For most of us the memories we have of the epic light shows at festivals are pretty much the same. We jam out in a field somewhere and dance as long as our legs stay under us, but every so often a festival comes along that marshals the enthusiasm of a local generation and breaks the festival mold. Northern Nights is just such a festival.

Deep in the heart of Mendocino's luxurious redwood groves near the Eel River at the Mendocino-Humboldt County Line, Northern Nights is home to picturesque landscapes, all-night flow jams, and unforgettable activities like medieval combat (with Styrofoam arms), renegade dance battles, big-kid ball pits and the sort of refreshing river swims that are only found in fairy tales. Indeed, there’s something about the redwoods that made all the smiles a little wider. Maybe the heart-to-heart affection and juicy vibes we relish at festivals flow a little easier there.

Whether you’re hoping to re-experience the mesmerizing glow that pushed through the resplendent trees at night or you simply want the chance to live a little closer to the earth, here are 45 photos highlighting the glory of Northern Nights Music Festival.