10 Things You Didn’t Know You’d Love About Stargaze

...until you experienced it for yourself.

There are a lot of reasons people come to Stargaze Festival—the incredible music, the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community, the chance to dance under the stars, and the peaceful lakefront setting. But there’s a special kind of magic that happens when you arrive… and it’s often the unexpected moments that become your most cherished memories.

Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, here are 10 things you didn’t know you’d love about Stargaze—until you were living it.

1. The Feeling of Instant Belonging

From the moment you arrive, it hits you—you’re safe, you’re seen, and you’re surrounded by people who get you. Whether you come solo or with friends, Stargaze feels like home in a way most festivals don’t.

2. The Magic of the Bonfire Circles

What starts as casual conversation often turns into soulful storytelling, laughter, tears, and new friendships. These late-night fireside hangs are where the real connections are made.

3. The Stillness of the Lake at Sunrise

While everyone talks about the parties (and they’re amazing!), there’s nothing quite like waking up early, sipping tea by the water, and watching the mist rise from the lake. It’s a moment of serenity that stays with you long after the weekend ends.

4. Stumbling Into a Workshop You Didn’t Know You Needed

You might wander into a sound bath, healing circle, or spontaneous dance journey and leave feeling lighter, more grounded, or completely transformed. The unexpected healing is real.

5. Finding Your New Favorite Sapphic Artist

Live music at Stargaze hits different. You’ll discover incredible queer performers you’ve never heard before, and suddenly you’re streaming their music all year long and telling everyone about that time you saw them live in the woods.

6. Spontaneous Adventure

Whether it’s an impromptu float crew forming at the lake, a hike through the trees with new friends, or a magical late-night walk lit by lanterns, the most beautiful moments aren’t always on the schedule.

7. The Glow Party Feels Like a Fever Dream (in the Best Way)

Neon lights, blacklights, glitter everywhere, and a crowd of radiant queer joy dancing through the night. It's sweaty, electric, and somehow sacred.

8. Creative Expression Without Judgment

Want to wear fairy wings and body paint all weekend? Go for it. Want to cry while journaling lakeside? Beautiful. Stargaze invites your full self to come out and play.

9. Reconnecting Without Pressure to Perform

Even with full cell phone reception, Stargaze invites you to unplug in a different way. You won’t feel pressure to post, perform, or scroll through your feed. Instead, you’ll find yourself fully present—laughing with new friends, dancing barefoot, or floating in silence on the lake.

10. The Moment You Realize You’re Already Planning to Come Back Next Year

It happens for everyone. You’re still in the middle of the festival and you’re already saying, “This. I need this every year.” That’s when you know—Stargaze isn’t just a weekend. It’s a ritual. A reset. A return to yourself.

Ready to experience it for yourself?

Whether you're coming for the music, the movement, or the magic, Stargaze has a way of surprising you—in the best possible ways. It’s not just a festival. It’s a moment of transformation. A pause from the noise. A joyful, inclusive celebration of being fully yourself.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now at StargazeFestival.com, and payment plans are available if you need a little flexibility.

💬 Have you already been to Stargaze? We’d love to hear your unexpected favorite moment in the comments!