For nearly a decade, CRSSD Festival has set the tone for the dance music festival season, bringing house, techno, and live electronic acts to the scenic waterfront of San Diego. Known for its vibrant energy and carefully curated lineups, the festival has become a staple for electronic music lovers nationwide.
However, the 2025 edition faced unexpected technical issues that overshadowed its usually seamless production. While CRSSD has built a reputation for delivering unforgettable experiences, this year’s challenges left many wondering if it still holds its place as the unofficial kickoff to festival season. A beloved cornerstone of the West Coast electronic scene, CRSSD now faces questions about its future. Here’s a closer look at what unfolded.
Production: ★☆☆☆☆
For those eagerly anticipating the magic of a Justice set, the excitement quickly faded as the opening lyrics exposed a major problem: the sound quality was shockingly poor. From the first night, it was evident that these technical difficulties were more than just a minor hiccup—issues had been plaguing the festival long before the headliners even took the stage. By mid-afternoon, the main Oceanview stage speakers began malfunctioning, and hopes for a quick fix vanished. As the night wore on, attendees removed their earplugs, their conversations rising above the music—a clear sign of how drastically the sound had deteriorated.
Realizing that dancing without subwoofers was nearly impossible, many festival-goers began filtering out of the crowd. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the first time CRSSD attendees had voiced frustrations over production issues. On Instagram, some remarked, “Who would have guessed they butchered the sound?” while Reddit users lamented, “Ocean [stage] has been breaking down for years.” For many, these ongoing problems have become an increasing source of disappointment.
While technical difficulties can occasionally be dismissed as an unfortunate fluke, recurring sound failures raise a larger concern: Is CRSSD truly prioritizing the fan experience, or is the bottom line taking precedence?
Despite Oceanview’s struggles, The Palms and City Steps stages delivered an immersive sonic experience, with deep, resonant bass that could be felt long before reaching the dancefloor. While some sound bleed was noticeable, it did little to diminish the overall energy.
Visually, the stage designs remained minimal yet effective, perfectly complementing the festival’s house and techno aesthetic. City Steps, in particular, leaned into an underground warehouse vibe, enhanced by relentless strobes and dynamic lighting that amplified the raw, industrial atmosphere.
Vibes: ★★★☆☆
CRSSD’s 21+ policy fostered a more mature and music-focused crowd, balancing high-energy revelry and respectful festival etiquette. Attendees weren’t just there to party—they were there for the music, fully immersed in the pulsating rhythms of house and techno. From trading trinkets to dancing in sync, the energy remained electric, peaking during FISHER’s set as he cheekily teased the crowd with repeated calls of, “Who wants one more?”
One of the festival’s most unforgettable moments came on Sunday when a sudden downpour transformed the atmosphere. Rather than dampening spirits, the rain only amplified the collective euphoria, with whistles, cheers, and uninhibited dancing turning the moment into a testament to the communal magic that defines CRSSD.
With sound issues plaguing the main stage, midday crowds funneled toward the two more miniature stages, creating an increasingly dense and congested atmosphere. As space became scarce, frustration simmered among attendees, leading to occasional pushing and an energy shift. However, as the evening progressed and headliners took over the main stage, the crowd dispersed, restoring a more balanced flow that allowed for more unrestricted movement, better vibes, and a return to the festival’s signature dance-fueled energy.
Security was constantly present throughout the weekend, with multiple armed sheriffs patrolling the festival grounds.
Adding to the tension, CRSSD’s strict no-smoking policy was aggressively enforced, with security officers seen confiscating vapes straight from attendees’ hands without warning. While maintaining a smoke-free environment is understandable, the abrupt and forceful approach felt excessive, raising questions about the balance between safety and overpolicing in festival spaces.
Venue: ★★★☆☆
Nestled along the waterfront and framed by towering palm trees, Waterfront Park is one of San Diego’s most stunning festival venues—an idyllic setting that perfectly captures the essence of Southern California. With the bay as a backdrop and golden-hour sunsets painting the sky, the atmosphere felt almost cinematic, elevating the energy of pre-headlining sets and making for a truly breathtaking festival experience.
CRSSD ensured that attendees ere well-fed and refreshed with diverse food and drink options, including vegan-friendly fare and an enticing $5 happy hour for early arrivals. Beyond the culinary offerings, shaded picnic benches provided a comfortable retreat for those looking to recharge. At the same time, the expansive grassy areas offered a perfect spot to bask in the San Diego sun. The balance of energy and relaxation made for a well-rounded festival experience, catering to dancefloor devotees and those seeking a moment of respite.
CRSSD embraced the era of Instagram-worthy moments, strategically placing photo-op installations throughout the venue, while vendors leaned into the festival’s aesthetic with neon signs and disco ball accents. The atmosphere was effortlessly chic and curated for the house and techno crowd. However, while the design felt stylish and niche, it lacked the larger-than-life elements—interactive art, immersive displays, or carnival-style attractions—often leaving festival-goers in awe.
Music: ★★★★☆
With a lineup boasting powerhouse talents like FISHER, Justice, Nicole Moudaber, Chris Lorenzo, Green Velvet, Jungle, and Flight Facilities, CRSSD was a house and techno lover’s dream from start to finish. Each artist delivered high-energy sets, but there were moments of raw emotion beyond the music—some performers opened up about returning to the stage after losing homes and studios in the California fires. Through these shared experiences, a deep sense of community flourished between artists and attendees, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as more than just an event—a gathering of kindred spirits united by music.
Even for those who wouldn’t call themselves house and techno purists, CRSSD’s sound was undeniably infectious. The music had a magnetic pull, drawing attendees from one stage to another, often shifting their plans entirely. The energy was immersive, the beats almost tangible, creating an atmosphere where even the uninitiated couldn’t help but get swept up in the rhythm.
LP Giobbi’s Saturday evening set left many in the crowd puzzled, with her performance taking an unexpected turn. The set came to an abrupt halt mid-beat, leaving attendees wondering if it was a creative decision or a result of time constraints. Some speculated it was part of her unique style, especially given the rough start to her performance. Still, regardless of the intention, the sudden ending left those watching scratching their heads.
Overall
Ultimately, CRSSD was saved by its superstar lineup, the energy of its attendees, and the pure joy of dancing to world-class music under the warm post-winter sun. Without the vibrant community and picturesque venue, this year’s festival could have easily felt like a disappointment. Looking ahead, we hope CRSSD takes the necessary steps to address its ongoing sound and production issues, restoring the festival to the high standards that fans have come to expect and love.
The featured image is courtesy of the CRSSD Festival by Miguel Flores
