Highbridge Hills is truly sacred ground for disc golfers across the Midwest. Tucked away in the rolling forests of northern Wisconsin, it’s a place that whispers magic on any given day. Add three days of live music, perfect weather, and a crowd of disc lovers itching to dance after a round, and it becomes something else entirely. Held July 10–13 at the legendary Highbridge Hills Disc Golf Megaplex, the 2025 jamboree felt like a long weekend spent inside a shared dream—a dream where mornings start with big drives and plenty of tree kicks, then end with flashing lights and a band in full throttle. It was sweaty, exhilarating, and everywhere you looked there was disc golf. It was absolutely perfect.
The weekend began Thursday evening with a confident, high‑energy set from my great friends in Wonderfunk. Their blend of stellar original grooves and creative covers was the perfect way to ease into the festival. As campers trickled in and set up for the days ahead, the band gave the stage a sense of purpose and drew people closer. Then, as the sun dipped below the horizon, The People Brothers Band delivered a stunning performance. Their soulful harmonies and emotional build‑ups felt completely in sync with the landscape—this is a band I look forward to every single time. Armchair Boogie closed out Thursday with the polished, funky bluegrass that has made their name. The crowd danced hard and sang along to familiar favorites, the home‑grown pride in their Wisconsin roots undeniable. They were the perfect match for a festival like this.
Friday started quietly, with Cig Thief offering an early set full of graceful guitar work and beautiful vocals, including an excellent selection of Big Thief covers. It was a gentle beginning that let the audience recharge before the afternoon’s heavier hitters. Among them was TAE & The Neighborly, whose lead singer, Tae Lewis, turned heads with a jaw‑dropping vocal performance. The band had soul, poise, and plenty of composure—an act that stood out in an already impressive lineup.
As a glorious sunset dropped behind the valley, The Trouble Notes brought a burst of energy to the main stage. With a fiery fiddle at the center and a genre-defying mix of global sounds, they created a musical storytelling experience that felt larger than life. Their frontman performed with such intensity that by the end of the set, he had sweat entirely through his shirt. A sign of their real dedication to the art. Every story contained small details that added to the show’s authenticity and impact.
Friday’s headliner, Squeaky Feet, brought yet another kind of intensity. Known for long, intricate jams and jazz‑influenced improvisation, the band dug deep right away. Their musicianship was top‑tier, weaving songs seamlessly into one another and stretching grooves without ever losing direction. Judging by the crowd’s reaction, the effort was deeply appreciated.
By Saturday, the festival had settled into its rhythm. Music began with The Spine Stealers and Spare Change Trio. Performing as their original duo, The Spine Stealers offered a haunting set of originals that cast a moody, intimate spell over the hillside. Spare Change Trio stood out thanks to their didgeridoo player, whose hypnotic bass tones underpinned the band’s folk‑rock madness. Curious listeners flocked to the stage, and the trio delivered a compelling, textured show.
Midday brought what I jokingly called the “Wurk / Keller / Wurk sandwich,” and it delivered on all fronts. Wurk opened with a sharp, playful set before handing things off to Keller Williams, who—as always—brought his loop‑based wizardry and trademark grin. His performance felt personal, packed with humorous improvisations that made the whole thing seem just for us. At one point he launched into what sounded like a brand‑new song about disc golf, drawing big laughs and wavy dance moves. Wurk then returned with their “Umphish” set—an affectionate tribute to Umphrey’s McGee and Phish crafted with obvious care. Their arrangements balanced homage and originality, and the audience couldn’t get enough.
But the night didn’t end there. Soul Symmetry followed with a swirling blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and experimental jamming. Midway through, they were joined by a surprise guest known only as Wraithwalker—a four‑legged, otherworldly spirit that emerged from the crowd and seemed to become part of the show. Wraithwalker danced across the stage and into the audience, moving in sync with the music as if summoned by the beat itself. Part performance art, part forest folklore, it added a dreamlike texture to an already thrilling set.
Capping off the weekend, Dilettante delivered one of the most unexpected and magnetic performances of the entire festival. Their closing set was slow, ambient, and cinematic. For more than 30 minutes, the guitarist stood solo, building sonic layers while a film played beside the stage. The crowd watched in near silence, fully immersed in the blend of audio and visual storytelling. It was a powerful closer—a meditative exhale after three days of discing and dancing.
As great as the music was, the disc golf might have been even better. Highbridge Hills is home to some of the finest courses on Earth, and I tried to soak up as much as I could, playing The Bear, Highbridge Gold, Woodland Greens, and Granite Ridge. I probably hit every tree possible, but it didn’t matter. The sheer beauty of each course makes every round feel like a long hike. Each has its own personality, yet all are challenging and deeply satisfying. I wanted to play all six, but time is a cruel mistress and the music waits for no disc golfer.
I met so many wonderful people. Everyone shared discs, bug spray, and stories. Des and Jay Reading even hosted a putting clinic; I learned how to dunk a disc into a basket from Jay himself. It was impossible to escape disc golf that weekend—truly heaven for anyone who flings plastic for fun.
The Highbridge Hills Disc Golf Jamboree wasn’t just a weekend of good throws and even better tunes. It was a reminder of how powerfully community, art, and sport can overlap. Whether you came for the courses, the jams, or the chance to make new friends, you likely left with a bit of each. Like most folks I spoke with, I’m already wondering how long until we can do it all over again. This festival grows bigger and better every year. If you love great music and wouldn’t mind tossing a disc or two between sets, this is the gathering for you. Wherever you’re coming from, the drive is worth it—make it happen next year! You won’t regret it.
