tinyfest '28.

A weeklong WebAudio music festival. Techno. Dirtbikes. Camping. A rave. Summer 2028. Location: searching the contiguous USA.

Announced · Location search in progress

What this is

tinyfest is a weeklong music festival. All sound is generated live by WebAudio. There are no audio files, no streaming, and no pre-recorded sets. The format is browser-based synthesis, and the festival is built around that constraint.

The festival includes techno, dirtbikes, camping, and a rave. It is off-grid. Power is supplied by a generator. The generator is the only element of the festival that is not limited to 64KB.

Location

tinyfest '28 location
Searching the contiguous USA.

We are seeking a field suitable for camping and a weeklong event. The field must be flat, off-grid, and far enough from neighbors to accommodate sustained audio at festival volume. Candidate sites are under review. We will announce the location when a site is secured.

Site requirements:

  • Contiguous USA only. The site must be in the lower 48 states.
  • Flat terrain. The field must be suitable for camping and a dirtbike track.
  • Off-grid capable. We supply our own generator. The site does not need hookups. It does need to be secure enough that the generator remains on site for the duration of the festival.
  • Remote. The site must be far enough from residential areas that a week of techno and dirtbikes does not generate noise complaints.
  • No existing venue required. We will build the stage. A flatbed trailer is acceptable.

If you own a field and want to host tinyfest '28, email mikemabes1986@gmail.com. Subject line: "I have a field." We will respond.

Lineup

The lineup is open. There are no booked artists. The stage is open to any performer with a WebAudio set that runs in a browser and is under 64KB. This is the format, and it is intentional.

Expected content:

  • Techno. Synthesized percussion, basslines, and leads. A 64KB techno set is a substantial amount of techno.
  • Generative sets. Performances that run autonomously once started. This is an accepted format.
  • A rave. One night of the festival is designated as the rave. The rave runs until the generator is depleted or the sun rises. The rave tent and lighting are rendered as canvas elements.
  • Dirtbikes. A dirtbike track operates adjacent to the camping area for the duration of the festival. The track is not a stage.

The week

The festival runs seven days. The schedule is loose, with two fixed points: the rave night and the generator refuel. The refuel schedule depends on power consumption.

Day 1
Arrival and camp setup. Generator on. Evening sets begin at low volume.
Day 2
Full day of WebAudio sets. Dirtbike track opens.
Day 3
Techno programming for the full day. No scheduled breaks.
Day 4
The rave. Begins at dark. Runs until concluded. Canvas-based visuals and lighting. Fog machine on site.
Day 5
Recovery day. Quiet sets. Campfire. Dirtbike track open at reduced pace. No required activities.
Day 6
Open stage. Sign-up sheet is a clipboard in the camp kitchen. Any attendee with a set may perform.
Day 7
Final sets. Pack out. Generator off. Site returned to prior condition.

Rules

  • WebAudio only. All sound must be synthesized live in a browser. No audio files, no streaming, no pre-recorded playback. If the browser cannot generate the sound, it is not part of tinyfest.
  • 64KB per set. Each set must be a file under 64KB, consistent with the rest of the site.
  • Equipment. Performers bring their own laptop. The stage provides the browser, the PA, and the speakers. Setup monitoring is via headphones.
  • Communication. No live text chat. Multiplayer or interactive elements must use the standardized 64 preset phrases.
  • Content rating. PG-13. This applies to all sets, visuals, and conduct at the festival.
  • Age. 18+. Attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the festival.
  • Leave no trace. All attendees pack out what they pack in. The site is restored after the festival.
  • Generator access. The generator is for stage equipment. Personal device charging is not permitted without approval.

What to bring

  • Tent. The festival is a camping event.
  • Water. Adequate supply for a week in a summer field.
  • Laptop. With a modern browser and WebAudio support, capable of running a 64KB set without thermal throttling.
  • Dirtbike. Optional. Riders use the designated track.
  • Earplugs. Recommended for sleeping. The music runs late.
  • Field. If you have one, see the location section.

FAQ

Where is it?

Searching the contiguous USA. The location will be announced when a site is secured.

When in summer 2028?

Summer 2028. The exact week will be announced alongside the location.

Is it WebAudio only?

Yes. All sound is generated live by WebAudio. Pre-recorded sets are not part of this festival.

Why dirtbikes?

A dirtbike track is part of the festival format. It operates alongside the music programming.

Is the rave a real rave?

The rave is a scheduled event with canvas-rendered visuals, live WebAudio, and a generator. It is a real rave within the constraints of a WebAudio festival.

Are tickets available?

There is no ticketing system. Attendance is coordinated through the Discord.

Can I sponsor it?

Email mikemabes1986@gmail.com with the subject line "tinyfest sponsorship." Sponsorship is acknowledged with a banner rendered as a canvas element under 64KB.

What if it rains?

The festival is a camping event in a field in summer. Rain is possible. Attendees should bring appropriate shelter. The generator and stage require weather protection.

Status

  • Festival: Announced.
  • Week: Summer 2028, exact week TBD.
  • Location: Searching the contiguous USA.
  • Field: Not yet acquired.
  • Generator: Not yet acquired.
  • Dirtbike track: Depends on the field.
  • Lineup: Open stage. Performers with a 64KB WebAudio set.
  • Rave: Confirmed, pending field.
  • Tickets: No ticketing system. Attendance coordinated through Discord.
Join the Discord for updates →

See also

For the annual awards, see The Annual Awards. For the spring JavaScript competition, see tinyjam. For the fall Python competition, see python-classic. For the general submission pipeline, see the Submission Criteria.