Skooliepalooza has long been a highlight of the nomadic community, bringing together vanlifers, skoolie dwellers, and adventure seekers for an annual gathering in the Arizona desert. However, in recent years, the event has evolved, split, and taken on new forms.
This year, I attended both Skooliepalooza events—Skoolipallooza (R) Quartzsite and Skooliepalooza (C) Ehrenberg—each offering its own unique energy, experiences, and, of course, a bit of drama.
Here’s how it all went down.
A Brief History of Skooliepalooza
Skooliepalooza was founded in 2016 by Don Redman, with the first event planned for 2017. Unfortunately, Don’s bus broke down, and he was unable to attend. In his absence, Nick and Russ took on organizing duties, setting the foundation for what would become one of the biggest gatherings in the nomadic community.
Over the years, Skooliepalooza evolved into an “ungathering”—an event without strict leadership, designed to let attendees shape their own experiences. However, by 2022, tensions within the community led to a split, resulting in two separate events: one in Ehrenberg, often called Onionfest, and another in Quartzsite.
By 2025, the two events had fully taken on their own identities, complete with separate branding. I decided to experience both.
Ehrenberg: The Wild West of Nomad Gatherings
Dates Attended: January 19-27, 2025
Ehrenberg’s Skooliepalooza (C) felt like the Wild West—a sprawling, loosely organized gathering where anything could happen. I arrived on Sunday afternoon, using a set of GPS coordinates to navigate to Build Camp, a spot that seemed to offer a good mix of community and quiet.
Finding My Spot
Before setting up camp, I took a few key factors into account:
✔ A fire pit nearby (check)
✔ A beautiful desert view out my back door (check)
✔ A strong cell signal (check)
I found an open space between two rigs and backed in, getting settled just in time for a stunning desert sunset—complete with paragliders soaring overhead and a spontaneous dance circle forming in the distance. It was a magical welcome to the event.
The Ehrenberg Experience: A Little Bit of Everything
This gathering had no official leadership, meaning everyone was free to do their own thing. Some people came for community meals, others for live music and parties, and some just to be left alone in the desert.
Here’s a rundown of what Ehrenberg had to offer:
- Campfires & Community – I hosted a few fires at my van and met some incredible people, including a backpacker one the road for 5 years. One night, a group set up a rooftop dance party on their rigs right next door, spinning a DJ set against the desert skyline.
- Music & Chaos – The Pirate Bus, a well-known nomadic entertainment rig, hosted events throughout the week. While their crew was mostly respectful, tensions rose when their longtime rival, Skoolie Dan, showed up.
- Police Activity – Without leadership or security, any issues had to be handled by local authorities. Over the course of the week:
- A truck drove through camp launching fireworks at vehicles (before I arrived).
- A bus had its window smashed, leading to an arrest.
- The infamous Skoolie Dan incident resulted in vandalism, a wild drive through camp, and another arrest. The #FreeSkoolieDan movement was born.
- Vendors & Freebies – There were vendors selling everything from handmade goods to deep-fried Oreos, plus plenty of “free piles” where people left unwanted items for others to claim. I even scored a solar panel for $25—one of the best finds of the event.
Final Thoughts on Ehrenberg
Despite the occasional chaos, I enjoyed my time here. The atmosphere was raw, unfiltered, and completely unsupervised—an untamed space where you could party all night or keep to yourself. While the lack of organization led to some safety concerns, it also fostered a true sense of freedom.
Would I return? Maybe. But after 10 nights in Ehrenberg, I was ready for something different.
Quartzsite: A More Structured Skooliepalooza
Dates Attended: February 7-16, 2025
The Quartzsite gathering—also known as Skoolipallooza (R)—felt like the more mature, organized counterpart to Ehrenberg’s wild free-for-all. Though still an “ungathering,” there was a clear sense of community and leadership.
Finding My Spot (Again… and Again)
I originally set up camp next to one of the event’s informal organizers—a guy who runs the WhatsApp group for Skooliepalooza. His three French bulldogs provided great entertainment.
However, due to some shifting group dynamics, I had to relocate mid-event. It was a bit of a hassle, but I quickly found a new spot near some friends and settled back in. Compared to Ehrenberg, Quartzsite had a more centralized layout, with fewer large party zones and a more relaxed vibe.
Quartzsite Highlights
- Smaller, Intimate Gatherings – I hosted a few fires at my van, reconnecting with friends from previous events. We caught a stunning view of a surprise rocket launch. A pet pig was a fun find!
- Music & Events – This gathering had fewer large-scale events, but I did attend:
- A potluck hosted by the “Wazabus” crew.
- A music jam hosted by the Crossroads App group on the last night (absolutely magical).
- Less Drama, More Structure – A stolen generator was swiftly returned thanks to the unofficial leader who helped maintain order. Unlike Ehrenberg, where the police were frequently called, issues here were more often handled internally.
- Convenience & Vendors – Quartzsite was much closer to town, making it easier to restock. The event also had more vendors, which made for a livelier daytime experience.
Final Thoughts on Quartzsite
Quartzsite felt safer, quieter, and more structured than Ehrenberg. While it didn’t have the same wild energy, it was a great place to actually relax and connect. The event still had a free-spirited vibe, but without the reckless chaos.
Would I return? Absolutely.
Comparing the Two Gatherings
| Category | Skooliepalooza (C) Ehrenberg | Skoolipallooza (R) Quartzsite |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Wild, unpredictable, party-heavy | Calm, community-driven, structured |
| Organization | No clear leadership | Some informal leadership |
| Safety | Frequent police calls, some arrests | Few incidents, handled internally |
| Events | Rooftop dance parties, Pirate Bus, random gatherings | Potlucks, music jams, organized meetups |
| Vendors | Scattered sellers & free piles | More centralized vendors |
| Families | Some, but party-heavy areas | More family-friendly |
| Convenience | Farther from stores | Closer to Quartzsite for restocking |
Final Verdict: Which One Was Better?
It really depends on what you’re looking for.
- If you want a wild, anything-goes experience, Ehrenberg is your spot.
- If you prefer a chilled-out, structured gathering, Quartzsite is the way to go.
Personally? I loved aspects of both—but after nearly three weeks in the desert, I was ready for a hot shower and a little time away from the dust.
Until next time, Skooliepalooza(s).
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