construction techniques, desert gardening, or conflict resolution, the funds we raise enable us to provide these experiences to a wider community, sharing knowledge and empowering others to pursue their own creative and ecological dreams.
Your participation in the festival doesn’t just give you an unforgettable experience—it’s an investment in building a thriving, off-grid, and environmentally sustainable village in the desert. With your help, we’re not just funding a festival, we’re funding a future where community, art, and sustainability lead the way.
Everything
you need to Know
to make the Most of
Your Festival Experience
Desert survival tips
The desert is magical, but it’s also unpredictable. Here’s how to stay cool, hydrated, and comfortable so you can fully enjoy the adventure:
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Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: The dry desert air can sneak up on you. Bring plenty of water—aim for at least a gallon per day—and keep sipping!
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Pack for All Weather: Days are sunny and hot, but nights get cool fast. Bring lightweight clothes for the day (think breathable, natural fabrics) and cozy layers for the evening. Occasionally we even get rain. While we hope rain doesn’t crash our festival, be prepared to go with it just in case.
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Protect Your Skin: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are your best friends. We love the sun, but we love our skin even more!
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Desert-Ready Footwear: The ground’s rocky, sandy, and uneven. A good pair of sturdy boots or comfortable walking shoes will make all the difference.
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Eco-Friendly Essentials: Help us keep the desert beautiful by minimizing waste. Bring reusable water bottles, utensils, and gear. Remember, it’s all about leaving no trace!
The Campground
Our space is intentionally designed to foster connection and creativity. Communal fire pits, dome villages, shared campsites, and open courtyards provide opportunities for spontaneous gatherings and conversations. Human-scale art installations, like the Pyramid of the Sun and the Labyrinth, invite you to explore both your surroundings and your inner world. The festival layout itself is a canvas for your imagination.
amenities
At our first Happy Castle Art Festival, we’re excited to offer a range of basic amenities that will make your desert experience comfortable while staying true to the off-grid, eco-conscious spirit of our community.
Expect shaded communal areas where you can relax, recharge, and connect with fellow festival-goers under the desert sun. We’re also building eco-friendly bathrooms to make your stay more comfortable and sustainable. While the space is still growing, we’ll have a few vendors onsite offering food and supplies—though keep in mind, resources will be limited, and we encourage you to bring what you need. Water will be scarce, so packing enough to stay hydrated is essential!
This first festival marks the beginning of something incredible, with each future event adding new layers of infrastructure and magic. As we grow, so will the amenities, making every experience richer while holding onto the intimacy and DIY spirit that makes Happy Castle so special. For now, come prepared, stay open, and get ready to be part of something truly unique!
campsites and domes
open camping
Roll in, park your ride, and set up your temporary desert home. Except for special designated areas, like Staff, Artist, and VIP Campgrounds, campsites are on a first come first serve basis and basically free-roam. Find an area you like anywhere inside the campground and set up your camp. Check out our Campground Districts if you want a camping experience more tailored to your specific preferences. You’ll have access to communal areas, composting toilets, and other amenities. Just remember to bring your camping essentials (tent, sleeping bag, food, and all the fixings).
domes
Want to take it up a notch? Some festivalgoers will choose to stay in one of our cozy, sustainable, dome homes. These eco-friendly dwellings are perfect if you’re looking for a unique, comfortable festival experience and extra amenities like lights, shade, and power. If you purchased a dome, you'll be given a corresponding number. This is your address. Use the Campground Map or ask the Info Dome for information on how to find your cabin.
campground map
A complete campground map which includes the locations of Dome Cabins, Staff and Artist campgrounds, and other festival structures hasn't been published yet. A finalized map depends largely on the outcome of our Kickstarter Campaign since it will determine which infrastructure we can build. However, the map below does show the general layout of roadways and largescale art installations.
Box Office and Will Call
I pledged the Kickstarter. Now what?
The only way to get a ticket to our first Art Festival is by backing our Kickstarter Campaign. A single Festival Ticket is just $25, but don't forget to check out our other Reward Tiers. Depending on the Reward Tier you select, you will either receive a General Admission, VIP, or Lifetime Entry Wristband delivered through the mail to the address associated with your pledge. This wristband should be activated and, along with your ID, pretty much all you'll need to enter the festival.
Registration and Confirmation Email
However, you'll also receive an email asking you to register in our system. This will allow us to confirm your pledge and reissue a replacement wristband should there happen to be any issues with the original. This email will also allow you to add information for any additional recipients you may have bought wristbands for. This way, they can pick up their wristbands from Will Call without you being present. As always, if you do visit Will Call, please have your ID and a screenshot of the registration confirmation email!
This is a camping festival and once your wristbands are scanned in, there will be no reentry, so be sure to bring everything you need, including food, water, and essentials for the duration of the event. See our camping checklist below to ensure you don't forget anything.
Lost Wristbands
If you misplace your wristband for whatever reason, we should be able to confirm your Pledge via the registration email, deactivate the missing band, and reissue a replacement. A replacement Wristband is $25. However, if our system shows that the wristband associated with your Pledge has already been scanned into the Festival, you will not be able to enter the event without purchasing an additional wristband. Tickets at the gate will be $250.
Picking up at Will call
Everyone who pledges at least $25 to the Kickstarter should receive a Wristband in the mail before the event at the address specified through Kickstarter. However, if you prefer to pickup your Wristband onsite, you must specify this in the Wristband Registration email sent out to all Pledges after the successful conclusion of our Kickstarter Campaign. If our system shows that your wristband was delivered, it will be $25 to reissue a replacement at the Box Office. If our system shows that the wristband has already been scanned into the Festival, you will not be able to enter without purchasing an additional Wristband. Tickets at the gate will be $250.
Box Office
Arriving and checking-In
The majority of General Admission ticketholders will check-in at Box Office, located just inside the Main Gate to the festival-grounds. Pull your vehicle into line and proceed towards the Box Office domes. You should have your ID, Wristband, and Registration dome and Box Office staff will approach the vehicle to assist you.
The check-in process involves confirming, scanning, and securing wristbands as well as searching the vehicle for stowaways and weapons. While these searches are not intended to be invasive, all vehicles are subject to a brief search by Box Office staff to ensure the safety of all attendees. To see a list of banned items, click here.
Artists, staff, and vIP check-in
Do not check-in at the main gate unless you want to wait in line longer than necessary. Artists, staff, and VIP ticketholders will check in at the Little Gate. Staff will direct you to your respective exclusive campsites from there.
Finding a campsite
Finding a campsite is as easy as finding a parking space. Except for special designated areas, like the VIP, Staff, or Artist Campgrounds, essentially the entire campground is available for open-camping. Just find yourself a nice shady spot and make camp!
Arriving late After Hours
We intend to keep Box Office staffed pretty late, especially on the the first night, but we do want our staff to be able to enjoy the event too, so 1am is the cutoff. If you arrive later than this, you may not be able to enter the campground until the following day.
Environmentalism
Conservation
Restoration
and leave no trace
Our environmental mission is two-fold,
balancing local impact with global inspiration.
Locally, we aim to regenerate our desert landscape using permaculture design principles, transforming Happy Castle Art Camp into a thriving ecosystem capable of supporting permanent agriculture and human activity. By prioritizing renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainable, low-impact housing, we are building a self-sufficient, eco-conscious community that harmonizes with its natural surroundings while also providing our residents with more excitement, community, purposes, and opportunity than can be found in mainstream living.
Globally, we aspire to serve as a beacon of sustainable innovation. As a model high-desert ecovillage, Happy Castle seeks to inspire individuals and communities worldwide to embrace sustainable practices and take bold action to address the urgent challenges of environmental degradation and collapse. Through our example, we hope to show that a better way is not only essential and possible, but preferable as well. Villagers, campers, and festivalgoers are all part of making this movement possible. It is NOT too late to turn the tide and save our planet!
Leave No trace
or Matter out of Place
The Happy Castle Art Festival is more than just a celebration of creativity and community—it’s the primary way we fund our mission. Your participation directly supports our efforts to regenerate the desert landscape, promote sustainable living, and build a self-sufficient eco-village that inspires change far beyond our borders.
As part of this mission, we embrace a strict Leave No Trace/Matter Out of Place ethos. There are no trash cans onsite, so everything you bring with you should leave with you. This includes not just your trash but anything you notice out of place. We'll have volunteer M.O.O.P. Scoopers roaming the campground during the festival, but picking up stray items yourself helps keep our festival grounds clean, our environment healthy, and our mission alive.
We also ask that you tread carefully—literally. Be mindful of the fragile desert plants and cacti that surround you. Avoid damaging the natural beauty that makes Happy Castle such a magical place. Together, we can ensure that the festival is not only a moment of joy and connection but a model of respect and care for the earth.
Make a List.
Check it twice.
Don't Forget...
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Your Ticket/Wristband and Photo ID: If you're planning to pickup or replace your wristband at Will Call, you will need your ID and order confirmation number. Once your wristband is scanned, you will not be able to reenter for the duration of the event, so plan accordingly. Cellphone service can be pretty spotty sometimes in the desert, so to avoid any complications, it's wise to have access to a screenshot or paper copy of your order confirmation number and QR code.
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1.5 Gallons of Water per Person per Day: It can get extremely hot in the desert so staying hydrated is imperative. Please bring all the water you and your party will require for the entirety of the event. Always fill up your water-bottle before leaving camp.
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Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Sunscreen is crucial! At our high elevation, sunburns can be even more devastating. Don't forget the sunscreen!
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Chapstick and lotion: The lack of humidity not only leads to the crazy desert nighttime temperature swings we experience, but also dries you out! Whether you're prone to chapped-lips and dry hands or not, please bring some chapstick and lotion. Bring extra stick in case you misplace one or two! Chapped and bleeding lips are no fun for anyone.
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Tent, Stakes, and tie-downs: The wind can get crazy out here and we've witnessed our fair share of insufficiently secured tents and shade structures get destroyed by a sudden gust of wind. If you wanna avoid this scenario, make sure you bring good tent-stakes, some tie-downs or rope, and properly secure your tent. We recommend at least 9-inch stakes. In the rocky soil here, curly stakes work really well. Just be careful not to forget them when you pack up!
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Blankets and Bedding: The desert can be extremely cold at night, so bring the warmest sleeping bags you have.
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food and beverages: This is a camping experience. Please make sure you bring all the food and drink you'll need for the entirety of the event. Ice will not last long in the desert heat with frequent opening of your cooler, so it may be wise to bring non-perishables or an extra cooler just for ice.
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Garbage and Recycling bags: Somewhere to put your trash is a necessity. We don't provide trash-cans or dumpsters during the event, so whatever you pack in, you'll need to pack out. Leave no trace!
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First-Aid Kit: Things happen. People twist ankles, scrape knees, and bump heads. Don't let a minor inconvenience become a major emergency.
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Hand sanitizer: We'll provide the bathrooms, but we can't guarantee there'll be soap. Bring some hand sanitizer to keep yourself germ free.
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Wet Wipes or Portable Shower: It is hot, sweaty, and dusty in the desert. We love it, but if this doesn't sound like your thing, you may want to bring some wet wipes. These make for a quick clean and cooldown when dancing under the desert sun. We plan to build better shower facilities in the future, but our first events will very much be a "bring your own" type of camping experience. That said, if you want to bring a portable shower, go for it. Just use biodegradable shampoo products and don't make a muddy mess.
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shoes: You're likely going to be walking a lot. Bringing some comfortable and well-built shoes is super important. Fashionable and functional!
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Reusable Water bottle and cup: Help us reduce waste and encourage a gifting culture by bringing a reusable water bottle and cup.
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Warm clothing: It may be hot during the day, but the desert quickly cools off at night. Make sure to bring some warm clothing so you can keep the party going all night long!
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Tools for setting up Camp: Wherever you want to set up your camp, chances are the ground won't be completely flat. Shovels, tamps, and rakes can be incredibly helpful in removing rocks and preparing the area for your campsite. Please don't uproot major plant-life like cacti or shrubs.
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shade structures: A tent can feel like an oven in the midday sun, so having somewhere to park your chairs and escape the heat is an amazing convenience when looking to rest and recharge. A shade structure majorly improves any camp. Just make sure it is properly secured because the wind can be pretty extreme from time to time!
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Duct-Tape: You will probably need duct tape for something. A snapped tent-pole, ripped pants, a shoe on the verge of falling apart, or a costume that just won't come together... Won't it be nice to have when that happens?
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Battery Pack: If you want to keep your devices charged, a lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack is an amazing convenience. Just remember to keep it out of the sun/extreme heat. We're always working to expand the amenities we offer to campers, but grid-power is extremely limited.
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Rechargeable Lights: The festival grounds are pretty expansive and it gets dark out there. Having some personal light besides your phone is awesome way to see where you're going and who's around. Your fellow attendees will appreciate it as well. We recommend something fun that contributes to the festival atmosphere like Christmas lights, headlamps, or a low, warm red glow. Please avoid glowsticks, however, as they're very likely to end up as single-use-plastic trash.
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Rain gear: We only get nine inches of rain a year, but when it comes, it falls hard. Our monsoon season is from late-June to mid-September, but you really never know when you may get a surprise storm. In any case, don't let rain ruin your parade. It's good to have some rain gear including clothing and tarps.
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Camp stove: There will be some communal fires scattered throughout the festival-grounds where you can cook food, but if you feel like having a more relaxed dinner at home and expect to heat food or liquid, then bring something to cook over. Personal firepits are not allowed.
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pack or sack: Walking around the campground, you're almost certainly going to want a bag carrying carrying your things. A nice backpack or fanny-pack is an amazing convenience and helps cut down on trash.
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portable Ashtray: If you enjoy chain-smoking cigarettes at a party as much as we do, then please consider bringing a portable ashtray to collect your butts. Remember, there are no trash cans scattered throughout the campground, so if you make trash, you'll need to hold on to it. An Altoids container works great.
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Fire Extinguisher: There will be lots of fire art installations, communal bonfires, personal camp stoves, lighters, burnt cigarettes, and more. We will have fire-safety staff, but they'll have their work cut out for them. Even if you won't be using fire personally, it's good to keep an extinguisher with your camp, just in case.
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bicycle, Lock, and tire pump: It's a big campground and there's lots to see. The campground will be interspersed with trails and we encourage attendees to bring their bikes to help them travel around and explore. It's smart to tag your bike with your contact information and lockup it up if you're planning to step away from it for awhile. Bring a tire-pump and repair-kit just in case you get a flat.
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Earplugs: Not everyone will wan to sleep at the same time you do. Earplugs are great at blocking out the 3AM techno-music.
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Extra set of keys: Losing you car keys is nightmare we don't want you to have to go through. We have a lost and found, but bring an extra set of car keys just in case worse comes to worst.
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Cowboy hat: Any desert dweller will tell ya that a wide brim hat with a nice chin strap is a mighty nice thing to have in the bright windy desert.
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Costumes, props, and instruments: Really anything that will contribute to the artistic, expressive, and creative culture we're trying to cultivate at Happy Castle or will make the festival more fun for you and your fellow campers. Whatever you have to offer, gift yourself to the community!
Banned items
Absolutely do not bring...
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Weapons: No knives, no guns, no swords, no ninja stars—if it’s designed to harm another person, leave it at home. This is a space for art, community, and creativity, not danger or intimidation.
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Stowaways: Nice try, but stowaways are not welcome. Smuggling unticketed guests not only undermines our efforts to fund Happy Castle but also creates safety and legal risks for the entire community. Tickets are only $25 on Kickstarter and $250 at the gate—plan ahead and be fair to others! Anyone caught attempting to smuggle in a stowaway will forfeit their wristband and be turned away.
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Illegal or Restricted Items: No brass knuckles, no exotic animals, no plutonium (seriously), and absolutely no illegal substances. Alcohol and cannabis are allowed in line with local laws, but please enjoy responsibly and avoid bringing glass bottles to reduce hazards.
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Pets and Animals: As much as we love furry friends, the festival is not the place for them. For the safety of attendees and the well-being of animals, leave your pets at home. Festivals can be overwhelming and potentially dangerous for pets, and we want to minimize any risks. Service animals are, of course, welcome in accordance with ADA guidelines.
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Fireworks and Explosives: No fireworks, explosives, or flammable chemicals (except propane for camp stoves). Our creative sparks are all we need here! Let’s keep it safe for everyone and preserve the desert environment.
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Unauthorized Drones: Drones and other aerial devices are prohibited unless explicitly authorized. They pose risks to safety and privacy, and the skies should remain clear for everyone to enjoy.
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Commercial Merchandise: Unapproved sales of goods or services are not permitted. If you’d like to vend at the festival, apply through our official channels—supporting the community is key!
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Glitter and Non-Biodegradable Decor: No confetti, glitter, or similar items that leave a mess or are harmful to the environment. Leave No Trace is one of our core values—pack it in, pack it out.
Happy Castle isn't anything yet, but with your help it can be. Happy Castle is a radical new kind of intentional community. Communities, at their core, are people. People like us. Don't you long for something different?
Let's build a commune!