BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Kern County’s largest annual music festival is set to return this week, bringing thousands of attendees to the Buena Vista Lake area for five days of music, art and camping.
The festival, produced by Do LaB, is scheduled for this Memorial Day weekend, May 20-24 at the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area, southwest of Bakersfield.
Organizers describe the event as a multi-day music and arts festival featuring live music performances, large-scale art installations, wellness programming, workshops and camping experiences.
This year’s lineup includes artists such as Empire of the Sun, Mau P, Sara Landry, Zeds Dead, Chase & Status, Tinashe and Barry Can’t Swim.
Additional performers scheduled throughout the weekend include Mochakk, Of The Trees, Dimension, Overmono and DJ Trixie Mattel.
According to the festival’s website, all festival passes, which are limited, include access to five days of programming and tent camping, with additional upgrades.
Lightning in a Bottle first moved to Kern County in 2019 after the Kern County Board of Supervisors approved relocating the festival to Buena Vista Lake.
According to a 2025 Forbes interview with the founders of Do Lab, the festival began as a one-night rave and birthday party in 1999 and later evolved into full music festivals at locations across California before settling in Kern County.
The festival did not take place in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but returned to Buena Vista Lake in 2022 and has continued there annually since, gaining popularity every year with major headliners such as John Summit, Labrinth, Subtronics, Glass Animals, Kaytrana and more.
Sunset photo of Lightning in a Bottle festival grounds at Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area in Kern County, Calif. (Instagram/libfestival/thedolab)
Over the years, the event has grown into a destination festival drawing attendees from across California and the country.
Organizers say the event blends music, sustainability, art and community-focused experiences across multiple themed stages and attractions.
More information, including tickets, camping details and the full lineup, can be found on the festival’s official website.