Electric Forest made its highly anticipated return to the woodlands of Rothbury, Michigan, this past weekend, June 25–28, welcoming nearly 40,000 festival-goers to the enchanted grounds.
For many, this gathering remains a quintessential American festival experience, masterfully bridging its organic jam-band roots with a cutting-edge, curated electronic lineup. It is a space defined by whimsy, community, and the simple joy of reconnecting with nature. While the weekend offered those moments of profound connection that regulars and newcomers alike cherish, this year’s narrative is overshadowed by a sobering tragedy: the discovery of a deceased newborn in a festival restroom on Sunday morning.
The incident is profoundly heartbreaking and stands in stark, painful opposition to the spirit of camaraderie and joy that defined the previous three days. While authorities have requested that the public avoid speculation to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, the shock of the news has left an indelible mark on the community. In a statement, organizers expressed that the entire team is grieving, noting that the “Forest Family” shares in this profound sorrow.
It is an unsettling reality that this tragedy is now woven into the history of Electric Forest 2026. For those of us in attendance, we are left to reconcile the memory of an otherwise transcendent musical experience with the knowledge of such a somber event. Acknowledging this duality feels like the only honest way to reflect on the weekend. Despite the heaviness, the music remained a powerful, life-affirming force, and we choose to highlight the performances that defined the first three days.
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Jkyl & the Wicked
Friday night’s “in-the-round” set at the Honeycomb stage was nothing short of spectacular. The b2b debut of Jkyl & Hyde and Nikita the Wicked perfectly fused their distinct sonic palettes into an hour of cerebral, psychedelic bass music that felt tailor-made for their late-night slot. It was an infectious display of high-energy artistry that kept the crowd dancing until the early morning hours.
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GRiZ
GRiZ’s mainstage return felt like a triumphant milestone. Following his hiatus, the artist delivered a masterclass in festival energy, blending funk, hip-hop, and heavy dubstep into a cohesive, high-octane celebration. From unexpected throwbacks like The Isley Brothers’ “Shout” to guest appearances by ProbCause and Kaleena Zanders, the performance was a testament to his gratitude and growth. It was a career-defining set that left the audience buzzing.
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Ravenscoon
Ravenscoon’s Saturday set at Tripolee was a study in contrasts—alternating between brutal, sharp-edged bass and deeply vulnerable storytelling. The artist spoke openly about his personal battles with addiction and mental health, turning the set into a beacon of hope for his listeners. Inviting the crowd to raise their phone lights for those struggling, he created a powerful, communal moment of solidarity that resonated long after the music stopped.
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Casey Club
If you were looking for sonic intensity, Casey Club provided the weekend’s most visceral experience. His performance at The Observatory was a masterclass in dynamic bass music, seamlessly blending aggressive dubstep with nostalgic edits of RL Grime and Jack Ü. Closing with a poignant take on London Grammar’s “Hey Now,” he solidified his status as one of the most exciting rising talents in the scene.
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Cain Culto
The golden hour at the Honeycomb stage was elevated by the presence of Cain Culto. Bringing immense swagger and violin-infused artistry to the Pride Takeover, Culto shared deeply personal stories of self-discovery and family dynamics. With a unique sound and magnetic stage presence, he proved himself to be a star on the rise.
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Excision
Excision remains the titan of dubstep, and his Thursday night performance at Ranch Arena was an exercise in pure sonic power. While the set was dominated by his signature aggressive aesthetic, he kept the energy balanced by weaving in clever pop edits. It was a tone-setting show that reminded us exactly why he remains a pillar of the genre.
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Kaleena Zanders
Kaleena Zanders brought an unexpected, gritty edge to the Sherwood Court stage, infusing her house-heavy sets with samples of Y2K-era nu-metal. Her live vocals—particularly her soaring rendition of Aerosmith’s “Dream On”—offered a standout moment of pure, raw talent that perfectly captured her versatile artistry.
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Sidepiece
The duo of Party Favor and Nitti proved that electronic music doesn’t need to be overly complicated to be effective. Their Sherwood Court set was a masterclass in infectious, high-tempo fun. Moving through a collection of slick edits and original hits, they kept the atmosphere light and unpretentious, making for one of the most enjoyable parties of the weekend.
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The String Cheese Incident
As the festival’s unofficial house band, The String Cheese Incident provided the essential continuity that Electric Forest thrives on. Their sprawling Saturday night set—featuring a special collaboration with electronic pioneer Shpongle—was a blissful return to form. The traditional “shebang” fireworks finale served as a beautiful, glowing reminder of the band’s enduring legacy at the event.
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Channel Tres
Channel Tres commanded the mainstage with the kind of suave confidence rarely seen in electronic headliners. Balancing simmering house rhythms with charismatic stage presence, he engaged the crowd effortlessly. Whether debuting unreleased material or performing fan favorites like “Impact,” he solidified his reputation as a singular, must-see performer.
