FWB Fest, the annual convergence of music, emerging technology, and culture, is set to take place from August 1 to 3, 2025, in Idyllwild, California. A recent announcement from Polygon on social media highlighted the approaching deadline for participation, stating, "Ends July 22nd. You must be able to travel to Idyllwild, CA on August 1-3." This reiterates the critical dates for prospective attendees.
The festival, held at the scenic Idyllwild Arts Academy, is described as an "industry-defining emerging tech & music festival" that offers a weekend of ideas, music, and unique experiences. Since its inception in 2022, FWB Fest has become a pivotal event for creatives, technologists, artists, and cultural producers to explore the intersection of technology and culture.
Organized by Friends With Benefits (FWB), a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) founded in 2021, the festival is a key part of FWB's mission to foster innovation in the Web3 space. FWB aims to shape "optimistic tech futures" by bringing together a diverse community for real-world (IRL) connections and collaborative initiatives. The festival also serves as a platform for showcasing projects from FWB's "Friends With Builders" program.
The programming for FWB Fest 2025 spans four distinct stage environments: the Amphitheatre, Envelop (for 360° immersive sound), Rush (for club nights), and Sunset Rock (integrating nature and machine soundscapes). Attendees can expect a blend of live music performances, lectures, dialogues, and interactive workshops, with past editions featuring notable artists like Charli XCX and Sudan Archives, and speakers discussing technology and society.
FWB Fest 2025 is open to both FWB members and non-members, with tickets priced at $99. The event's location in the San Jacinto Mountains provides a unique backdrop for the blend of artistic expression and forward-thinking innovation. Partners for the 2025 festival include Polygon, Stellar Development Foundation, Base, and Phantom, underscoring the event's broad industry support.