Garbicz Festival: Berlin’s Best Party is in Poland

Where Cutting Edge Electronic Music Meets Old World Charm

A scene from Birdmilk Collective’s performance. Photo by: Birdmilk Collective

In just a few short years Garbicz has earned a reputation as a top-tier destination for electronic music producers and aficionados. While they don’t release the lineup prior to the event and don’t use huge fees to draw well-known DJs, Garbicz showcases some of the best talent in Europe. It’s considered an honor to perform there and Garbicz sets on Soundcloud are some of the most highly anticipated of the year. Each stage (called a floor) at Garbicz has a different vibe and musical offering, from house to techno, to ambient to eclectic live performances. The festival even boasts a “hippy paradise” called Lichtung, which offers a space for yoga, meditation, workshops and improvised jam sessions. Garbicz is also deeply rooted in the Berlin dance scene. One of my favorite performances of the weekend was the Birdmilk Collective’s show in the Polish Corner. It was so innovative I saw it both nights.

Zibi Gondek, the passionate leader of the Polish production crew, is originally from the area and although his family moved to Southern Poland, he spent his summers at the lake. Being personally embedded in the community helps with collaboration with the locals and Gondek hires Polish people to construct the site, volunteer during the festival, and provide and cook local food, and as security year-round. I was inspired to hear Gondek’s passion about the event and the joy as he described his plans for expanding the land by 25% and building composting toilets.