Lightning in a Bottle 2025 Set Times and Essential Info

Lightning in a Bottle is nearly here! Prepare for the weekend ahead with the set times, festival and camping maps, and other essential information.

There are just hours to go until Lightning in a Bottle opens its doors for another fun-filled weekend at the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Center in Kern County. There will be plenty of sights and sounds for attendees to experience from May 21-27, from art activations and workshops to music bumping from multiple stages throughout the venue. Undoubtedly, the Do LaB has pulled out all the stops for this year’s edition.

The music lineup alone turned heads, with the initial lineup including acts like John Summit, Jamie xx, Four Tet, Subtronics, Sammy Virji, Monolink, Hamdi, Tape B, Eli & Fur, Tinlicker, Claude VonStroke, Francis Mercier, and more. Add in even more artists at The Stacks and the lineups for the workshops and activities, and it’s sure to be quite a non-stop experience for anyone attending.

To help you get prepped for the weekend ahead, we’ve compiled all the essential information you need to know. Check out our top artists to catch and then read on for the set times, festival map, and more!

Lightning in a Bottle 2025 – Essential Info:

Dates: Wednesday, May 21, 2024 – Monday, May 26, 2024
Venue Address: Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area – 13601 Ironbark Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93311
Tickets: Purchase HERE

Download the official Lightning in a Bottle app for your iOS or Android device to stay in the know on real-time updates, view the map, and more.

Box Office/Gate Hours/Will Call:

Wednesday, May 21: 12 PM – 11 PM

Thursday, May 22: 10 AM – 11 PM

Friday, May 23: 10 AM – 11 PM

Saturday, May 24: 10 AM – 11 PM

Sunday, May 25: 10 AM – 6 PM

Monday, May 26: No entry

Driving Directions to LIB:

Via Interstate 5, North or South

Exit Bear Mountain Rd / HWY 223

Go West on Bear Mountain Rd / HWY 223 for 4 miles

Turn right onto Coles Levee Rd and continue for 3 miles

Lightning in a Bottle 2025 – Set Times:

Lightning in a Bottle 2025 – Festival and Camping Maps:

Lightning in a Bottle 2025 – Workshops and Activities:

Reminder To Mind Your Belongings:

Unfortunately, during this festival season, many have reported pickpockets, bag slashings, and theft of wallets, smartphones, purses, and other valuables. While this small number of bad apples in the bunch doesn’t define an entire crowd, some opportunistic people come to these events to take advantage of unsuspecting partygoers, and it’s essential to be mindful of your valuables while at Lightning in a Bottle.

Looking for tips to keep your belongings safe? Check our post highlighting some ideas!

Lightning in a Bottle 2025 – Do’s & Don’ts:

For a full list of prohibited and non-prohibited items, plus an extensive list of additional festival information, go to the Lightning in a Bottle website.

Allowed in the Campgrounds:

Good Vibes

Camping Gear

Food and Water

A reasonable amount of alcohol for personal consumption

Coolers (ice will be available for sale)

Enclosed propane stoves

Cameras (do remember to ask for consent before taking photos of people you don’t know)

Paddle Boards, Floaties, and Inflatable Rafts

Not Allowed in Campgrounds

Generators of any kind

Sound systems

Weapons (Including machetes for opening coconuts)

Glass bottles or glass containers

Motorized vehicles for personal use

Pets (please email ada@thedolab.com to inquire and register a documented service animal)

Illegal drugs of any kind

Fireworks, fire tools or fire lanterns

Fires outside of designated fire pits

Allowed in Festival Grounds:

Good Vibes

Backpacks

Cameras

Reusable Water Bottles

Dust Mask

Not Allowed in Festival Grounds:

Alcohol

Culturally Appropriated Costumes, Props or Attire (ie; Headdresses, etc.) Glass bottles or glass containers

Generators of any kind

Sound systems

Illegal drugs of any kind

Weapons (Including machetes for opening coconuts)

Fireworks, fire tools or fire lanterns

Pets (Email ada@thedolab.com to inquire and register a documented service animal)

Fires outside of designated fire pits