DAY ONE
THE PAST
Day Two: Embodying the Present
On Day Two, we immerse ourselves in the present moment, embracing the now with full awareness. This is a day for connection—connecting with those around us, our environment, and our inner selves. We celebrate the art of living, acknowledging the fleeting nature of life as a source of joy and inspiration. Here, in this temporary space we share, we find meaning in simply being, dancing in the freedom of the present moment. Participation becomes the heartbeat of the festival; art is not something to observe but to engage with fully, whether through creating, collaborating, or contributing in ways that feel authentic. We recognize that this moment, shared with others, is where life truly happens. Together, we co-create a world where everyone’s presence is valuable, where art becomes the language of our connection, and where we, as a community, are reminded of the power in being present. Day Two is a celebration of inclusivity, radical expression, and the beauty of our shared experience.
Arrival
FRONT GATE & SETTING UP CAMP
You made it to your destination. Now, lets get comfortable. Today is about getting ready for the days ahead. Follow the steps below to avoid hiccups and hang-ups as you arrive.
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Know your gate! In most cases, attendees will arrive through the Front Gate. However, there are other Gates available to artists, staff, and VIPs to help expedite their entry. So check your ticket and gate before you arrive! No point waiting in a line you don't have to, right?
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Have your ID and ticket ready. Do not forget your ID! You'll need it to get in, no pictures. You also should have received an email with a QR code attached, this is your ticket. Take a screenshot of print it off, because if there happen to be issues with your wristband, we'll need to be able to verify your purchase.
Ask about your campsite. If you reserved a specific site, then you should've received an email with a map. Ample signage throughout the Campground will assist you in locating your campsite, but our Gate Staff will be happy to answer any additional questions you might have before entering. You can also find Info Booths inside the campground in you lose your way. For attendees who didn't reserve a designated site, you'll will be Open Camping. All you need to do is find an open spot you like and set up.
Explore the campground and meet your neighbors.
the Happy Castle
community
LAND TRUST
COMMUNAL OWNERSHIP OF HAPPY CASTLE ART CAMP
protected from speculation and aligned with our mission of self-sufficiency, natural building, and ecological restoration. The primary 160-acre parcel is communally owned, meaning it cannot be sold or developed in ways that compromise sustainability or the integrity of our community.
However, we recognize that a thriving, long-lasting community requires both financial self-sufficiency and opportunities for individual investment. To support this, select portions of unused land outside the core campground and communal spaces will be subdivided and sold as private lots. This approach allows individuals who share our values to invest in Happy Castle while also generating income to fund community projects, expand infrastructure, and strengthen our shared vision.
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At the heart of Happy Castle’s long-term vision is our Community Land Trust (CLT)—a legal framework designed to ensure that the land remains a communal resource while providing opportunities for sustainable development and financial sustainability. The primary 160-acre parcel belongs communally to the community, held in trust to prevent speculation and ensure that it is always used in alignment with our mission of self-sufficiency, natural building, and ecological restoration. This means the land cannot be sold off or developed in ways that compromise its sustainability or the integrity of the community and any improvements are subject to consensus-based decision-making by residents in alignment with our mission statement.
However, we recognize that a thriving, long-lasting community requires financial self-sufficiency and diverse participation. To support this, select portions of unused land outside of the core campground and communal spaces will be subdivided and sold as unique private lots, called Happy Castle Homesteads with community focused deed restrictions, including a 15% transaction fee on all subsequent sales. These parcels provide an opportunity for individuals who align with our values to invest in the future of Happy Castle while generating income for the nonprofit to fund community projects, expand infrastructure, and strengthen our shared vision.
Day
One
Day One is about accepting your past. On this day we have a host of activities planned. We encourage attendees to get to know each other without judgemnt. Radical honesty and radical inclusion.
Day One is dedicated to moving in, setting up camp, and meeting your neighbors. Today we're focused on building the community that will define the rest of your festival. At night we start the fire which will burn until morning. Everyone can gather round and what happens is what you make of it. Attendees are encouraged to collaborate with Happy Castle both in spirit and physically, bringing their own art-installations, costumes, and energy for all to enjoy.
Day
One
Day One is about accepting your past. On this day we have a host of activities planned. We encourage attendees to get to know each other without judgemnt. Radical honesty and radical inclusion.
Day One is dedicated to moving in, setting up camp, and meeting your neighbors. Today we're focused on building the community that will define the rest of your festival. At night we start the fire which will burn until morning. Everyone can gather round and what happens is what you make of it. Attendees are encouraged to collaborate with Happy Castle both in spirit and physically, bringing their own art-installations, costumes, and energy for all to enjoy.