Two of Northern California’s most beloved independent festivals, Dirtybird Campout and Northern Nights Music Festival, are coming together for an unprecedented weekend of music, art, wellness, and community. Taking place July 18-20, 2025, at Cook’s Valley Campground on the Humboldt/Mendocino County line, this collaboration brings a fresh, unified vision to the festival landscape.
A New Era of Independent Festival Collaboration
This groundbreaking partnership marks a shift in the industry, where cooperation and shared values are prioritized over competition. Dirtybird Campout and Northern Nights are demonstrating how independent festivals can come together to create an experience greater than the sum of its parts while maintaining their distinct identities and deep community connections.
For over 20 years, Dirtybird has been a defining force in dance music, building an inclusive community of free spirits through immersive events that blend music, art, and playful activities like camp games and team challenges. Northern Nights Music Festival, with over a decade of pioneering festival experiences, has consistently pushed boundaries, becoming the first festival to introduce legal on-site cannabis sales and consumption while setting new standards for audience engagement and innovation.
By joining forces, these two powerhouse events are offering festival-goers an unparalleled experience, highlighting the resilience and creativity of independent festivals and proving that collaboration is the future of live music.
A Vision for the Future
Deron Delgado, Dirtybird Label Manager, shares: “To mark 20 years of Dirtybird, bringing back the Dirtybird Campout experience was a priority. While many festivals are facing cancellations due to rising costs, we sought a partner who aligns with our vision of what a festival should be. Northern Nights was the perfect choice—their values and creativity make this partnership effortless. We can’t wait for fans to experience the best of both worlds.”
Attendees can expect the playful summer camp vibes of Dirtybird Campout infused with Northern Nights’ immersive riverfront stages, wellness programs, and cutting-edge musical curation. The lineup will blend Dirtybird’s signature artists with Northern Nights’ diverse roster of performers, ensuring an unforgettable weekend of music and discovery. This event will also introduce new music festival technology, redefining how fans engage with artists, record labels, and promoters.
Festival-goers can look forward to interactive art installations, rejuvenating wellness workshops, Dirtybird’s signature camp games, and immersive experiences that celebrate both the physical and digital realms of music culture.
Andrew “BLAP” Borgelt, Co-Founder of Northern Nights, adds: “Northern Nights has always been about bringing the city to the country, a vision that began with a Dirtybird Showcase at our first festival. This partnership is more than just a collaboration—it’s a statement about what festivals can achieve when they unite. By merging Dirtybird’s infectious energy with the natural beauty of the Redwoods, we are creating something truly special. Meet me in the Redwoods!”
A Commitment to Community and Nature
This collaboration is rooted in the core values that define independent festivals: community, inclusivity, creativity, and a deep respect for nature. Both Dirtybird and Northern Nights have cultivated spaces where attendees can feel free to express themselves and forge lasting connections.
Set in the heart of the Emerald Triangle, Cook’s Valley Campground provides the perfect backdrop for this milestone event. Just 190 miles north of San Francisco, this breathtaking location offers serene riverfront access, towering Redwoods, and an unparalleled natural environment that highlights the beauty of Northern California.
A Festival Redefining the Future of Live Music
This collaboration between Dirtybird Campout and Northern Nights Music Festival sets an inspiring example for the future of live music experiences. By joining forces, these two festivals prove that unity and shared purpose can lead to something truly extraordinary.
