Desert Hearts is returning to its grassroots origins with the launch of Microfest, an intimate boutique festival set for October 1–5 at Deloro Valley in Northern California. Designed to recapture the close-knit atmosphere and community-first ethos that defined the collective’s earliest gatherings, the inaugural event will bring together more than 30 artists for a weekend of underground house, techno, and immersive experiences.
Nestled within the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills, Deloro Valley provides a picturesque backdrop for the five-day festival. The 132-acre summer camp and retreat will offer attendees a chance to disconnect from everyday life while reconnecting with the music, friendships, and communal spirit that have become synonymous with Desert Hearts over the past decade.
Leading the lineup are Detroit house and techno pioneers DJ Minx and Stacey Pullen, alongside respected underground mainstays Doc Martin, Danny Daze, and Justin Martin. They are joined by standout performers including DJ Holographic, Kevin Knapp, SHADED (Live), and Toy Tonics selectors Barbara Boeing and Cody Currie, creating a lineup that blends legendary artists with the next generation of dance music innovators.
The festival also celebrates the extended Desert Hearts family, with Mikey Lion, Marbs, Lee Reynolds, Porky, and many more performing throughout the weekend.
Full Microfest Lineup
- B Rose
- Brunch Life
- Caleb Jackson
- Danny Daze
- DJ Holographic
- DJ Minx
- Doc Martin
- Groovewell
- Issac Carter
- Jake Mora
- Justin Campbell
- Justin Martin
- Kevin Knapp
- Lee Reynolds
- Life On Planets
- Maitreya
- Marbs
- Mikey Lion
- Porky
- Rob Grega
- SHADED (Live)
- Sprout
- Stacey Pullen
- Stacy Christine
- Techno Tupac
- Toy Tonics (Barbara Boeing & Cody Currie)
Speaking about the carefully curated lineup, Mikey Lion and Marbs shared:
“We’re ridiculously proud to share the lineup we curated for Desert Hearts Microfest.
Since Microfest is such an intimate gathering, we wanted every artist on this lineup to feel intentional. We brought together a healthy mix of house and techno legends, cutting-edge up-and-comers, some Europeans on the same wavelength as us, and a dose of Desert Hearts Family veterans who know the DH vibe better than anyone.
The result is a lineup that feels forward-thinking, deeply rooted, and made for the Desert Hearts community. We can’t wait to experience it all with you.”
The announcement coincides with the release of “A Place For Us,” the latest collaboration from Mikey Lion and Marbs under their newly unified artist project. The single reflects the collective’s ongoing creative evolution while reinforcing the themes of belonging and togetherness that continue to define the Desert Hearts movement.
Beyond the music, Microfest offers a slower-paced festival experience designed around connection and exploration. During the day, attendees can relax by the pool, wander the expansive property, participate in community activities, or simply unwind beneath the surrounding trees. As night falls, the focus shifts to marathon dancefloor sessions powered by a state-of-the-art Void Acoustics sound system, with additional curated experiences unfolding throughout the venue.
While Desert Hearts has long been celebrated for its boutique festival atmosphere, Microfest takes that philosophy a step further. By intentionally limiting its scale, the event creates an environment where artists and attendees can interact more organically, fostering the sense of community that has been at the heart of the brand since its inception.
With an expertly curated lineup, stunning natural surroundings, and an emphasis on meaningful human connection, Desert Hearts Microfest promises to be a refreshing addition to the fall festival calendar and a heartfelt return to the intimate dancefloor experiences that helped shape one of underground electronic music’s most beloved communities. Tickets are extremely limited. Fans can buy tickets here.
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