The DoLab has rolled out its lineup for this year’s festival, and we can’t contain our excitement! Featuring an impressive array of headliners, including Zeds Dead, Mau P, Sara Landry, Empire of the Sun, and many more, this star-studded lineup feels like a dream come true. Let’s dig deep and explore what else you can expect from this year’s event.
Credit: DoLab // Julian Bajsel
The Lineup
Each year, the Lightning in a Bottle (LIB) lineup gets more exciting, and this year might just be the hottest yet. The festival is known for curating a diverse array of electronic music genres, and this year is no exception. With artists hailing from all corners of the globe, let’s take a moment to go through the fantastic artists lined up for us.
Leading the charge is none other than Zeds Dead. As they gear up for their largest tour ever, the Journey of a Lifetime Tour kicking off this July, we can expect an unforgettable set as they grace the LIB stage. They wowed audiences at the Same Same But Different fest in 2025, and we can’t wait to see what they bring this time, especially with their announced hiatus looming after the tour.
Next on the roster are the Amsterdam sensations, Sara Landry and Mau P, both known for their electrifying house and techno sounds. They’re wrapping up a European tour before heading to LIB, and festival-goers can expect them to bring the heat to an already stacked lineup.
This year, LIB also features a unique and notable headliner: Empire of the Sun. Mixing live instrumentation with their spectacular electronic sound, this Australian duo has been a mainstay since 2007. Their performances are always a captivating spectacle, making them a perfect addition to the festival.
Credit: DoLab/Jess Gallo
Moving down the lineup, we can look forward to artists like Inzo, Daily Bread, Of The Trees, and Alleycvt—all promising bass-heavy sets that will resonate deeply with fans. Within the bass genre, we also see powerhouses from the drum and bass scene like Chase & Status, Dimension, and Flava D. Don’t overlook the duo Ivy Lab; their set is especially significant as they plan to part ways by the end of 2026.
Along with Mau P and Sara Landry, the lineup prominently features other figures from the house and techno scene, including staples like the Desert Hearts crew and Lee Burridge. Their wealth of experience is sure to create unforgettable moments at LIB.
Feminine Focus
This year, LIB is making strides in inclusivity by booking more female artists, partnering with the organization Book More Women, which aims to promote gender equity in the music industry. In 2025, only 22% of major festival bookings featured female artists, so the progress seen at LIB is monumental. Expect to see over 25 female artists performing across the five-day festival!
This commitment to elevate female artists is both necessary and appreciated, marking a substantial step forward in festival culture.
More Than the Music
LIB offers an experience that goes beyond the music. If you’ve never attended before, prepare to immerse yourself in a world of workshops and activities. From culinary experiences in The Learning Kitchen to a variety of classes at The Compass, and a constantly evolving showcase of creativity at The Artclave, there’s no shortage of engaging activities.
Credit: DoLab/Juilian Bajsel
If you venture deeper into the festival grounds, you can find interactive installations perfect for relaxing moments in between festivities. Also keep an eye out for art cars roaming around—when the sun sets, these vehicles truly come to life, inviting you to join in on their enchanting journeys.
LIB is an All Ages festival, making it exceptionally family-friendly. The festival excels at creating a safe environment where families can introduce the next generation to a vibrant, artistic scene.
Arriving at LIB
The festival opens its gates at 12pm on Wednesday, May 20th, and note that there are no 24-hour access—gates close nightly at 11pm and reopen at 10am the following day.
Since LIB allows for freeform camping, arriving early is ideal for securing a prime spot. From past experiences, the lines on Wednesday morning have typically been manageable, with longer waits reported later in the week. But even then, we’ve heard wait times rarely exceed a couple of hours.
The campgrounds offer various sites to choose from unless you’ve opted for upgraded camping. The main free camping areas include Sunrise, Sunset, and High Noon campgrounds. As soon as the map is released, be sure to familiarize yourself with the layout and identify which sites are closest to your favorite stages.
Remember, Bakersfield can get hot as you set up camp. Hydration is crucial, and taking breaks in the shade during setup will help ease the physical toll of camping.
Where to Find Whatever You Need
The festival takes place on a spacious recreational campground, featuring a general store conveniently located near the entrance. You’ll also find a large merchandise tent centrally positioned among the main stages, along with smaller stands at various points around the festival.
Shower trailers are scattered throughout the campgrounds, typically alongside vendors selling ice and other camping necessities. While water spigots are available periodically, keep in mind that the water is non-potable.
Most food and vendor options are located within the festival grounds. Depending on your campsite, there will be plenty of nearby options, with bars stationed at every stage and accessible restrooms throughout.
The sense of community at LIB is undeniable. The festival boasts a warm, family-like atmosphere that welcomes newcomers. Attendees are eager to help each other find their way or just enjoy spontaneous moments of connection, whether it’s howling at the sunset or dancing under the stars.
Day to Night
Bakersfield’s daytime heat calls for creative ways to keep cool, and LIB offers a large man-made lake for just that. Many festival-goers enjoy floating on various inflatable devices, though the water is monitored for safety, so you can enjoy this refreshing experience while keeping safe.
Additionally, extensive shade structures provide ample opportunities for a comfortable retreat from the sun, essential for long festival days in the heat.
As nighttime descends, listeners will hear the familiar howls resonating throughout the festival as lasers light up the sky. Each year, LIB’s stage production becomes increasingly impressive; last year’s enhancements to the Thunder and Stacks stages set the bar high, and we’re excited to see what’s in store this time around. The main stages never disappoint, but don’t overlook the small stages, which also bring vibrant performances.
Late nights belong to these smaller stages, where surprise sets may pop up, making for unforgettable experiences. Keep your eyes peeled to catch the magical surprises DoLab has planned for the wee hours.
Credit: DoLab
Late-night performances run until 4 AM, and they’re absolutely worth every sleepless moment. Artists often tap into the exhilarating LIB energy, keeping spirits high even after long festival days.
Festival Info
The DoLab team ensures their website is packed with useful information. Check it out for ticket purchases and other essential details.
This year’s LIB promises to be overflowing with incredible moments, surprises, and a joyful celebration of community, connection, and creativity. There’s so much to look forward to, and anticipation is building as we gear up for the best year yet in Bakersfield!
