FORMAT FESTIVAL
September 22-24, 2023
photos by Emma Watts // words by liz watts
Honey Punch Mag made it back to Bentonville for FORMAT Festival - we absolutely loved our experience at the first ever FORMAT, and were ready to see what year two would bring!
This year, the festival found its new home at The Momentary, a contemporary art space in Bentonville, Arkansas, and a satellite venue for the renowned
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Although it was a smaller-scale affair compared to last year, the festival still showed UP n’ showed OUT with all of our favorite features, like the Drag Me To the Disco barn, The Bizarre Bazaar, and fun art installations - our favorite was the larger than life iridescent bubbles installation, created by ATELIER SISU. The Cube venue, a highlight from the 2022 edition, was even reimagined in this new space as the RODE HOUSE.
Navigating the festival was a breeze, once again, and a huge reason we will keep coming back to FORMAT! From shuttle services to ticket pickup, bathroom lines to food lines, it was apparent that the festival organizers wanted a smooth and enjoyable experience for every attendee. In the more intimate setting of the Momentary, the festival felt more like a chill city festival than the sprawling extravagance of last year, which was set in an airfield. We missed the Disco forest and overlooking the Ozarks, but loved that there were no endless walks from one main stage to the other; everything was conveniently within a few minutes walk.
The change in location made a world of difference in all the right ways. It offered easy access, the perfect size, and was still completely aligned with the festival's vision- a festival FOR (M)usic, (A)rt, and (T)ech. With distinct sections to explore, such as art installations, vendors to shop from, and even a visit from the Inside Out Project photobooth truck, the festival's creative essence was on full display all weekend long!
DAY 1:
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM
LITTLE SIMZ
JAMIE XX
DAY 2:
HERMANOS GUITIERREZ
SUDAN ARCHIVES
THE PHARCYDE
MODEST MOUSE
FAUX REAL
DAY 3:
FRANC MOODY
LEON BRIDGES
TASH SULTANA