Summer Smash, the largest and most well-known rap festival in Chicago, has announced its 2026 lineup. Started in 2018 as a one-day hip-hop festival, it has since grown to one of the largest festivals within the genre. It now welcomes over 100,000 attendees per year across three full days of music.
For the first time in the festival’s history, it has expanded to other genres. World-renowned DJ and producer Skrillex is headlining on Saturday night. Skrillex is known for his unique take on dubstep and electronic music that took over the early 2010s. He produced the Grammy-winning album Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites and received another nomination for his latest album F*ck U Skrillex You Think Ur Andy Warhol but Ur Not!! <3. Known for high-energy performances and unpredictable sets, his presence marks a major shift in Summer Smash’s identity and its expansion into other genres.
Also performing Saturday night are ISOxo and Whethan. ISOxo is known for his upbeat bass music and hit songs such as “SMACK TALK” and “THRASH (PARTY STARTER)”. He is also the co-founder of the San Diego festival Niteharts alongside DJ and producer Knock2. Hyper pop artist 2Hollis is also included on the lineup. This diverse lineup shows how Summer Smash is pushing boundaries by blending multiple styles of music together.
These electronic artists will be performing alongside major hip-hop headliners Lil Uzi Vert, Playboi Carti, and Chief Keef. This mix of genres creates an amazing experience for fans and highlights how the lines between rap and electronic music continue to blur, especially in festival settings.
Every year Summer Smash takes place in Bridgeview, Illinois, at SeatGeek Stadium. This year, the three-day festival will take place from June 12-14th. Tickets start at $399, grab yours using the link below before they sell out!
With less than two weeks remaining, Disco Presents’ Ubbi Dubbi Festival is gearing up for its seventh edition, plunging deep into the abyss April 24th and 25th, 2026. Combining immersive production with one of the most extensive, multi-genre line-ups yet, Into The Abyss transforms Panther Island Pavilion into a glowing underwater landscape. You may be wondering where to begin in this bioluminescent world of bewonderment? Fear not, my little barnacle, in this guide, we will usher you to every pinnacle moment of this translucent water world.
With official by-day set times released, we must first begin with the music.
Must-see sets
Alesso (Sunset Set): One of the weekend’s defining moments. Pairing euphoric, melodic anthems with golden hour energy at Panther Island Pavilion.
Kx5 (Deadmau5 + Kaskade): A rare collaborative performance since 2023 from two of dance music’s most influential names.Bblending progressive house and cinematic production.
San Holo (Wholesome Riddim Set): A fan-favorite concept set, merging emotional songwriting with bass-driven drops in a uniquely immersive format.
Of The Trees: Known for deeply textured, nature-inspired bass and one of the most visually immersive live shows in the scene.
Cloonee: A global force in tech-house, delivering infectious, groove-heavy sets built for peak dancefloor moments.
Space Laces: A master of sound design and one of bass music’s most technically innovative performers. Known for high-impact, precision-built sets.
Twinsick: Rapidly growing duo delivering melodic, crossover dance records.
Riordan: Emerging name gaining traction across the underground circuit
Marie Vaunt: Rising force in the international techno scene
Whethan: Genre-blurring producer bridging electronic, indie, and crossover audiences
Wilkinson: U.K. electronic heavyweight making a rare U.S. festival appearance
More than just the music, a community
Beyond just the music, Ubbi Dubbi 2026 offers an exciting new layer of interactive and lifestyle experiences! Fans can enjoy a festival-wide treasure hunt to discover hidden prizes, along with a carefully chosen selection of food, shopping, and wellness activities. Delicious highlights include beloved local favorites like Al Forno Pizza, Island Noodles, and Festi Bowls. You’ll also find fantastic retail vendors such as Cosmic Energy, Dreamland Studios, and Morphis Art, which features live painting. It’s all designed to make your festival experience even more engaging and memorable!
The festival continues its focus on health and community efforts, featuring on-site mental health and harm reduction partners such as OUTLET, Amplified Minds, and End Overdose. VIP guests enjoy enhanced amenities, including hair braiding, IV hydration, and glitter makeup stations. Additionally, an official charity partnership with Americares supports global health initiatives and disaster relief.
Boots ’N Beats is taking the live music world by storm. The young millennial-founded brand isn’t just growing—it’s dominating. In 2025 alone, the team sold over 40,000 tickets and surpassed $1 million in sales. At this pace, they’ll hit 60,000 tickets before the year ends. Fans across North America can’t get enough of the Country-meets-EDM movement.
Under the Cracked Live umbrella, the tour continues to expand across 50+ cities with no signs of slowing down. Every night, the show fuses the soul of Country with the adrenaline of EDM. Crowds belt Luke Combs one minute, then drop into Calvin Harris–style remixes the next. Each event transforms into a dance floor where boots, bass, and neon collide.
Behind the brand’s explosive growth is an innovative team that’s rewriting the rulebook. Co-founder Ryan Sterne drives business strategy, while Brendan McLaughlin leads branding and creative vision. Strategic partner Dan Morgan has scaled operations to new heights, growing from one monthly event to over ten. Together, they’ve built a touring powerhouse that thrives on connection and innovation. They state,
“We started Boots ’N Beats to bring people together across genres – Country fans, EDM fans, and everyone in between. It’s about connecting two worlds, creating sing-alongs and dance floors that cross boundaries of age, gender, and background.”
With more than 100 shows booked nationwide, Boots ’N Beats has proven that Country and EDM can not only coexist — they can thrive together. Upcoming stops include Fort Myers, Columbus, Portland, Las Vegas, and more. Each city gets a new mix of live covers, DJ sets, and genre-bending energy that keeps selling out fast. Don’t wait—tickets are disappearing quickly. Grab yours now and experience the rowdiest crossover party sweeping the nation.
Year 30 of Nocturnal Wonderland beckons as ravers around the world prepare to gather at the legendary Glen Helen Amphitheater in San Bernidino, California, on September 13 + 14. Insomniac did not disappoint with a stacked lineup and unmatched production to keep you dancing throughout the night. Let’s take a look at the highlights from the 2025 lineup and then review a few tips and tricks to get you through the weekend.
Day 1 features big names and exclusive b2b over a wide range of genres. At the Mystic Wild stage, Axwell, Eric Prydz, and the first big b2b Waxtroda (Matroda b2b Wax Motif) take place. At Dawn Mountain, hosted by Bassrush, check out Jessica Audifred b2b Riot Ten, Cyclops b2b Calcium, and Wooli. Aurora Plains, hosted by Insomniac Records, is graced by the legends MK and Skream.
Day 2 goes even deeper with talent. Mystic Wild hosts Benny Benassi for a sunset set, Seven Lions, and Zedd. Then over at Dawn Mountain, you can catch Kai Wachi, Level Up, and Sullivan King to headbang the night away. Aurora Plains has the bass house legends AC Slater b2b Tchami, San Pacho, and Kyle Watson. Good news for everyone undecided on which stage to go to; Insomniac made sure to provide efficient paths to travel between the stages to avoid traffic and congestion.
If you are camping, you’re in luck because campers have their own dedicated entrance and exit. This will help alleviate traffic flow issues on the way into the festival. The camping entrance/exit is located next to Mystic Wind and the Starlight Trail. We highly recommend getting in early to walk through the Starlight Trail before any of your sets. The installation is home to Firefly Forest and other awesome, vibey areas with Insomniac’s top-tier production that you won’t want to miss.
For those driving or taking the shuttle, you will enter near Aurora Plains. If you are driving, ensure you leave your hotel, Airbnb, or house early. This will help you get a better parking spot to save time on that long walk from the lot to the entrance. Make sure to also take a picture of a landmark near where you park so that you can find your vehicle for a smooth exit at the end of the night.
Navigating Nocturnal Wonderland is rather easy compared to other festivals. Once you enter the festival, Mystic Wind is on the far left, Dawn Mountain is on the far right, and Aurora Plains is in the middle of them both. If you have VIP, there’s a new VIP walkway in between the Aurora Plains and Mystic Wind stages. But be sure to explore the festival grounds, as it is easy to get sucked into only the stages at the festival. Nocturnal has some amazing art installations, and if you have never been, you need to find the Rave Cave. It’s always a fun experience.
There are only three weeks until the 30th anniversary of one of SoCal’s most beloved festivals. Good news, tickets are still available. Don’t miss out on this year’s historic Nocturnal event. As always, be nice to each other, drink some water, eat some food, and if you are driving, please do so safely. We look forward to seeing you at Glen Helen under the stars for Nocturnal Wonderland 2025!
The set times for Untold Festival 2025 are officially here—and they’ve brought a wave of surprises and extended sets that are sure to make this year’s edition one for the books.
Day 1
The festival launches into high gear with Don Diablo taking over the mainstage for an exclusive set to get the crowd moving. Following him, the legendary Tiësto—widely known as the Godfather of EDM—will deliver a 2.5-hour set. Known for his unmatched energy and timeless catalog, Tiësto’s extended slot is already generating buzz. Closing out night one is Topic, who will keep the vibes high until 5:30 AM.
Day 2
The second day ramps things up with Post Malone, performing a brand-new set for the first time in Europe on the mainstage. The excitement continues with a surprise act slotted next. While Untold has teased a few clues, exactly who will be performing here remains a mystery.
Then comes a major highlight of the weekend: a 3-hour extended set by Armin van Buuren, complete with special production elements designed exclusively for Untold. Armin indicates that he always feels at home in Romania and loves performing there, due to the country’s love for trance music, which enables him to truly connect with the crowd. Known for marathon sets that can stretch up to eight hours, his return promises to be another unforgettable moment.
Day 3
Night three brings a diverse mix of sounds and styles. Kicking things off is hip-hop production giant Metro Boomin, who will hit the mainstage for his only European festival stop this year. He’ll be followed by French DJ Hugel, who will set the tone for a high-energy night. Then, it’s heavyweights: Alok, Alan Walker, and Steve Angello, each bringing their own flair to the stage deep into the night. With their global followings and signature styles, these performances are poised to light up the dance floor.
Day 4
The final night of Untold 2025 goes out with a bang. Anyma takes the stage from 11:20 to 12:40 AM, delivering his signature melodic and cinematic sound. After, Fisher keeps the party alive with his infectious tech house energy. Finally, closing out the weekend is none other than Martin Garrix, who will command the stage until 4:30 AM. Garrix indicated that he will be specifically adapting his set for Untold, promising a once-in-a-lifetime performance for fans.
With extended sets, surprise guests, and some of the biggest names in electronic music, Untold Festival 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable experience from start to finish. Untold offers exclusive deals when purchases are made in multiples, so grab a friend and check out the friendship pack options!
A new music festival is making its way to Chicago’s Grant Park! All Of Us closes out Pride Month with an epic celebration on June 27 + 28. Here is everything you need to know about the event before you go!
Location and Transportation
The festival is set to take place on Butler Field in Grant Park. This is one of Chicago’s most beautiful locations due to its beautiful views and central location. The park is also in a convenient spot with close proximity to multiple public transportation centers in the city. The festival can be easily accessed by taking the Metra and walking about 20 minutes, or taking the CTA, which stops just minutes from the venue. There will be very limited parking in the area, so public transportation and ridesharing are highly encouraged. For an easy rideshare experience, set your drop-off point for Butler Field.
Set Times
The event begins at 2pm and ends at 10pm each day. Disclosure, known for hit songs such as “Latch” and “You and Me,” will headline on Friday night with a two-hour set from 8 to 10. On Saturday, Arca will headline with a DJ set from 8:30 to 10. Check out the IG post for full details on all the set times for each day.
Bag Policies
Small bags with single compartments and purses under 12 x 12 inches are permitted. Totems, flags, and metal containers, including reusable water bottles, are prohibited. For full details, check out the bag policy with all the details on what can and can’t come into the festival grounds. This festival is 18 and up, so make sure to bring your ID!
Weather
The weather forecast for the event indicates warm weather with high humidity. Friday will be partly cloudy with a high of 87 degrees and a low of 69. There may be a slight chance of rain due to the humidity level, so make sure to come prepared. On Saturday, sunny weather is predicted with a high of 82 and a low of 65. To elevate your experience, make sure to bring a fan to help beat the heat and a poncho in case of rain!
With all that info, now you’re ready to be a part of All Of Us Chicago. Have a great time at this new festival and enjoy celebrating the end of Pride Month in style. For any other info or to connect with the festival organizers, check out Auris Presents and Dreambrite Presents.
Dubstep-funk pioneer GRiZ continues to bring back his bold new chapter, after a nearly one-year hiatus from the spotlight. Announcing two new shows on Instagram after cryptic hints at this announcement popped up earlier this week.
Mysterious GRiZ-themed newspaper stands appeared in San Francisco and Chicago on May 8th. Fans quickly took to social media outlets, posting photos of these newsracks and putting their best guesses forward as to what they could be hinting at.
Fans deciphered that the first letter in every headline of the newspapers titled “RE:CONNECT” spelled out the names of prolific venues. Wintrust Arena in downtown Chicago and Cow Palace, in San Francisco, respectively.
The mystery would officially be unraveled on May 13th. GRiZ took to instagram to announce presale for his two new headlining shows. The Wintrust Arena shows will be on October 31st and November 1st, featuring Boogie T and Sippy. The Bay Area shows at the legendary Cow Palace with Gramatik and Levity, will be on November 7th and 8th.
Since his breakout in the early 2010s, GRiZ has built a loyal fanbase through high-energy releases like “Vibe Check” and the Subtronics-featured dubstep anthem “Griztronics.” Along with extravagant live performances as well as a standing commitment to self-expression, positivity, and community. In September 2023, after a decade of consistent releases and performances, GRiZ announced he would be stepping away indefinitely from releasing music and live shows. Citing the need to recharge, grow, and find balance outside of constant touring and creating.
The Beginning of His Return
GRiZ’s surprise return began earlier this year on March 11th. He sent fans into a frenzy after posting a minute-long video to Instagram. He is seen riding a tractor and dancing over a snippet of music that featured the vocals “I’m Back.” It cuts to GRiZ himself stating “Back to work,” and flashing an image of the dates 10.10.25 and 10.12.25 over a cornfield. Fans were quick to put forward their best guesses as to what the cryptic dates were hinting at. They wouldn’t have to wait long to receive an answer to the mystery.
Three days later, GRiZ would announce the all-new camping festival, Valley of The Seven Stars. It is set to take place from October 10th to 12th in Arrington Virginia. The event will feature three GRiZ sets and performances from dubstep icons Inzo, Levity, Subtronics, Wooli, Tape B, and many more.
This announcement was followed by the release of GRiZ’s 4-song “Gemini EP” on March 21st. This is his first official music release since “Ouroboros” in October 2023.
“Man its so cool, we’re definitely outdoing ourselves on this one,” GRiZ said, referring to the two new shows, “It’s without a doubt our best work yet.”
GRiZ finished his instagram update by hinting at even more surprises in the near future. “Gotta get back to working on music, got so many cool things finished, and so many more things in the works.”
While GRiZ hasnt revealed a full project just yet, he has confirmed that something big is in the works. “This next chapter isn’t just about returning to the stage,” he wrote in a previous post, “It’s about creating experiences that resonate on a deeper frequency.”
Presale for the Chicago and Los Angeles shows drop today on Griz’s website, or directly from his Instagram bio.
Following Thursday night’s ‘Music On Music’ megamix of songs from each artist on the lineup, Insomniac today revealed the lineup for EDC Las Vegas 2024. To no one’s surprise, it’s stacked with EDM’s hottest up-and-coming and legendary talent for its expected 525,000 dance music fanatics to enjoy. Insomniac Events’ flagship festival and the world’s leading electronic dance music event will feature over 230 DJs and producers descending upon the Vegas Strip for the three-day show on May 17-19.
Source: EDC (Via Facebook)
Among the heavy hitters returning to the stage at Las Vegas Motor Speedway are Excision, Kaskade, Tiesto, Zedd, deadmau5, Diplo, Illenium, Kaskade, Dom Dolla, Eric Prydz, Alesso and more.
The hype is real with a 4-way b2b from Worship (Sub Focus b2b Dimension b2b Culture Shock b2b 1991), and collabs from ACRAZE b2b Kream, FrostTop b2b RemK, John Summit b2b Green Velvet, EDC LV debuters Peggy Gou b2b Marcel Dettman, and more. To add to the excitement, other debut appearances include Trym, Four Tet, Mersiv, LAYZ, Bou, Lilly Palmer, Klangkünstler, and Sara Landry.
Promising to be “one of the most memorable ever”, this year’s theme of #kineticCIRCLE embraces circles of community and memories with new venue layouts, larger dancefloors, and a saloon-style bar called YeeDC. NeonGARDEN, bionicJUNGLE, quantumVALLEY, bassPOD, and wasteLAND will be relocated, and the neon lights will reach several downtown chappels and into Vegas’ famous wedding chappels.
EDCLV seems like a cant-miss this year and we’re excited to hear the surprises don’t end there. Keep an eye out for new art, attractions, and even a few unannounced acts making their way to play the world’s favorite grooves. Who are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below and keep an eye out for more details. See you under the electric sky!
Click here for more information on passes, venues, the full lineup, and more. Tickets are now on sale, so make sure to grab yours soon!
We have all seen sets listed as “live” on festival lineups or tour announcements. They typically include the DJ/producer or other musicians playing live instruments like drums, guitar, and keyboard or a vocalist singing. These live sets generally aren’t seen in the hard dance genre because this style of music relies on heavily distorted drums and typically does not include vocals or many melodic elements. So when Dutch hard dance producer Kruelty announced he would be doing a live show, I was definitely intrigued to see what live elements he would include. After all, he is known as “The most sinister and shocking act in the hard dance scene.”
“This Is Kruelty Live” premiered on YouTube on Halloween, but was actually filmed at Trinity: The Extreme Society in the Netherlands on September 9, 2023. It is thirty minutes of hard-hitting rawstyle that Kruelty is known for, but with added performers and theatrical elements. He takes the stage in his signature black mask, but he is also wrapped up in chains and being held by two cloaked figures. As his intro ends, he breaks free from the chains and dives in with distorted kicks. In between tracks, there are short intermissions where the performers on stage act out a scene while specially created visuals are displayed on the LED screen. All of these additions help to heighten the emotion behind each track. It is a full-blown audio-visual experience, and you can watch the whole performance for yourself to see what I mean.
After watching this, I am excited to see more hard dance artists incorporate live elements into their sets. American hard dance producers Death Code and KAMI announced a live set at Bullseye coming up next month. Will they do something similar or something else completely to set themselves apart? We can’t wait to find out!
Imagine Music Festival lived up to the hype and exceeded expectations this past weekend, September 14 – 17, 2023. As a first-time Imaginer, it was thrilling to explore a festival that was new to me. After three days filled with music, dancing, and revelry, Imagine lived up to its reputation for being the best immersive electronic music festival in the Southeast.
The Kingston Downs property used for the event the past two years is expansive and provides a grand setting for the festival grounds as well as the surrounding campgrounds. Imagine featured four large stages inside the festival grounds and the production was incredible! While they weren’t the biggest stages I’ve seen, the designs were captivating with the most jaw-dropping laser and pyrotechnic displays I’ve ever seen.
The largest stage, Oceania, was home to many of the B2Bs we discussed in our preview article, and they were among the best sets of the weekend. From the multitude of Imaginers I spoke to, Subtronics B2B Ganja White Night was the most anticipated set of the weekend — and they both delivered. However, the Dillon Francis B2B Knock2 performance stood out for me. Knock2’s excitement to be playing alongside one of his idols and Dillon Francis’s goofy antics on the microphone made the vibes of the set extra special and brought the crowd back to life on Sunday.
Courtesy of Imagine Music Festival // DVPhotoVideo
I spent more time at Oceania than at any other stage and for good reason — there were just so many great artists scheduled to play there. From Squired and Leah Culver getting the party started to international superstars Dom Dolla and Zomboy bringing the heat as the sun went down, Oceana was the place to be on Saturday. Dab the Sky and Slander closed it out for a spectacular second day.
The bass stage, Amazonia, had the most spectacular stage design despite its more compact design. It had the most magical laser effects of the four stages, and the angled 4×4 LED panels above the artists provided a new viewing experience. The artists that shined the brightest at Amazonia include Big Gigantic, Mersiv, A Hundred Drums, and Tripp St.
Courtesy of Imagine Music Festival // DVPhotoVideo
The Disco Inferno, home to many of the house acts, had two levels of pyrotechnics and LED boards. Kasablanca and Cloonee were both in their element at this stage, bringing out big crowds for their distinctive sets. Finally, the Aeria stage was the most minimal of the four, but it fit the vibes perfectly for the dark techno and trance sets from Slander Presents: Before Dawn and the 25th-anniversary performance by Infected Mushroom.
Outside of the music, I enjoyed many memorable moments at the Imaginarium — the activity and workshop space on the main drag with stages and concessions outside of the main festival grounds. Megan and Sydney from Highland Yoga facilitated much-needed vinyasa flow practice on Saturday and Sunday to help me stay loose. I also learned a few lessons that will last a lifetime: the power of sigils taught by David and the art of maintaining conscious relationships taught by Sonali.
I’m thankful that Imagine made space to allow for these teachers and practitioners to share their knowledge with us at the Imaginarium because expanding my consciousness and growing as a person is a vital part of my valuable festival experience. One of my core memories of Imagine was sharing Saturday’s noon yoga practice with two other Imaginers as the rain began pouring down all around us. Even as the heavy rain brought trickles of water under the Imaginarium tent, we went happily along with our yoga flow on little foam mat islands provided to us by Celsius fitness drinks.
Courtesy of Imagine Music Festival Facebook
Two other notable details that the team at Imagine provided for its festivalgoers that made the event stand out from the pack — the pool party and the painters’ plateau. Before the main festival gates opened on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, there was a pool party inside the main festival grounds available for an additional fee and it was well worth it. Disco Dom headlined on Saturday and Kai Wachi headlined on Sunday.
While not officially named the painters’ plateau, there was an area at the top of the hill looking down at the Amazonia stage that was lined with artists painting different festival scenes. It was magical at night, with the artists’ lamps illuminating their artwork while they toiled at their craft. It’s these little details that bring a big festival to life and Imagine exceeded expectations.
Courtesy of Imagine Music Festival // DVPhotoVideo
Southern hospitality was in full effect all weekend. People were courteous and kind, and I immediately felt welcomed by all the Imaginers I interacted with. I came down to Georgia with only a backpack of clothing and returned to Brooklyn with a smarter mind, a stronger body, and a soul radiating with positivity. While I would never recommend my hometown NYC festival to anyone, after my experience at Imagine Music Festival, I would wholeheartedly recommend this festival to anyone looking for a good time down South. I’m already looking forward to IMF2024, so if you’re like me, then you’ll want to connect with Imagine’s social links below.
