Top 5 Acts to see at Cascade Equinox 2024 (…and a few extra for good measure)

Cascade Equinox returns to Central Oregon this September for its second year bringing an eclectic mix of music, art, and festivities to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. With so many intoxicating sights and sounds to experience, Magnetic wanted to highlight a few of the musical acts to be sure not to miss this Summer.

In a show of unity with its community, Cascade Equinox is teaming up with the Pacific Northwest’s renowned Summer Meltdown Festival in an exciting grassroots collaboration known as the ‘Melty Migration.’ Following a hiatus in 2023 to secure a new venue, both festivals have decided to join forces to create an even more spectacular experience. The ‘Melty Migration’ will feature two Meltdown stage takeovers – one for the Thursday night Pre-Funk Party and another on the Harvest stage, showcasing some of Summer Meltdown’s most cherished acts.

Their loyal fanbase have the chance to camp together in a dedicated premium campground, and the first 500 Melters to get on board will get complimentary early access on Thursday to enjoy the Pre-Funk Party.

Cascade Equinox is also introducing the festival’s newest sensation: Solar Spin. This exhilarating indoor roller skating rink invites attendees to experience the magic of live music while gliding and grooving across the dancefloor.

The event ensures attendees enjoy convenience and luxury with their fleet of luxury motor coaches. These shuttles operate multiple times daily, shuttling guests to and from Bend, Oregon to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. Additionally, they offer transportation services for Bend residents not lodging on-site. Shuttles are available to and from Portland International Airport (PDX) for attendees flying in. Stay tuned for forthcoming schedules and further details.

Cascade Equinox Festival will offer various activities and programming, including a vendor marketplace, workshops, kids zones, a roller rink, carnival rides, culinary commons, a healing sanctuary, yoga, beer and wine tastings, interactive art installations, and live art. It will also have wellness experiences like the Oasis Bath House, which includes luxurious boutique showers and options for enjoying a sauna and cold plunge.

Cascade Equinox aims to redefine the festival experience, seamlessly merging tradition with innovation. With a commitment to inclusivity and dynamism, this pioneering event caters to its attendees’ diverse tastes and evolving expectations. The festival is driven to showcase the best of the Pacific Northwest region by featuring local artists, food and craft vendors, performers, and more. Going beyond the usual crowd, it seeks to connect with individuals who share its mission, inviting them to participate.

Clozee

French producer Clozee is set to bring her unique blend of trap, dubstep, UK Bass, and glitch to the Northwest at Cascade Equinox. Clozee has made quite the wave in the bass music industry since her debut album in 2012. And for good reason, her music evokes a spiritual and evolutionary sound. She performs Friday and I recommend not missing it.

Whatever direction she takes us in, it will be an incredible experience.

Poolside

“Daytime disco”. “Lush electronic vibes”. “A nighttime cruise, riding out any regrets through some yacht-rock and funk-lit plays around stories of multi-dimensional ideas of love.”. All phrases used to describe Poolside’s music. Poolside makes music that you would want to hear hanging at a BBQ, pool party, or laying in the grass with your friends at the park. I can’t think of a better venue to enjoy the sounds of Poolside. Don’t miss them on Saturday.

Marc Ribellet

Marc Rebillet is something of an internet celebrity and made a name for himself in the last decade improvising songs on livestreams while dancing. His performances immediately draw you in with the zaniness, but keep you around with his witty, sharp lyrics and danceable grooves. Be sure to stick around through Sunday to catch his set.

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High Step Society

As a Eugene native I’d be extremely remitted to not include High Step Society as one of the top acts to catch at Cascade Equinox this year. Having been to numerous shows of theirs over the years from large concerts to pop up shows on top of a bus, High Step Society never disappoints. They bring an energy and excitement to their music that begs you to join in on the dancing and fun. Don’t miss their live band performance on Friday.

Neil Frances

The sweet symphony of psychedelic, infectious grooves from the LA based duo Neil Frances will grace the stage of Cascade Equinox on Sunday. After 2 days of dancing and partying, Neil Frances will be a great way to vibe out and enjoy a chill dance in the grass (hopefully). Neil Frances has been on my morning drive and Sunday hangout playlists for a while now, and I can’t wait to hear them play a DJ set in person on Sunday.

A Lil Something Extra

While you can’t go wrong at any of the stages at Cascade Equinox offering up a diverse array of acts, ranging from jam, electronic, funk, soul, and bluegrass genres, here are a few more acts I recommend:

Justin Jay
Wreckno
Liquid Stranger
Wajatta
STS9
Jungle
Dirtwire

In addition to the festival, fans can prepare for the triumphant return of ‘Summer Jams’, the second annual concert series of Cascade Equinox, in collaboration with the esteemed 4 Peaks Music Festival, Kraft Bar, and LOGE Camps. Taking place in Bend, Oregon, this series brings vibrant local concert experiences, showcasing live performances by exceptionally talented local and regional musical acts. They will offer a wide array of local food vendors and artisans, including hand-crafted cocktails, local brews, wines, and ciders. Each event will feature an exclusive opportunity to secure fee-free tickets for Cascade Equinox.

Cascade Equinox aims to redefine the festival experience, seamlessly merging tradition with innovation. With a commitment to inclusivity and dynamism, this pioneering event caters to the diverse tastes and evolving expectations of its attendees. The festival is driven to showcase the best of the Pacific Northwest region by featuring local artists, food and craft vendors, performers, and more. Going beyond the usual crowd, it seeks to connect with individuals who share its mission, inviting them to be part of an extraordinary and transformative celebration for their second annual edition.