Off The Grid Campout’s Founder Talks Festival Vibes And Lessons Learned In An Exclusive Interview

As Off The Grid Campout gears up for its eighth edition this October, founder Mikey Made reflects on the journey that started in 2015 with a small desert gathering of less than 50 people. What began as a modest event inspired by the freedom and unique settings of campout-style festivals has since grown into a 1200-person, four-day marathon of non-stop music across multiple genres. This year, Off The Grid Campout enters a new chapter following a significant legal victory over John Summit, allowing the festival to retain its name and continue building its legacy in the underground music scene.

In an exclusive interview, Mikey Made (the festival’s co-founder) shares insights into the challenges of organizing a grassroots festival, the unique atmosphere that sets Off The Grid apart, and the lessons he’s learned. With long-term goals to expand the festival and new ventures on the horizon, including an upcoming edition in Austin, Mikey discusses his vision for the future and the continued evolution of Off The Grid Campout. As the festival prepares to welcome over 150 acts this year, it remains a beacon of community, creativity, and resilience in the face of industry giants.

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The Lineup!

The Interview!

Can you tell us about the origins of Off The Grid Campout and how it has evolved since its inception in 2015?

At the time, I was mainly hosting and promoting club and bar events. After going to a few desert, campout style events, I fell in love with the freedom and unique locations they offered. That’s when I decided I wanted to create my own campout event, Off The Grid.

What challenges have you faced in organizing a grassroots underground festival, and how have you overcome them?

One of our biggest challenges is being an entirely independent collective, some of us take on many roles and juggle numerous projects. However, as we continue to grow, we’re improving our departmentalization, leading to greater efficiency and a smoother creative process across all aspects of the event.

Can you describe the atmosphere at Off The Grid Campout and how it differs from other music festivals?

The atmosphere at OTG is truly magical—everywhere you look, you see nothing but smiles! It’s become a reunion for the dance music culture in Southern California and beyond! One of the coolest things about OTG is seeing top tier talent on such intimate, high production stages.

What are your long-term goals for Off The Grid Campout, and how do you see it evolving in the future?

My long term goals are to continue to scale up all areas of the event, while our next big goal is to transition into a larger venue, not so far out.

What lessons have you learned from organizing Off The Grid Campout that you would pass on to other festival organizers?

I’ve learned enough to write a book, but I’d say one of the biggest lessons that I’ve learned is that your production teams are really your bread and butter. Go out of your way to keep these people happy and it will show in the event. And give them praise when you can. Shoutout to my TRUE CREW!

How do you envision the future of Off The Grid Campout, particularly with the upcoming Austin edition and other potential expansions?

For now, So Cal will remain our flagship event. However, we are beyond thrilled to have found a new home in Austin and are building an infrastructure to be able to host 2 annual OTG events a year. We’re also working on a series of International Off The Grid Campouts and affiliated events. My biggest goal is to continue to spread positivity through dance music!

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