When you think of Alaskan wildlife — snowy mountains, icy lakes, vast green fields — you probably don’t think of electronic dance music. Sacred Acre doesn’t care. This music festival draws EDM-lovers from all over up into Ninilchik, Alaska, a town with a population of 883 that was designated an Alaska Native village under the Alaska Native Claims Act. The aim? To “harmonize with land and sea,” according to a press release. Headliners like Colorado-based beat producer Of The Trees and bearded electro Boogie T will be accompanied by electro soul Phyphr, SoundCloud “musiker” Slynk, and queer femme DJ NotLö among others — the names speak for themselves.
In its second year, Sacred Acre festival is not just about bass music: its stated goal is to raise awareness for bottom trawling, a method of fishing in which big ships drag nets across the ocean floor, mass-capturing animals and wreaking havoc on the wildlife. The fest hopes to donate directly to anti-trawling organizations once it is more comfortably financially established. Currently, its priority is to educate. Sacred Acre’s interest in ocean life manifests through separately-ticketed wilderness excursions including spearfishing, fly fishing, and helicopter rides around the Kenai Peninsula. There’s also a foraging expedition for native Alaskan plants. The three-day Sacred Acre is, after all, a destination festival: it’s a four-hour drive from Anchorage, and a breathtaking drive at that. It’ll all make you feel one with Alaskan nature before you slip into the laser-lit nighttime main stage concerts.
If you need a break from the pulsing beats and the flashing lights, head to the Stillwater Reflection Center, where you can vibe out on plush chairs and drink some water all while wearing noise-canceling headphones. (A human can only absorb so much stimulation.) Local vendors will sell Alaskan wares and food; between events, local performers will stilt-walk and fire-spin. Alaskan Native storytellers will take the stage for daytime events.
It sounds like the setup for a Midsommar-esque horror film to fly to Alaska, hop on a shuttle to the middle of nowhere, and camp there for three nights listening to electronic music. But if you’re looking to get weird in the wilderness and learn more about an important cause, fly out to Anchorage and just let the rest happen.
The Specs
- Around 2,500 people attended in 2022.
- 3-day GA passes cost $185 plus a $18.84 in taxes and fees. VIP passes that include amenities like shuttle passes, meals, Groove Cruise tickets, and camping range from $499 to $2,999.
- Campsite passes are sold separately and are priced between $115 and $275 and accommodate a car or van and space for your tent.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to Alaska here.
FAQs
Where does Sacred Acre take place?
Sacred Acre festival takes place in Ninilchik, Alaska at Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds & Arches Amphitheater.
What is the exact address?
16200 Sterling Hwy, Ninilchik, Alaska, USA
What is the closest airport to Sacred Acre?
Plan to fly into Anchorage. The festival site is four hours away from the airport; you can rent a car or an RV, or take the festival’s shuttle service to Ninilchik for $50.
Where will I sleep?
This festival experience is in part about the camping. There’s a campsite at the festival grounds, where you can pitch a tent or drive up a camper van. Camping passes cost $115. If not, other state campgrounds are available nearby.
Are children allowed?
Yes; and children under age 12 get in free.
Which artists are on the Sacred Acre lineup?
Of The Trees, Boogie T, Daily Bread (2 Sets feat. Cloud Conductor), Manic Focus (Live Band & Solo Set), The Widdler, KOAN Sound, Maddy O’Neal (Live + Madhaus Set), Marvel Years (Solo & Trio Sets), Artifakts, Late Night Radio, NotLö, Dredlok, Jason Leech, Josh Teed, Motifv, MZG, Phyphr, Slynk, Jason Leech & Phyphr Duet, Apothecary, Ayla Ray, Black Smoke, Bodelia James, Ceviche, Clint Samples, Dig Sista, DJ Movement, Dystraxion, Fractal Theory, DJ Grim, Haunted Surfer, Poster Child, Quinoa, Rachel Monae, Scotty B Naughty, Tally G.
2023 Poster
