I like to call myself a music festival fiend, which basically means I am always on the hunt for the best of the best. My first year at Life is Beautiful was in 2015 and I can say with 100% certainty that this well-rounded and rad festival is by far the best I have ever been to! My two favorite sets I have ever seen (Flume & Zhu) were on the Life is Beautiful stages, the best vegan Mac & Cheese I have ever had was there, my favorite memories were created there, and the coolest photos in my camera roll were taken there!

Taking place September 20 - 23 in Las Vegas, Nevada, this is one festival that you don't want to miss. Here are some reasons why:

Location, location, location

Photo Credit: @dewlandphotography

What could be more fun than a festival that takes place in the middle of Las Vegas!? (The answer is nothing). Now, I know what you’re thinking. EDC takes place in Las Vegas, how is this any different? Well, unlike EDC, Life is Beautiful puts you right smack in the middle of the authentic Vegas environment. Downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street on their own have an indescribable and unique aura that you just cannot find anywhere else. Downtown Las Vegas is completely overtaken by Life is Beautiful and those old school Vegas vibes are very much alive, making it one of the most fun experiences you can have in Vegas!

Art

Not only is Life is Beautiful a music festival but it is also an art festival! For those of you who love chasing cool walls to take pictures against, you will lose your mind at Life is Beautiful. Everywhere you look is covered in art of different forms, mediums, textures, and sizes. There are murals, sculptures, installations, light shows, art galleries, and fully immersive experiences that will make any art lover wonderstruck! Thie art installations include an entire art motel filled with 21 rooms of completely interactive art that takes the festival-goer into what seems like another world. This art motel has to be on your list of must-dos if you’re attending the festival!

Photo Credit: @dewlandphotography

The Food

Life is Beautiful takes the culinary experience you have very seriously. Like, VERY seriously! I promise you will not find experiences like this at any other music festival. For starters, their culinary villages are filled with more than 50 of Vegas’ hottest eateries including Eataly, Sake Rok, Shake Sak, and Kogi BBQ and caters to all diets no matter if you are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free! They have a cookout experience where your meal is prepared fresh over a crackling wood fire, as well as a farm stand. Then there is the cocktail school where you and your crew can go mix up some of the yummiest alcoholic refreshments! After you’ve had a few of those drinks, head over to Omakase Cantina where you can have a front-row and intimate seat at the chef’s table. Whatever you eat at Life is Beautiful is sure to be a party in your mouth!

The comedy, podcast, and artistic performer lineup!

Not only does Life is Beautiful have a killer music lineup, they absolutely slay when it comes to comedy, podcasts, and artistic performers as well! For those who want to get a good laugh, head over to The Kicker, the comedy stage where you can catch Fred Armisen, Nikki Glaser, and even a guest performance by Jonathon Van Ness. For those of you who enjoy a good political podcast and want to be part of a live interactive recording of one, head over to Pod Save America for all the 411. Last but not least, catch performances by Cirque Du Soleil and House of Yes for mind-blowing and daring talent!

That music lineup, though

Chance the Rapper, The Black Keys, Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Rufus Du Sol…..Need I say more? This lineup caters to all music tastes whether you prefer a good R&B beat or want to get down to some EDM (like I’m sure most of us here). Some people you don’t want to miss? Rufus Du Sol is an incredible DJ/ Band trio that makes the best feel-good music out there. Their tunes will quickly become anthems in your summer playlist, I guarantee you. If you’re in the mood for some weird wubbles, you don’t want to miss Space Jesus for an out of this world experience. Then you have Post Malone, Whethan and Kasbo with those feels. And bad bee Billie? Definitely a performance you won’t want to miss. You really cannot go wrong at any stage at any time so wander and discover new artists! You won’t regret it. 

Like I said, Life is Beautiful is a totally, unique festival experience and definitely one that you should add to your bucket list. See you in Vegas!