Desert Hearts Festival is one of the world’s most beloved house and techno parties. It takes place amidst an expanse of desert hills and luckily, due to the heat, a giant lake. At sunset, the surrounding mountains take on a pink sheen and the sand appears to sparkle, a scene befitting of the eccentric glimmer of the event itself.
Desert Hearts Festival emphasizes creative expression, encouraging you to bring your own art, decorate your campsites, and feel comfortable morphing into whatever version of yourself you’d like to be — but often can’t in regular society. Sequined corsets, pastel bodysuits and psychedelic prints make the scene look like an acid trip from the 70s, and some of the best house and techno artists are around to accompany that.
The lineup has some of the scene’s biggest names that return every year, like Claude Vonstroke and Justin Martin, who play heart-thumping bass lines that range from chill, to darker, industrial techno. Artists like Cinthie and Atish are perfect for floating in the lake on a giant flamingo floatie or lounging under a colorful umbrella with fringe hanging from the edges (because at Desert Hearts, everything is an art piece.) The stages are also elaborately designed with intricate wood carvings and giant mosaic disco balls.
Lake Perris averages in the 90s during the daytime and the 40s at night, so shade, hats, layers and electrolytes are essential.
The Specs
- Around 6,000 people attend.
- The event was recently relocated to Lake Perris to accommodate larger crowds. In 2022, 6,000 people attended.
- Tickets levels include: 3-day pass with camping for $359; Single day tickets without camping for $119; Early arrival on Thursday for $99.
- Joshua Tree National Park is near the venue if you want to walk through a forest of trippy cacti.
