How Imagine Music Festival 2023 Reignited the Raver in Us All

Imagine Music Festival blended the realms of music, art and social connection to curate the perfect weekend for all to enjoy.

Imagine Music Festival healed my inner child and revived my passion for electronic music. Marking my third visit to Imagine, it is a tradition that never fails to leave me buzzing with cherished memories.

About an hour outside of Atlanta, fellow ravers from all over the Southeast descended upon the sprawling 5,000 acres for the second year in Kingston Downs, Georgia. The festival offered a Thursday pre-party for those ready to start the weekend early.

Once stepping onto festival grounds, the collective vibe never felt hasty or chaotic. Attendees traveled through security with ease and the feeling of ‘PLUR’ in the air. Looking around it felt like a choose-your-own-adventure game, deciding your next mission and level of intensity. Each stage had ample room for dancing and lounging, with easy access to dive in and out of the mosh pits.

Year after year, mainstage (Oceania Stage) consistently delivers that wow factor with its pyrotechnics and impressive laser rig. Each night featured a never-before-seen back-to-back set starting off strong with Subtronics B2B Ganja White Night, followed by NGHTMRE B2B Diesel (Shaq), and rounding off the weekend with Dillon Francis B2B Knock2.

Earlier in the day Imagine offered several activities like wellness workshops and two pool parties with tunes provided by Kai Wachi and Dombresky at the newly updated Aqua Day Club & Pool. There was never a shortage of something to do whether it was browsing the marketplace for new trinkets and merchandise, crafting at complimentary kandi-making stations, or watching dozens of local artists paint to the tunes of your favorite DJs.

Imagine Festival featured four thoughtfully designed stages, each with its distinctive flair. This year’s lineup was a spectacular one highlighting a variety of genres with something for everyone to enjoy and discover. At the Disco Inferno stage people took a break from headbanging to boogie to fan favorites like John Summit, Cloonee, and Matroda.

For season veterans in the electronic scene, it was refreshing to witness performances from up-and-coming artists and those who aren’t consistently on the relentless touring circuit. The Amazonia stage featuring a grid-like production created a spectacle hosting immersive shows by Barnacle Boi, Brothel, Skeler, Detox Unit, and Jade Cicada. Watching these uniquely curated artists for the first time was a special and rare moment for my little raver heart reminding me why I loved attending festivals so much.

This feeling carried over to the Aeria stage, where we witnessed another weekend highlight: Slander’s After Dawn, a techno-infused set. It was also here that we watched Whipped Cream bring in the nightfall with one of the most multidimensional sets of the entire weekend.

What I love most about Imagine Music Festival is that it always leaves you with a warm post-concert glow and memories of a lifetime. Some may say it is smaller in scale, but it more than compensates with its values of diversity, respect, creativity, and spirit of exploration.

At its core, Imagine has proven its ability to organize stellar programming on par with other big dogs in the industry. However, it’s the unique Atlanta vibe and Iris Presents personal touches that make this festival an unforgettable one.

Featured image Courtesy of Imagine Music Festival // DVPhotoVideo

Jaci Soukhathivong

An Atlanta gal chasing her love for electronic dance music. I’ve been with Exron since 2018 and have the privilege of contributing to the culture alongside other badass women whom I now call my friends. My introduction to the scene was first influenced by trap music, but my discography has since expanded to touch a bit of everything. Some of my favorite artists are Zeds Dead, Cloonee, Nghtmre, Flume, Infekt, Sosa, Bleu Clair, Subtronics, but the list goes on forever.

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