Tucked away in River’s Edge Campground near Heber, Utah, lies one of Utah’s best kept secrets—an outdoor music festival with a star-studded lineup, fantastic amenities, and a picture-perfect alpine backdrop. Now in their third year of production, Bonanza Campout attracts people ready to enjoy the on-site camping options, local food trucks and breweries, and its unique, eclectic vibe.
With a distinct mixture of musical genres such as EDM, rap, indie, and pop, this year’s festival lineup was the biggest to date. Headlining was electro-pop queen Halsey, best known for her vocals on The Chainsmokers hit song “Closer,” named Dance Song of the Year in 2016.
Next on the roster was hip-hop heavyweight Wiz Khalifa, known for his wide range of mixtapes and hit songs such as “Black and Yellow” and “See You Again.”
Grammy-nominated electronic DJ/producer ZHU, whose mysterious identity and unique approach to EDM propelled him out of nowhere, and created waves in the music industry with #1 US dance chart hit “Faded,” was a crowd favorite.
Finishing out the top of the list was the euphoric trio RÜFÜS DU SOL, who delivered pure magic every time they graced the stage, with award-winning songs such as “You Were Right” and “Innerbloom.” Other noteworthy acts included Phantogram, Local Natives, BØRNS, Moon Taxi, Snakehips, Hippie Sabotage, and more.
Produced by Utah-based entertainment company, Live Night Events, Bonanza boasted a musical roster that festival giants Coachella and EDC would envy. What the younger, smaller Bonanza lacks in experience, it makes up for in the following dynamic details that combine to make a truly magical festival atmosphere.
The first is location. Surrounded by trees, rivers, and mountains, fans are immersed in fresh air and scenery pulled straight from a postcard. With on-site camping options and a quick 20-minute drive from the posh resorts of Park City, the mountain location appeals to urban hipsters and granola hippie fans alike.
Second is size and spacing. Two stages alternate acts throughout the night—Shade Stage and Bonanza Stage. Stars perform in a unique open space with plenty of room for fans to dance or just sit on the grass and relax with friends without being overrun by the crowds.
If you need a break from dancing, walk over and grab a local craft beer or fill up a bottle with fresh water. Not thirsty? Follow your nose toward the food trucks for tasty treats from local vendors and small business owners. If you are camping on site, head back to your digs and recharge for the next performance.
The third factor is level of production.What is better than simply watching these amazing artists perform? It is seeing and hearing them with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from an over-sized festival. Lasers? Smoke? Fire? Yeah, they got that. Beach balls dropping from the sky and fireworks for the final night? Yeah, they got that too! Top-level sound and production amplified by nature’s acoustics makes for an unbeatable performance experience in an intimate, high-energy environment.
“The epitome of good music. Good people. Good vibes. I can’t wait to come back next year to enjoy the ride again!” says first-time attendee Josh Mullen. The countdown until BONANZA 2019 has already begun. Mark your calendars for a festival experience you’d be hard pressed to replicate anywhere else.
Special thanks to Live Night Events for taking the risk on creating Utah’s largest music festival and making it what it is today. The memories made and experiences shared with loved ones is something this year’s lucky attendees will never forget.
Until next time! #bonanzasquad
