Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE WEATHER GOING TO BE LIKE?

The weather averages for this time of year are in the low 80s during the day and the low 50s at night. Rain is unlikely, but it's good to be prepared for all weather, including the cold! The venue is in the mountains, so the weather can change quickly.

WHAT IS THE ELEVATION AND WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR ME?

Playa Ponderosa is located at an elevation of 7200 ft. Here are a few tips to have the best time in a high elevation:

  • Hydrate: Drink more water and hydrating liquids like sports drinks, as the body loses water and salt faster at high altitudes. You can also try drinking water before traveling,  while flying, and throughout your trip. Make sure to bring enough water for yourself for the entirety of the event.

  • At this elevation, the sun is very strong. Remember to protect your skin and apply sunblock regularly.

  • Eat carbohydrates and electrolytes: Carbohydrates are the body's preferred energy source at high altitudes and can help prevent muscle from being used as energy.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF DESERT HEARTS?

Since the inception of Desert Hearts Festival, our mission has been to create as much love and positive energy as possible. That means doing the right thing, being respectful, and teaching the next generation how to be beautiful human beings. This mission statement has attracted and built the best community we’ve ever known. We strive to be our best while building up our family and loving unconditionally.

IS THE MUSIC 24 HOURS A DAY?

Yes, music will be played on our single stage for the duration of the festival, allowing our community to experience the celebration at all hours of the day. Whether you’re a morning or late-night person, the heartbeat of the festival will be beating for you to tap into our collective consciousness. 

WHAT IS YOUR SAFETY POLICY?

Your safety is our top priority. We work closely with our security teams and law enforcement to ensure this, and we have detailed plans in the event of an incident. We also have an on-site medical facility with extensive trained staff in case of emergencies.

WILL MY CAR BE SEARCHED AT THE FRONT GATE?

Your vehicle will be searched for weapons, persons without tickets, and any other items that could be a safety concern. 

WILL THERE BE SECURITY CHECKPOINTS INSIDE THE FEST?

Once your vehicle is checked and you’re through the front gates, you’re inside the fest. The stage area and the camping area are all within the same gates. The only checkpoints inside will be wristband checks. You’ll be free to roam the grounds however and whenever you like.

HOW WILL I BE ABLE TO FIND MEDICAL & SECURITY IF I NEED THEM?

They will be wearing security uniforms and available 24/7 during the festival. Please seek their help if you need it. We will also have a massive harm reduction team roaming the festival, making sure everyone is safe. 

The medical tent and festival headquarters (HQ) will also be clearly marked and designated on the map. 

Our Medical team runs harm reduction, and the harm reduction space is right next to Medical. If you or someone else needs medical assistance, immediately find someone with a radio and have them call medical personnel to your area. Stay in that area until Medical arrives. Try to use a light or something to mark where you and the patient are to make it easier for the medical team to find you. 

CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE DANCE FLOOR?

Our dance floor will be covered in astroturf with dedicated shade to create the best possible dance experience for our community. Funktion-One sound provided by Chino Sound will provide the festival's heartbeat. Theme camps and art cars will surround the dance floor, providing lounge areas and multi-level experiences from which to view it. It’s safe to say this will be our best Desert Hearts dance floor ever.

WILL I BE ABLE TO GO BACKSTAGE?

Yes, anyone and everyone will be allowed to go backstage with the DJ, so long as they are respectful and allow space for the DJ to perform. 

CAN I MAKE A CAMPFIRE?

Campfires will NOT be permitted anywhere on the festival grounds.  

Be mindful of your cigarette butts. Please bring something easy to carry that you can store used butts in, take caution when putting out a lit cigarette, and never, ever flick them on the ground. Propane grills are fine for cooking

CAN I BRING GLASS?

No, please leave your glass beverages at home.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY TRASH/RECYCLING?

Desert Hearts is “Leave No Trace!”. This means that all participants must pack it in and out. Even better, let’s leave the grounds better than you found them. The best way to do this is to plan ahead and minimize the amount of trash coming into the event.

You must take all your camp trash home with you or utilize our trash dumping service for a small fee at the gate when leaving.

-can use our service

See here for more details on trash and recycling

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE TICKET ISSUES?

Please contact SeeTickets customer support directly on their website:CLICK HERE

WILL THERE BE DRINKING WATER ON SITE?

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO BRING YOUR OWN DRINKING WATER! There will be filtered drinking water stations onsite, but bringing your own and drinking tons of water and electrolytes throughout the event is the best way to stay hydrated. Make sure to get acquainted with where the water stations are when you enter the event and before you begin enjoying the festival.

WILL YOU BE SELLING ICE?

You know it! Gotta keep our beverages frosty!

WILL THERE BE SHOWERS?

Not this year. Bring a portable shower or wet wipes if you need to get clean. 

ARE THERE FOOD VENDORS?

Yes, many delicious food vendors will be available to attendees for purchase. 

IS THERE A BAR?

No, we will not have a bar this year, so make sure to BYOB. However, some of the theme camps will be serving beverages.

CAN WE BRING ANIMALS WITH US CAMPING?

Animals and pets are not allowed and will be turned away. Only service animals are permitted throughout the festival and must be registered with info@deserthearts.us before the event with documentation of shots. Service paperwork will also be required at the gate when entering with a service animal. Emotional support animals, therapy animals, and companion animals are not considered service animals and will not be permitted to enter the festival.

CAN I BRING SPEAKERS TO PLAY AT CAMP?

Amplified sound is NOT permitted in the camping areas. If you want to enjoy the music, please join the dance floor and the central heartbeat of the festival. We strive to create the ultimate collective consciousness with everyone on the same wavelength. 

One Stage, One Vibe, One Love!


WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

We’ve put together a suggested list that Desert Hearts feels is essential for every festival-goer:

Admission

  • Ticket (printed or downloaded to your phone), Vehicle Pass, & Camping/RV Pass

  • ID or passport

Home / Tent

  • xSleeping pad, air mattress or other soft sleeping surfaces

  • Pillows and warm blankets for night

  • Shade over your tent and shared camping spaces

  • Chairs

  • Bags for your trash and recycling

Body

  • Drink lots of water! Keep an eye out for the signs and symptoms of dehydration; info here

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm w/ sun protection

  • Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine products, towel, etc)

  • Baby wipes are a good substitute for a shower (remember, pack it in pack it out!)

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Earplugs

  • Sunglasses

  • Eye drops and extra contact lenses

  • Allergy medication / prescription medication

Kitchen

  • Cooler

  • Reusable water bottle/canteen

  • Reusable cup, plate, and utensils

  • Trash/recycling bags

  • Biodegradable soap

  • Cookware

  • Propane powered stove

  • Your favorite foods (plus we’ll have tons of yummy food vendors onsite)

Clothes

  • Cool clothes for the day (highs in the 80’s)

  • Hats and sunglasses

  • Scarves and bandanas (great when dipped in cold water)

  • Warm clothes for the night (lows in the 50’s)

  • Towel 

  • Comfy shoes and sandals

  • Costumes and fun outfits

MISC

  • Flashlight / headlamp

  • Camera (label it with your name and contact info)

  • Trash and recycling bags

  • Gloves, tape, rope, zip ties, etc.

  • Stakes to secure your tent and shade structure to the ground

  • Extra Batteries

  • Smokers: pocket receptacle for cigarettes

  • Cash for vendors (will accept card too)

WHAT NOT TO BRING

  • No In’s & Outs

  • No weapons or replicas of weapons

  • Absolute no tolerance for illegal drugs or substances

  • No Pets

  • No fires

  • No glass

  • No drones

No amplified sound at the campground

No driving during the festival