Spotlight: Life Is Beautiful Reminds Festival Goers What Freedom Feels Like

Sep 22

☆ BY HOLLY ALVARADO ☆

*Photos By Yuxi Liu Courtesy of BACARDÍ Rum*

THE NEVADA BLISTERING SUN STARTED TO ECLIPSE IN A PINK, COTTON CANDY-LIKE SKY - my sweaty palms held onto the last droplets of fluid in my $5 water bottle as I stood amongst festival-goers waiting patiently for the next act to start at the Downtown Stage. Then, finally, something hit me—we made it. After two years, society made it out alive from what seemed like “the end of the world” after shows, festivals, and life itself took a standstill. Somehow, with over 50,000 plus people in attendance at the Life Is Beautiful Music & Arts Festival, it felt as if the larger-than-life crowd came together for a singular purpose: to feel wholly & utterly free.

My dear friend turned to me on the first day of the festival at 2 a.m. while struggling to find an Uber and snickered, “Can you believe we’re here? Can you believe we actually made it to a festival?” And honestly, I couldn’t. But that’s what made Life Is Beautiful so extraordinary; the mere thought that no matter what folks did outside of the lively bubble thousands entered in that weekend, it didn’t matter. What did, however, was the willingness to let go and dance around till your arms couldn’t sway in the muggy sky any longer or till dehydration hit you like a sharp sting, forcing anyone to stop at Panchos Kitchen for a refreshing (watermelon) Aguas Frescas by the BACARDÍ Stage.

The Life Is Beautiful Music & Arts Festival made its grand return to Sin City, specifically Downtown Vegas, from Sept. 17-19 after a year and a half of silence, and once again reinstated why it’s one of the most versatile festivals in the world. With a Lollapalooza-like feel, “a festival in the city” was the aura of the weekend with 18 designated blocks. Surrounded by throwback casinos, newly renovated lofts, and locally-owned restaurants, it brought a cozy flare only Life Is Beautiful could manage to produce. The festival is so versatile that the musical acts could almost pause as other attractions drew in the crowds. With silent discos, vibrant art installations from local artists, an affirmations room that allowed visitors to leave loving words in individual envelopes, and a surprise visit from Emo Nite, nothing wreaked of boredom.

The 2021 lineup showcased promising acts such as Green Day, Megan Thee Stallion, Tame Impala, Willow Smith, ASAP Rocky and many more. Crowds packed the four stages surrounded throughout the festival, and in turn, were bestowed with powerful performances.

Still Woozy Performs at BACARDI Stage During Day 3 of Life is Beautiful.jpg

From emotional ridden tears, psychedelic feels (thanks to Kevin Parker), twerking to life-altering revelations that left individuals changed forever, the three-day excursion reminds festival-goers that life is what you make it. It’s messy, uncomfortable, long, worthwhile, and beautiful, something Life Is Beautiful Music & Arts Festival emulates precisely.

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