Desert Hearts Festival Announces New Dates + Locations
Written by Meagen Surowiecki on February 22, 2024
Desert Hearts has announced the new location of the infamous and famed house and techno festival to a home at Playa Ponderosa in Flagstaff, Arizona. It takes place July 4-8 with a new partnership with the celebrated Phoenix-based event outfit, Walters Producers. Returning to its roots, Desert Hearts Festival will rekindle the magic and freedom felt at its earlier Southern California at the remarkable private property located in the natural splendor of Coconino National Forest.
Desert Hearts is the festival, globally touring DJ crew, record label, and creative community that grew from humble roots in the Mojave desert to one of the electronic music landscape’s most recognizable brands over the last twelve years. Helmed by four best friends, Mikey Lion, Lee Reynolds, Marbs, and Porky, Desert Hearts has become synonymous with a free-spirited DIY ethos, offering a welcomed alternative to the commercially dominated North American events landscape. This is extremely exciting news for Desert Hearts and its extended family. Mikey Lion once told me personally that Arionza is one of his favorite places to party, “the vibes are unreal out there” he said. Setting a new home and a new chapter for the vibrant and wild festival known for the mesmerizing sets and performances from the crew also filled with colorful and interactive art installations, workshops, and healing gardens, plus crafty vendors.
The Desert Hearts community has long beckoned for the festival to return to the original renegade atmosphere felt at its prodigal home of Los Coyotes Indian Reservation. By partnering with Walter Productions and moving to Playa Ponderosa, the event will be able to regain its around-the-clock music programming, move back to its foundational ‘one-stage, one-vibe’ format, and showcase its unique festival layout. Continuing the vibes and festival traditions of the theme camps, live painters, installations, and art cars that border the entire dance floor.
"Join us as we write the next chapter of Desert Hearts Festival history on July 4th weekend in Flagstaff, AZ, amidst mountains and pine trees! Our new venue, the incredible Playa Ponderosa, is an intimate and beautiful property owned by friends familiar with the classic DH vibe. The theme of this festival is reconnecting with our roots and embracing the essence of what made Desert Hearts so special during our time at the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation from 2014 to 2019. This means an intimate and free environment with One Stage, One Vibe playing the full spectrum of House & Techno music nonstop all weekend. We are excited to be teaming up with our twin flame community, the Walter Fam, who you may know from their unreal venues in Phoenix, Walter Where? House and Walter Studios, or their incredible Camp Walter at Burning Man that is host to a fleet of radical art carts. We can't wait to create unforgettable memories under the starry sky as we dance, connect, and celebrate the spirit of freedom, love, unity, and endless possibility! House, Techno, & Love... We Are All Desert Hearts."
Mikey Lion of Desert Hearts
The 2024 edition of Desert Hearts Festival takes place over the July 4 weekend to reconnect with what it means to celebrate our nation’s Birthday and embrace the gorgeous nature of America under the azure skies and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the scenic wilderness of Coconino National Forest. The festival’s new location is just outside of Flagstaff, Arizona only a thirty drive and two-and-a-half hour drive from Phoenix, Arizona, and a four-hour drive from Las Vegas, Nevada. Expect an unforgettable weekend and stay connected for more information and lineup announcements.
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