Festival Report Card: Countdown NYE 2025
For more than a decade, Countdown NYE has cemented itself as one of Southern California’s most established New Year’s dance music events, drawing tens of thousands of attendees to mark the close of the calendar year. Previously held at the NOS Event Center, the Insomniac Events celebration has built its reputation on high-profile lineups, large-format […]
Festival Report Card: Beyond Existence 2025
Don’t be fooled by its humble outward appearance—Beyond Existence 2025 was an unforgettable experience. Arriving at Valkyrie Ranch in Paige, Texas (located about 45 miles east of Austin), for its sixth edition from November 7-9, the three-day bass festival embodied the parts of the rave community that fans care about most: PLUR(R) vibes, immaculate sound […]
Festival Report Card: EDSea 2025
The sun has set on Insomniac Events’ third EDSea voyage. From November 1-6, the festival giant’s cruise ship event set sail from Miami to Belize and back, bringing over 60 artists and close to 4,000 ravers on board the Norwegian Joy for five nights of luxurious partying in tropical paradise. EDSea isn’t the scene’s first […]
Festival Report Card: Escape Halloween 2025
Every Halloween weekend, the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California, transforms into Insomniac Events’ dark playground, Escape Halloween. The two-day festival, billed as the largest Halloween-themed rave in the world, brings together high-energy electronic performances, delightfully haunting stage designs, and a costumed crowd that comes alive with spooky spirit. With its “Psycho Circus” theme […]
Festival Report Card: Seven Stars 2025
When Grant Kwiecinski announced his indefinite hiatus from the GRiZ project in June 2023, the news shocked the U.S. festival community. After over a decade of nonstop touring, the beloved producer, DJ, and saxophonist explained it was time for a much-needed break. Following a final run of shows four months later, the scene bid a […]
Festival Report Card: RISE Festival 2025
RISE Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary from October 3-5. Returning to Nevada’s Jean Dry Lake Bed, located about 30 miles south of Las Vegas, the nonprofit event is billed as the “world’s largest sky lantern festival.” In a special ceremony, RISE attendees simultaneously release 30,000 floating paper lanterns into the desert sky. This year’s edition […]