There Was Definitely Something in the Water at Bass Coast 2025

With its “Wild Things” theme and femme-forward ethos, the electronic music gathering delivered a weekend of radical joy and thoughtful celebration.

By Michelle Swami

Photos by Ryan Rose

Published on July 17, 2025

Tucked into the dusty, sunbaked hills of the Nicola Valley—on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Nlaka’pamux and Syilx peoples—Bass Coast Festival returned from July 10 to 14 with the kind of energy that turns a dance party into a pilgrimage. Now in its 17th year, the 6,700-capacity gathering remains one of Canada’s most thoughtfully curated boutique festivals, blending cutting-edge electronic music with immersive art, wellness, and a community culture rooted in radical expression and care.

This wasn’t just another edition—it was a refresh. A redesigned layout brought a noticeable shift in flow, most notably the merging of the Main Stage and Cantina into a single space called “Somewhere,” reducing the total number of stages but heightening the sense of togetherness. What could’ve felt like a logistical downgrade instead sharpened the festival’s intimate magic. Navigating the grounds was easier. The bass was still thunderous. And whether you were floating in the river or raving under a canopy of lasers, the vibe was unmistakably Bass Coast: warm, weird, and wildly alive.

Anchoring the weekend was a stacked lineup of electronic innovators. Headliner G Jones brought his signature brand of cerebral, bass-heavy wizardry, while highlights throughout the weekend included Djrum’s hypnotic three-turntable set, a triumphant return from festival veterans The Glitch Mob, and a high-energy showing from Denmark’s Main Phase, who kept the dance floor lit with garage and DnB rhythms. Across the spectrum—from house and UK garage to techno and experimental club sounds—standout sets from Justin Martin, Madam X, and Bambii showed just how far-reaching Bass Coast’s sonic curation really is. Local legends like the Shah DJs crew, Max Ulis, and Dane held it down too, especially during daytime sets that spilled out onto the riverbanks, where the only thing better than the beats was the cool relief of the water.

True to form, Bass Coast’s 2025 theme—Wild Things—gave festivalgoers plenty of room to play. “In a world that worships uniformity, we are the wild mutations, the anomalies that evolution couldn’t tame,” read the official prompt. The result was a visual feast of animal-inspired outfits, upcycled couture, and imaginative interpretations of nature gone rogue. It extended the environmentally conscious spirit of 2024’s “Reuse, Recycle, Reflect,” and once again reminded everyone that costume culture here isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of the art.

But the real heart of Bass Coast is its people and the principles they show up for. Harm reduction isn’t hidden behind fine print—it’s visible and active. From shaded sanctuary spaces and daily workshops to the on-site harm reduction tent, wellness and safety are prioritized without compromising on fun. The festival’s femme-forward leadership permeates everything, creating an environment where consent, creativity, and care aren’t just buzzwords—they’re felt in every interaction.

It might be modest in size, but Bass Coast continues to prove that small can be mighty. With its immersive art, thoughtful curation, and dedicated community, it’s no wonder people return year after year—for the music, for the magic, and for each other.