By Lisa Coburn

In the hills of West Virginia, just beyond Union, a stretch of land known as Nightfall Ridge is quietly transforming. What was once simply property is becoming something more immersive: a place where music, art, and human connection leave a lasting imprint.

For Brianna Heller, Mountain Wubz was never just about putting on a show. From the beginning, it has been about creating an experience, one shaped by intention, creativity, and a belief that people are searching for spaces where they can feel fully themselves. After a successful first year, that vision is no longer abstract. It’s taking root.

“We’re a very ambitious family,” Heller said. “We feel like this is something we’re meant to do.”

That sense of purpose runs through every part of the festival. Mountain Wubz is deeply family-driven, supported by Heller’s parents, Beau and Lori Sauselein, whose steady commitment has helped turn an idea into something tangible and enduring.

“They’ve put so much into this,” Heller said. “Not just for me, but for our whole family, and even the people we’ve kind of adopted along the way. We’re all so appreciative of the experience and the legacy they’re building.”

At the heart of that legacy is Nightfall Ridge itself. The land is evolving into more than a backdrop; it’s becoming part of the story. This year, organizers are expanding interactive art installations and inviting artists to create pieces that will remain long after the music fades, small, permanent echoes of each gathering.

“We want people to come and create something that stays,” Heller said. “Something that becomes part of the space.”

The atmosphere they’re cultivating is intentional: welcoming, expressive, and grounded in the values of peace, love, unity, and respect, often referred to in the electronic dance music (EDM) community as “PLUR.” It’s a culture Heller connected with years ago, drawn in by its openness and the sense of belonging it offers.

Though EDM festivals are sometimes misunderstood, Mountain Wubz is built with care at its core. Organizers emphasize safety and well-being, incorporating harm-reduction resources and fostering an environment where attendees can feel supported.

“At the end of the day, we just want people to feel accepted,” she said. “To come as they are and be part of something positive.”

That spirit of openness is what eventually drew her parents in as well. What once felt unfamiliar became meaningful after they experienced it firsthand, ultimately helping inspire the creation of Mountain Wubz itself.

Now, as the festival moves into its next chapter, its imprint continues to expand. Mountain Wubz 2026 is scheduled for August 28 through August 30, beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday. Pre-sale tickets are currently available at their lowest tier, with prices set to rise alongside upcoming artist announcements. Organizers are also seeking vendors and volunteers, with applications open through early summer. Additional information is available at mountainwubz.com and on the festival’s social media platforms.

Beyond the festival weekend, the vision for Nightfall Ridge extends into the quieter seasons. A cabin on the property, now available as an Airbnb, offers a more intimate way to experience the space – one rooted in the same sense of care and intention that defines the event itself.

Looking ahead, Heller remains focused on what matters most to her: creating spaces where people can find one another, share in something meaningful, and leave feeling changed in some small way.

“I just love connecting,” she said. “Meeting people, building relationships. That’s what this is all about.”

For those considering attending for the first time, her message is simple:

“Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone,” she said. “You’ll be welcomed with open arms.”