For seekers of experience-driven music festivals, FORM Arcosanti presents a one-of-a-kind event, taking place May 10-12th in a conceptual Arizona desert community unlike anywhere else. Arcosanti bears such an extraordinarily out-there look that it’s said to be the original inspiration for the desert planet of Tatooine in the 1977 “Star Wars.”
Exceptionally engaging programming, unique activities and the stunning design of the location should make just as much of an impression as the zestfully diverse lineup, which includes Florence + the Machine, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Skrillex and Bonobo. The fact of no overlapping sets means not missing a beat.
The experimental little town of Arcosanti combines architecture and ecology into a philosophy known as “Arcology” – a model for more vertically constructed and communally based futuristic cities, interacting with the natural environment efficiently to promote self-sufficient, simple living. Ambitious architect Paolo Soleri intended to create a special place for a society to disconnect from the outside world’s overwhelming stimuli and live in harmony with each other. FORM translates this ideal into the music festival equivalent for an audience of 2000.
Areas of Arcosanti
Around 80 people live within the Arcosanti community at a time, sustaining and slowly expanding what is the world’s first Arcology site. Soleri began the project in 1970, and its history and the vision he had for its future is a fascinating process that FORM attendees can learn about on an hour-long Arcology tour from actual residents. Understanding this mission will benefit those at the festival in appreciating the architectural wonder and sustainable lifestyle on display, as well as the transformative vibes here.
Headliners play at the absorbing Amphitheatre main stage, where the large steps offer ample room to dance and a parachute waves in the wind overhead, providing shade while the sun shines. At night it’s pulled back for a remarkable view of the starry sky.
The edge of the volcanic rock cliff houses the pool, with a canyon vista beyond its rail. The DJ pool parties promise groovy tunes and chances for a daytime dip to cool off from the desert heat.
Rising 60 feet into the sky and serving as a kind of central hub and gathering spot for Arcosanti, the Vaults are the perfect place to relax, regroup, and reach out to new people. Rest in the shadows of the giant arches when the sun’s beating down and catch some talks and performances held under the Vaults’ grandeur.
A respite from the concrete surroundings can be found in the nature and art installations of the Mind’s Garden. Take a chill out break in the daytime and move about with lots of space during the late-night sets here.
A third of the income for Arcosanti comes from the production of its ornate Soleri windbells, forged in the ceramics Apse half-dome, which also serves as the other performance and discussion stage. Up front allows for an especially intimate perspective of performers, yet most enticingly, the outside can be scaled for a top-down glimpse of the stage – and bird’s eye outlook of the desert landscape.
About a 10-15 minute walk southeast of Arcosanti lies the canyon camping area, where tents are best pointed facing opposite of the city, overlooking the exquisite beauty of the serene mesa. Fall asleep marvelling at views of the Milky Way Galaxy that will stir the soul, and upon waking up in the morning, quality hot water showers impart a reminder that it wasn’t just a dream.
For those who get up before the sun peaks over the horizon, they can make their way to the Arcosanti roof for sunrise meditation and yoga. What better way to internalize the magical energy of the sun painting the desert sky with awe-inspiring color over this world-class landscape? Find inner peace as night falls upon the canyon with rooftop yoga at sunset, too.
*Featured Image Via Brittany NO FOMO*
