The 2025 festival season promises a wide array of global events, spanning electronic music, cultural celebrations, and immersive art festivals. As someone who has attended festivals like Day Zero, EDC, BPM (when it was still in Playa del Carmen), and Sonus, I can vouch for the life-changing experiences they offer. This year, I’m particularly excited to add Burning Man to my lineup. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or attending your first event, here’s your complete guide to the must-attend festivals of 2025.
Table of Contents
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2025 Festival Season Preview
1. Day Zero – Tulum, Mexico
Pro Tip: Stay in Tulum town or nearby eco-resorts for the full experience. Tickets sell out fast, so keep an eye out for announcements.
Dates: January 2025 (Exact dates TBA)
Location: Tulum, Mexico
Why You Should Go: Day Zero takes place in the heart of the Tulum jungle, merging ancient Mayan energy with cutting-edge electronic music. As someone who has attended, I can say this festival offers an unparalleled spiritual vibe, blending music, culture, and nature.
What to Expect: Top-tier electronic artists performing in a mystical jungle setting. This festival is a journey—both musically and spiritually.
Ticket Information: get-in.com/en/dayzero2025
2. The BPM Festival – Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Pro Tip: Take time to explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty, from beaches to rainforests, in between sets.
Dates: January 2025 (Exact dates TBA)
Location: Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Why You Should Go: BPM Festival is known for its intimate beachside raves and underground house and techno vibes. I attended BPM during its Playa del Carmen days, but Costa Rica’s tropical atmosphere makes it an ideal new home.
What to Expect: An immersive beach and jungle party with some of the world’s top house and techno DJs. It’s the perfect mix of festival and vacation.
Ticket Information: thebpmfestival.com
3. Miami Music Week and Ultra Music Fest – Miami, USA
Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on those pool parties! Some of the best and most intimate performances happen in these more casual settings.
Dates: March 24–31, 2025
Location: Miami, Florida
Why It’s Important: Considered the unofficial kickoff to the festival season, Miami Music Week is a week-long marathon of music events, parties, and performances that take over the entire city. From beach clubs to downtown venues, this is where the world’s top DJs come to play. Plus, it’s home to the legendary Ultra Music Festival, which acts as the grand finale to the week.
What to Expect: Miami Music Week is where you’ll find some of the hottest names in electronic music—think David Guetta, Carl Cox, Tiësto, and more. The entire city becomes a playground for music lovers, with parties taking place from morning until the early hours of the next day. If you’re into electronic music, Miami Music Week is the place to be.
Ticket Information: ultra.miami/tickets
4. Beyond Wonderland – Southern California, USA
Insider Tip: Make time to explore the art installations scattered throughout the festival grounds. They offer a great break between sets and can lead to some unforgettable moments.
Dates: March 28-29, 2025
Location: NOS Events Center, San Bernardino, California
Why You Should Go: Dive into a world of fantasy at Beyond Wonderland, one of Insomniac’s most visually stunning events. Known for its whimsical, Alice in Wonderland-inspired theme, Beyond Wonderland offers top-notch electronic music and an immersive environment that feels like stepping into a storybook.
What to Expect: Wander through elaborate stage designs, neon-lit pathways, and immersive art installations while dancing to sets from top electronic acts. The festival is split into different areas, each offering a unique visual and auditory experience, from bass-heavy stages to house and techno.
Pro Tip: Plan your outfit to match the whimsical theme—think bright colors, fantasy elements, and playful accessories.
Ticket Information: socal.beyondwonderland.com
5. Coachella – Indio, California, USA
Pro Tip: Prepare for extreme desert temperatures, and plan to explore the art and food options while you’re there.
Dates: April 11-13 & April 18-20, 2025
Location: Empire Polo Club, Indio, California
Why You Should Go: Coachella is as much a cultural phenomenon as it is a music festival. From its diverse lineup to its art installations, Coachella is where music, art, and pop culture converge.
What to Expect: A diverse lineup that spans mainstream headliners, indie acts, and emerging artists, all set in the California desert. Coachella’s iconic art installations are a huge part of the experience.
Ticket Information: coachella.com/passes
6. EDC Las Vegas – Las Vegas, USA
Pro Tip: Get there early to explore the carnival rides and art installations before the main acts take over the stages.
Dates: May 16-18, 2025
Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nevada
Why You Should Go: EDC Las Vegas is the largest electronic dance music festival in North America, and having experienced it myself, I can tell you that the energy here is unmatched. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible.
What to Expect: Massive stages, incredible light shows, carnival rides, and non-stop EDM. EDC is more than just a festival—it’s a playground for electronic music lovers.
Ticket Information: lasvegas.electricdaisycarnival.com/tickets
7. Lightning in a Bottle – Buena Vista Lake, California, USA
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the workshops and the art installations—they’re a big part of what makes LIB special.
Dates: May 21-26, 2025
Location: Buena Vista Lake, California
Why You Should Go: Lightning in a Bottle (LIB) combines music, art, sustainability, and community. It’s more than just a rave—it’s a transformative experience that encourages creativity and mindfulness.
What to Expect: A mix of live music, yoga classes, art installations, and workshops. The focus on community and personal growth sets LIB apart from other festivals.
Ticket Information: libfestival.org
8. Movement – Detroit, Michigan, USA
Pro Tip: Plan to attend some of the legendary after-parties happening throughout Detroit—many in old warehouses.
Dates: May 24-26, 2025
Location: Hart Plaza, Detroit, Michigan
Why You Should Go: If you love techno, Movement in Detroit is an essential pilgrimage. As the birthplace of techno, Detroit hosts this iconic festival that draws the genre’s most respected names.
What to Expect: A no-frills, all-techno experience with performances from artists like Carl Craig, Richie Hawtin, and Nina Kraviz. The gritty, industrial vibe of Detroit only adds to the atmosphere.
Ticket Information: movementfestival.com
9. Sónar Festival – Barcelona, Spain
Pro Tip: Take time to explore Barcelona’s stunning architecture and food scene in between sets. You’re in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities—don’t miss out!
Dates: June 12-14, 2025
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Why You Should Go: Sónar Festival is a celebration of electronic music, art, and technology, making it a must-attend for anyone who loves innovation in music. Barcelona’s vibrant atmosphere adds an extra layer of excitement to this already futuristic festival.
What to Expect: Sónar by Day offers audiovisual performances, art installations, and discussions on the future of music, while Sónar by Night is all about dancing to the best electronic music from around the world. Artists like The Chemical Brothers, Charlotte de Witte, and Skrillex have headlined in past years.
Ticket Information: sonar.es/en/tickets
10. Awakenings Festival – Spaarnwoude, Netherlands
Pro Tip: Stay in Amsterdam and take the shuttle to the festival for an easy commute, then enjoy the city’s nightlife afterward.
Dates: June 28-29, 2025
Location: Spaarnwoude, Netherlands
Why You Should Go: Awakenings Festival is one of the world’s largest and most respected techno events. It’s renowned for its impressive production and cutting-edge lineup.
What to Expect: Two days of relentless techno from artists like Amelie Lens, Adam Beyer, and Charlotte de Witte, all set in the Dutch countryside.
Ticket Information: awakenings.com
11. Glastonbury – Somerset, UK
Pro Tip: Be prepared for all kinds of weather—Glastonbury is notorious for its mud!
Dates: June 25-29, 2025
Location: Worthy Farm, Somerset, UK
Why You Should Go: Glastonbury is legendary. It’s not just about music—it’s about art, culture, and activism. Whether you want to see huge headliners or discover hidden gems, this festival has it all.
What to Expect: A massive lineup that spans every genre, iconic stages, and secret sets. Glastonbury is known for its unique atmosphere and sense of adventure.
Ticket Information: glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
12. Ultra Europe – Split, Croatia
Pro Tip: Book accommodations early—Split gets packed, and many festival-goers head to the islands for the after-parties.
Dates: July 11-13, 2025
Location: Split, Croatia
Why You Should Go: Ultra Europe brings the high-energy party vibes of Ultra to the stunning coast of Croatia. It’s a perfect mix of beach vacation and electronic music festival.
What to Expect: Massive stages, fireworks, and performances from top EDM artists. Ultra Europe also features epic after-parties on the nearby islands.
Ticket Information: ultraeurope.com/2025
13. Tomorrowland – Boom, Belgium
Pro Tip: The Global Journey travel packages are a convenient way to handle transportation and accommodation. Plus, you get some added perks with them!
Dates: July 18-20 & July 25-27, 2025
Location: Boom, Belgium
Why You Should Go: Tomorrowland is not just a festival—it’s an experience. Known for its incredible stages and fairytale-like settings, Tomorrowland is where the electronic music community gathers to celebrate in the most extravagant way possible. With an unmatched lineup of the world’s top DJs and a magical atmosphere, it’s a bucket list festival for any dance music lover.
What to Expect: Expect to be transported to a different world. Tomorrowland’s production is second to none, with stages that look like they belong in a fantasy novel. The 2025 lineup will undoubtedly feature the biggest names in electronic music, spanning genres from house to techno and everything in between.
Ticket Information: tomorrowland.com
14. Defected Croatia – Tisno, Croatia
Pro Tip: The boat parties are the highlight—be sure to book them early!
Dates: August 2025 (Exact dates TBA)
Location: Tisno, Croatia
Why You Should Go: As a house music fan, Defected Croatia is one of my favorite festivals. With intimate boat parties, beachside sets, and a laid-back vibe, this festival is a haven for lovers of house music.
What to Expect: A stellar lineup of house music DJs, boat parties, and incredible sunset performances. The intimacy of the festival makes it feel like a house music lover’s dream.
Ticket Information: croatia.defected.com
15. Sonus Festival – Pag Island, Croatia
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the after-parties—they’re legendary!
Dates: August 17-21, 2025
Location: Pag Island, Croatia
Why You Should Go: Sonus Festival is a paradise for techno lovers, set on the beautiful beaches of Pag Island. Having experienced this festival firsthand, I can tell you that it’s a perfect blend of beach relaxation and techno-fueled parties. The boat parties are incredible, and the setting is unbeatable.
What to Expect: Expect five days of non-stop techno from the world’s best DJs, boat parties, and beach raves. Sonus has built a reputation as one of the premier techno festivals in Europe.
Ticket Information: sonus-festival.com
16. Burning Man – Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA
What to Expect: There are no headliners or schedules at Burning Man, but you can expect larger-than-life art installations, community-driven experiences, and endless surprises. It’s a festival that pushes you to connect with others and explore yourself.
Dates: August 25 – September 1, 2025
Location: Black Rock Desert, Nevada
Why You Should Go: Burning Man is a cultural and artistic phenomenon that’s been on my bucket list for years, and I’m excited to finally attend in 2025. More than just a festival, it’s a temporary city that celebrates radical self-expression, creativity, and community in the Nevada desert.
Ticket Information: burningman.org
17. Tomorrowland Brasil – São Paulo, Brazil
Insider Tip: Check out the secondary ticket market through Viagogo if tickets are sold out. Tomorrowland Brasil is known to sell out quickly, so keep an eye on availability.
Dates: October 17-19, 2025
Location: Parque Maeda, São Paulo, Brazil
Why You Should Go: Tomorrowland is one of the biggest and most visually stunning electronic music festivals in the world, and its Brasil edition brings the magic of Belgium to the vibrant culture of South America. With world-class stage designs, spectacular performances, and an atmosphere that feels straight out of a dream, Tomorrowland Brasil is one for the bucket list.
What to Expect: Expect a lineup of the world’s best electronic artists, mind-blowing stage designs, and a truly immersive experience. The festival grounds in Parque Maeda are transformed into a magical land of music, art, and dance.
Pro Tip: Global Journey packages are a great way to take the hassle out of planning, offering travel and accommodation options bundled with your festival ticket.
Ticket Information: tomorrowland.com
18. Escape Halloween – San Bernardino, USA
Insider Tip: Look out for secret sets and surprises hidden throughout the event. Escape is known for delivering unexpected moments!
Dates: October 25-26, 2025
Location: NOS Events Center, San Bernardino, California
Why You Should Go: As one of Insomniac’s flagship Halloween events, Escape Halloween turns the NOS Events Center into a haunted wonderland filled with top-tier electronic music, themed stages, and a spooky, yet thrilling atmosphere. If you’re a fan of Halloween and electronic music, this is the perfect festival for you.
What to Expect: The event features over-the-top decorations, haunted houses, and performances from the biggest names in electronic music. Expect everything from house to dubstep and drum & bass, with DJs dressed in elaborate costumes and a crowd fully embracing the Halloween spirit.
Pro Tip: Dress the part! Half the fun is the creativity and effort attendees put into their costumes. Make sure to plan something epic—you won’t regret it.
Ticket Information: escapehalloween.com
Final Thoughts
The 2025 festival season is shaping up to be an extraordinary journey across the globe, offering everything from sun-drenched beaches to mystical jungles and desert landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer like myself—having experienced the magic of Day Zero, the sheer energy of EDC, the underground vibes of BPM, and the unforgettable parties at Sonus Festival—or you’re about to embark on your first festival adventure, 2025 has something for everyone.
This year, I’m particularly excited about adding Burning Man to my list, a festival I’ve always wanted to experience for its radical creativity and sense of community. From the colorful chaos of Tomorrowland Brasil to the techno paradise of Awakenings and the dreamy vibes of Defected Croatia, each festival offers its own unique magic.
Tickets sell out fast, so make sure you plan early and secure your spot at these incredible events. Keep checking back as cancellations can happen, and if you don’t find what you’re looking for right away, persistence is key.
Stay tuned, as we’ll be featuring in-depth articles on some of these must-attend festivals, offering insider tips, travel guides, and more to help you get the most out of the 2025 festival season!
Don’t miss our full festival coverage here!
