Set in the middle of a remote national forest, it’s not surprising that a subculture quality has taken hold at Wakarusa. It is a world unto itself, nestled amidst the Ozarks, and the festival's mid-scale size makes for an intimate atmosphere. A music festival that feels like summer camp, the vibe at Wakarusa is summed up perfectly by one of the festival’s mottos: “Never corporate, always progressive. Forever your home away from home.”

Our friend Stephen Ironside, who has been photographing Wakarusa for the past 5 years, was there to capture some of the magic.