The death certificate lists the infant’s date of death as on or about June 27, the day before workers for the festival’s porta-potty vendor reportedly found her with the placenta and umbilical cord still attached. It records her age at death as one minute. Sixteen fields are marked “unknown,” including the identities of the mother and father, as well as the infant’s race, ancestry, and birthplace.

According to preliminary autopsy findings previously released by Michigan State Police, the infant was born alive and was viable at birth. Authorities have not publicly identified the baby’s mother or announced a cause of death.

The investigation remains ongoing, with Michigan State Police and the FBI continuing to seek information related to the case. The FBI has offered a $15,000 reward for information that leads to the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible.

Electric Forest organizers previously said they were heartbroken by the incident and encouraged anyone with relevant information to assist investigators. The annual Michigan festival draws tens of thousands of attendees and features electronic music, jam bands, camping, and immersive art installations.

Authorities have asked the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continues.

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Background

Per CBS News, an employee of the restroom vending company found the body of the newborn baby on June 28th, during a routine maintenance, on the festival’s last day. Authorities quickly determined that the baby was born alive and would’ve survived otherwise. Although officials have kept many details private, Whethington explains that officials have followed a tip from a festival attendee. However, the FBI cleared the woman from the suspect list after she cooperated with them.

Moreover, the FBI Detroit Field Office has joined the investigation. They expressed that their investigative efforts, alongside forensic science, will lead to finding the perpetrator/perpetrators. CBS shared that authorities are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Michigan State Police at 855-MICH-TIP. Furthermore, people can also leave tips online.

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The infant was found during routine maintenance by a restroom vendor employee. Preliminary autopsy findings determined the baby was born alive and viable. Investigators have remained tight-lipped about additional details as they work to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

After days of speculation across social media, the Muskegon woman voluntarily provided DNA samples and fully cooperated with investigators before authorities announced she had been eliminated as a suspect. Speaking publicly for the first time, she said the accusations have been devastating, adding, “I’m innocent,” while revealing she later suffered a miscarriage of her own.

As investigators continue searching for answers, the FBI has officially joined the case alongside Michigan State Police. They are now offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of whoever is responsible for the newborn’s death. Authorities say they believe people who attended Electric Forest may have information that could prove critical.

The investigation has also become a sobering reminder of the dangers of online speculation. Before police ruled her out, the innocent festival attendee became the target of widespread rumors. These rumors rapidly spread across social media, forcing her to defend herself while grieving her own pregnancy loss. Law enforcement emphasized that forensic evidence, not internet theories, will ultimately solve the case. Officials continue urging anyone with relevant information to come forward rather than contribute to misinformation.

Authorities ask that anyone with information that can assist in the investigation contact the Michigan State Police at 855-MICH-TIP. Tips can be sent to a local FBI office or online at tips.fbi.gov. 

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Last weekend’s Electric Forest welcomed tens of thousands of festival-goers back to Sherwood Forest in Rothbury, Michigan for another unforgettable weekend of music, art, and community. While Electric Forest consistently delivers world-class lineups and stunning production, neither is what makes the festival so special. The real magic lies within Sherwood Forest itself, where every winding path invites discovery and every attendee helps create an experience that extends far beyond the music.

This year’s festival introduced brand-new experiences like Wander Whirled and Center Stage, welcomed the Tea Sanctuary as a peaceful oasis tucked inside the Library, featured noticeable upgrades to sound and production across nearly every stage, and delivered nearly perfect weather for most of the weekend. Yet despite all the changes, the same feeling remained.

Last year I described Electric Forest through the lens of collective effervescence—the shared electricity that emerges when thousands of people gather around a common purpose. Returning in 2026, that feeling was just as palpable. From the familiar chorus of ‘Happy Forest!’ greetings to strangers exchanging trinkets and compliments along the paths, the sense of community remained the festival’s greatest attraction. Music may bring us to Rothbury, but it’s that collective energy that keeps us coming back.

Wander Whirled Keeps the Spirit of Exploration Alive

One of this year’s biggest additions was Wander Whirled, the immersive experience that replaced Dream Emporium after several years as one of Forest’s signature attractions. While it retained the spirit of exploration made famous by its predecessor, Wander Whirled established its own identity through a maze of winding corridors filled with hidden performances, interactive exhibits, and unexpected surprises around nearly every corner.

Another addition was Center Stage, which replaced Carousel Club as an intimate performance space nestled inside Wander Whirled. With ample seating and a cozy atmosphere, it quickly became one of the festival’s most welcoming places to slow down without stepping away from the music entirely.

One of my favorite memories from the weekend came courtesy of King Bubble (Cam Steen + Noisemaker Dub) at Center Stage. Unfortunately, the incoming storm cut the performance short, but not before it had already become one of the weekend’s highlights. The intimate venue, enthusiastic crowd, and effortless chemistry on stage once again proved that the most memorable sets aren’t always the biggest ones.

Another welcome addition to the festival this year came inside the Library, where the new Tea Sanctuary offered attendees a peaceful escape from the nonstop pace of the festival. Filled with calming scents, cozy seating, and handcrafted herbal teas, the space invited guests to slow down and recharge.

The Forest Always Provides (Us with Secret Sets)

Electric Forest has always rewarded curiosity, and 2026 was no exception, especially when it came to discovering the surprise sets hidden throughout the weekend. Some of my favorite Forest moments each year come from artists I wasn’t planning my day around, the kind of sets you only find by being in the right place at the right time. This year, Claude VonStroke made a surprise appearance at Grand Artique ahead of his closing set at Tripolee. Detox Unit later transformed the same intimate stage into another unforgettable, unexpected highlight.

Beyond Grand Artique, surprise appearances from LSDream at The Observatory and Illenium at The Honeycomb added even more magic to an already stacked weekend, each drawing massive, energetic crowds in uniquely intimate settings.

Across the forest, these unannounced moments reinforced what makes Electric Forest so distinct. Artists feel less separated from the crowd and more integrated into it, playing for whoever happens to wander through. It’s these spontaneous discoveries that always end up sticking with you long after the weekend ends.

A Soundtrack Worth Wandering For

While Electric Forest is about far more than music, it remains the foundation of the experience, and this year’s lineup was stacked from start to finish.

Among the weekend’s highlights were GRiZ’s two distinct sets, one at Ranch Arena and another Chasing the Golden Hour set at Sherwood Court. The Ranch set brought massive, high-energy moments that lit up the crowd, while Sherwood Court offered a warmer, more melodic experience that leaned into the golden-hour atmosphere. Together, the two sets captured the full spectrum of his sound.

Another standout came from Shpongle, whose set delivered a dense, psychedelic soundscape built from layered instrumentation, shifting rhythms, and hypnotic transitions that kept the crowd fully immersed from start to finish.

Meanwhile, Vincent Antone delivered one of the weekend’s biggest surprises for me. His soulful blend of funk, electronic production, and infectious grooves created exactly the kind of feel-good energy that defines an afternoon at Forest.

One noticeable improvement this year came from Tripolee. Long criticized for inconsistent sound in previous editions, the stage seemed noticeably louder and fuller throughout the weekend. Whether watching from the rail or further back in the crowd, the upgraded sound system made a significant difference and elevated the experience across the board.

Nearly Perfect Weather Conditions

Weather challenges are a given at Electric Forest, but this year’s conditions felt like a gift. Comfortably cool temperatures made exploring Sherwood Forest far more enjoyable than the hot and humid afternoons many attendees have grown to expect. Walking miles each day between stages, art installations, and hidden attractions became much more manageable, allowing people to spend more time wandering and less time searching for shade.

The only significant interruption came on Sunday, when severe weather forced the festival to temporarily pause operations for several hours. While the delay was disappointing, attendees handled it with patience, and organizers were ultimately able to reopen the grounds in time for the festival’s closing performances. This also resulted in a surprise Illenium b2b Wooli set.

If anything, finally returning to the Forest after the storm seemed to make those final sets feel even more meaningful.

The Magic Is Still the People

As strong as the music and production are, Electric Forest has never been defined by its lineup alone. It shows up in small, ordinary moments: strangers striking up conversations in food lines, spontaneous trinket trades, or quiet breaks under the trees before wandering toward the next stage. That sense of connection, comes from the people who show up and participate in it. The festival simply creates the environment for it to happen.

Until next Forest.

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The devastating incident, which occurred during the final day of the four-day music festival in Rothbury, Michigan, was initially reported earlier this week. As noted in our previous coverage of the discovery, an employee of a restroom maintenance company made the harrowing find while servicing the facilities.

New Details

Sources close to the investigation revealed to local outlets that the post-mortem analysis found fluid inside the neonate’s lungs and stomach, indicating the infant was breathing on its own after birth. The baby was discovered alongside the placenta and umbilical cord.

While Michigan State Police have confirmed that the autopsy is complete, officials stated they are still waiting on the official report before publicly certifying the exact findings and cause of death.

Authorities Search for Answers

Despite the grim circumstances, Lt. Pat Agema of the Michigan State Police shared that the case is not currently being classified as a homicide. Investigators are focusing their efforts on identifying the child and locating the mother, who they believe can help explain the circumstances surrounding the birth.

With approximately 40,000 attendees gathering for Electric Forest, authorities are reviewing festival photography and surveillance footage in hopes of finding leads. No information regarding the infant’s gender or the identity of the mother has been released at this time.

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A 28 year old attendee of the Electric Forest Festival, Jerard Jackson, has been found dead around the woods of Rothbury. Jackson went missing post reporting ‘a crime had occurred’ to the police. The death apparently is a case of suicide and any foul play has been ruled out by the authorities. The reported crime, also supposedly involving his friend, seems to have never occurred. Jackson might have supposedly also tried to ‘turn himself into the police’ as per his friends.

According to the Michigan State Police, authorities reached the Jackson’s campsite around 10 a.m. on Monday. The call was made by him to report a purported criminal incident associated with a friend. After interacting with the ones supposedly involved, police arrived at the conclusion that there was no solid evidence that points to a crime that had taken place.

After interacting with the police, Jackson drove off from the festival in a rented vehicle in which he originally arrived at the festival with his friends. He left behind his cellphone, some personal stuff and the same set of people he came with. According to a social media post by a friend, Jackson ‘might have had some kind of mental crisis and wandered off’. The same friend claims Jackson allegedly tried to influence the authorities into turning himself in and a questioning had taken place before they let him go.

The vehicle was located by the police later with its keys and Jackson’s wallet still inside before finding his body in the woods. Michigan State Police states the investigation is continuing and awaiting the final report from the medical examiner.

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E-Forest is known for its impromptu performances from the biggest names in dance music, but this news was one surprise that no one was hoping for. Police have reported that the body of the newborn was found Sunday morning at the campgrounds. During a routine maintenance check, an employee of the portable bathroom vending company made the heartbreaking discovery.

Michigan State Police has now made a statement urging anyone who was in the area and may have seen anything unusual to come forward to report what they have witnessed. Anyone who has any information on this disturbing situation can share their reports HERE.

Hours after the story broke, Electric Forest put out its own statement as well.

What do you think about the response? Too little too late?

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Here’s our list of the Top 5 Artists You Can’t Miss at Electric Forest 2026.

1. GRiZ

There are few artists whose style aligns more with the vibes of Electric Forest than GRiZ. After returning from his hiatus in 2025, he’s quickly regained momentum with his high-energy sets that blend soulful funk, live saxophone, and heavy bass production. He’ll perform twice at Electric Forest this year, including a coveted Chasing The Golden Hour set, and both performances already feel destined to become defining moments of the weekend.

GRiZ sets tend to become full-on communal celebrations filled with nostalgia, emotion, and nonstop energy. Whether you’ve followed him for years or are finally catching him live for the first time, expect one of the most memorable performances of the festival.

2. The String Cheese Incident

You can’t talk about Electric Forest without talking about The String Cheese Incident. The legendary jam band has been woven into the identity of the festival since the beginning, returning year after year as spiritual anchors of the event.

For many veterans, “Saturday Night Cheese” is still the defining Forest tradition. Their performances are never just concerts; they’re theatrical, emotional, wildly unpredictable experiences packed with collaborations, production surprises, and the kind of improvisational energy that makes every set unique. This year’s special “Shebongle Shebang” collaboration with Shpongle only adds to the anticipation.

3. Daily Bread

Daily Bread has quietly evolved into one of the most coveted acts in the bass scene, and Electric Forest feels like the exact environment his music was built for. His blend of soulful sampling, hip-hop grooves, funk textures, and low-end heaviness creates the kind of warm, immersive atmosphere that thrives in the woods.

Fans across the Forest community, both online and in my own personal circles, consistently mention Daily Bread as one of the lineup’s must-see artists, especially for listeners who love the crossover between bass music and funk-forward production. Late-night Daily Bread in Sherwood Forest has the potential to become one of those “you had to be there” moments.

4. Odd Mob

House music continues to dominate festival culture, and Odd Mob represents one of the most exciting names pushing the genre forward right now. The Australian producer has built massive momentum thanks to his punchy basslines, high-energy grooves, and infectious club-ready sound. I always say, it’s impossible not to have a good time at an Odd Mob set.

Forest crowds have already singled him out as one of the can’t-miss dance acts on this year’s lineup. If you’re looking for a set that delivers pure energy from start to finish, Odd Mob should be near the top of your schedule.

5. Vincent Antone

Vincent Antone may still qualify as a rising artist, but longtime festival fans already know he’s one of the most exciting undercard bookings of the weekend. His sound blends funky bass music with soulful instrumentation, hip-hop influences, blues guitar, and downtempo grooves that feel tailor-made for Electric Forest.

What makes Vincent Antone stand out is how organic his music feels. There’s a looseness and warmth to his productions that cuts through the hyper-polished nature of modern electronic music. His live sets often feel less like traditional DJ performances and more like genre-bending jam sessions. For fans of GRiZ, Daily Bread, Pretty Lights, and Manic Focus, this one’s for you.

If you’re hoping to discover an artist before they fully explode into the mainstream festival circuit, this is the set to catch.

Honorable Mentions

Sammy Virji

UK garage continues to surge globally, and Sammy Virji has become one of the genre’s breakout stars. His infectious energy and crowd control make him one of the safest bets for an unforgettable dance party this weekend.

Starjunk 95

For attendees looking for something different, Starjunk 95 has become one of the lineup’s most buzzed-about discovery acts among Forest fans online. Expect funky nostalgia, quirky energy, and one of the most unique sets of the weekend.

No matter how carefully you plan your schedule, Electric Forest always finds ways to surprise you. Some of the best moments happen when you wander into a stage with no expectations and leave completely obsessed with an artist you’d never heard before.

Still, if you make time for these five acts, you’ll be giving yourself a pretty incredible starting point for Forest 2026.

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Highlighted additions to Electric Forest’s 2026 lineup include melodic architect Lane 8, global dance hitmaker Galantis, and live and newly reunited electronic improvisers EOTO, alongside Aron Magner of The Disco Biscuits teaming up with Cloudchord for their DEADTRONICA Grateful Dead project. Other standouts include genre-fluid vocalist and DJ Yaeji, Canadian electronic R&B standout Rochelle Jordan, and the all:Lo Collective featuring Parkbreezy, pheel., TF Marz, and Thought Process.

The expertly curated billing continues with German techno selector MCR-T, house and club favorite OMNOM, Japanese melodic house producer Qrion, UK bass riser Casey Club, Coachella Valley natives Close Friends Only, and experimental producer CREG. The lineup is further enriched by electronic pop and bass-leaning artists including Daniel Allan and Tiffany Day, space bass music producer Chmura, and indie-pop and electronic vocalist Lyrah, further reflecting Electric Forest’s commitment to diverse, genre-spanning talent.

These additions join an already stacked 2026 lineup featuring ILLENIUM, Excision, Kaskade, GRiZ, Chris Lake, The String Cheese Incident, DJ Diesel B2B T-Pain (Bass DJ Set), Eli Brown, Disco Lines, Purple Disco Machine, ISOxo, Ganja White Night, LSDream, Madeon, Levity, ALLEYCVT, Sammy Virji, Channel Tres, Bob Moses (Club Set), Passion Pit, and many more.

Electric Forest’s 2026 programming further celebrates the magic of discovery and community-driven creativity. Devoted Forest Family are invited to take part in its celebrated fan-participation Plug In Programs, offering attendees the opportunity to help shape the festival experience alongside Forest HQ. Signature initiatives such as The Wish Machine, The Brainery Prize Cart Remix Contest, EF Radio On Air Extraordinaire, Chapel Parties for the People, Her Forest, and more are now accepting submissions.

Passes are on sale at the festival’s official website. Details on specific Pass Types, Vehicle Passes, Group Camping, Early Arrival, Shuttles, Lockers, and more can be found here.

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The Lineup

Electric Forest will welcome sets from dance and crossover superstar ILLENIUM, bass heavyweight Excision, pioneering electronic superproducer KASKADE, two sets from fan-favorite DJ and multi-instrumentalist GRiZ performing twice, including a Chasing The Golden Hour set, house hitmaker Chris Lake, and jam band visionaries The String Cheese Incident, performing multiple incidents, including a special Shebongle Shebang.

The Forest also provides an iconic and never-before-seen DJ Diesel B2B T-Pain (Bass DJ Set), techno heavy hitter Eli Brown, the contagious melodies of Disco Lines and groove-driven stylings of Purple Disco Machine, electrifying trap and bass standout ISOxo, and Belgian bass duo Ganja White Night. Added highlights include LSDream, Madeon, Levity, ALLEYCVT, Sammy Virji, Channel Tres, Bob Moses (Club Set), and Passion Pit.

Electric Forest’s lineup traverses every corner of the electronic spectrum, also featuring electro-soul and hip-hop beats from Daily Bread, funk-centric bass stylings from Vincent Antone, drum & bass architects Andy C and Ivy Lab, guitar-slinging rock meets bass performer Sullivan King, and melodic drum & bass craftsman Wilkinson. Added depth comes from bass-driven innovators Nitepunk, Ravenscoon, Mary Droppinz, and Wooli alongside house favorites Odd Mob, Devault, and SIDEPIECE. MPH and Oppidan add UKG flavors to the mix, while Whethan, Starjunk 95, Tourist, and Swimming Paul add diverse sonic palettes, in addition to rising names Heyz and Jackie Hollander.

Beyond the dancefloor, Electric Forest opens its stages to eclectic artists redefining genre and performance. The improvisational spirit of visionary Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country fuses roots and psychedelia, while hyperpop provocateurs Frost Children and Underscores deliver electrifying digital chaos. Soulful futurists INIKO and INJI provide commanding vocals, joined by alt-rock and rap innovator Jean Dawson, electro-pop acts Łaszewo and Midnight Generation, and forward-thinking producers Sam Gellaitry and SBTRKT (DJ Set). Rising stars Couch and Bipolar Sunshine bring sharp lyricism, with dreamy indie-pop trio Night Tapes and Forest veteran Dixon’s Violin also among the highlights.

Tickets

Electric Forest’s Loyalty Program, designed to reward returning Forest Family, begins on December 9 at 12PM ET, followed by the General Public On Sale on December 12 at 12PM ET. For full details on passes, packages, and the Electric Forest Loyalty Program – as well as the new GA Preferred Car Camping option and Uplift Lounge Add-On experience – visit ElectricForest.com.

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