The festival debut of Apocalypse: Zombieland in 2023 was a massive success. Year 2 is right around the corner and is poised to blow attendees out of the water aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA on November 29 + 30. Below we highlight five acts to check out at this year’s festival.
We start the list with Dimension. Visiting the US from across the pond, the UK-based drum and bass artist has been tearing up the global bass scene. Commended for his world-class production skills and effortless musicality, the DnB powerhouse is sure to bring an electrifying set to Apocalypse: Zombieland on Saturday on the Containment Zone stage.
The next artist, Jessica Audiffred, has been awarded the title of “#1 DJ in Mexico.” The Mexico City-based dubstep artist has quickly risen to the top of the North American market, captivating dance floors everywhere from EDC Orlando and Forbidden Kingdom to Lost Lands. Now she takes her heavy bass to Apocalypse: Zombieland! The A Records label boss is guaranteed to bring her infectious energy and nasty beats on Friday at the Queen Mary Waterfront on the Apocalypse stage.
The third featured artist is bringing a special set to Apocalypse: Zombie this year. It’s Kayzo with his Unleashed XL set at the Apocalypse stage on Saturday. Kayzo’s Unleashed set features live instrumentation and heavy metal elements. The punk and EDM genre-blending artist promises to bring an exhilarating show that should not be missed.
The next artist is a surprise which Insomniac prides itself on. Insomniac’s own Discovery Project is a platform to uplift the scene’s untapped talent and provide them a platform to share their talents with the EDM community. Through editorial exposure, performance competitions, a unique artist collective, and more, these competition winners have what it takes to make it in the EDM scene. Fans are encouraged to enter the competition for each festival for a chance to play and gain exposure on the big stage. Apocalypse: Zombieland’s Discovery Project competition had Jessica Audiffred serve as a guest judge. Be sure to catch the Discovery Project artist on the Zombieland stage on Saturday.
The final artist is a legend in the making. Level Up, known for her bold bass and haunting melodies, is a rising force in the dubstep scene. With her roots in turntablism on the East Coast and an already massive following, fans at Apocalypse: Zombieland can expect a set packed with haunting energy, heavy bass, and relentless beats that will leave you craving more. Level Up graces fans on the Zombieland stage on Friday.
Apocalypse: Zombieland is right around the corner and there are plenty more than just the five artists we highlighted in this article. With so many talented bass artists on the lineup, be sure to bounce around from stage to stage to check them out. See your favorite artists and discover your next favorite artist on November 29 + 30. There are still a limited number of tickets left so act now and be a part of a bass-filled weekend!
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Orlando once again transformed Tinker Field into a neon wonderland of music, art, and energy from November 8 to November 10, 2024. Thousands of attendees flocked to this three-day celebration, featuring a star-studded lineup that only EDC can pull off with electronic titans like Tiesto, Illenium, and John Summit alongside fan favorites such as Zeds Dead, Carl Cox, and Amelie Lens. With five massive stages, art installations, carnival rides, and immersive VIP experiences, EDC Orlando 2024 proved to be a dazzling showcase of electronic music’s finest.
Photo by Alex Perez
Festival Grounds Fit for a Fantasy
The festival grounds were nothing short of enchanting, with classic EDC neon carnival rides and installations teleporting attendees to a futuristic world. Moving through the space was effortless, thanks to a well-planned layout with multiple pathways between stages that mitigated most congestion aside from peak sets. The layout split the main stages into pairs, making it a breeze to bounce between performances at kineticFIELD and neonGARDEN or circuitGROUNDS and stereoBLOOM. Dividing these pairs were installations like Polygon Park and the smaller casaBACARDI stage. Each stage had a unique design tailored to its musical vibe: kineticFIELD’s gothic grandeur captivated with towering columns and enormous LED displays reminiscent of cathedral windows, while the more intimate neonGarden created a dark and atmospheric techno haven. The use of shipping containers to mitigate sound bleed between stages proved very successful as this was never a problem. Essentials like water stations and restrooms were plentiful and well-placed, and VIP areas at kineticFIELD and circuitGROUNDS provided elevated viewing platforms, shorter lines, and even interactive activities like kandi making and trinket trading, adding to the festival’s charm.
neonGARDEN // Photo by Adi Adinayev
Friday: A Dynamic Start
The festival kicked off with high-energy performances like YDG and Jon Casey, setting the tone for the weekend. Much of our day was spent bouncing between circuitGROUNDS and stereoBLOOM where we caught a great variety of standout performances. Max Styler‘s fiery tech house ramped up the energy as the sun went down over stereoBLOOM, building perfectly into Odd Mob‘s unique and dynamic blend of genres that propelled him to fame. Another jaw-dropping performance was when Black Tiger Sex Machine and Kai Wachi brought their high-powered dubstep project Skull Machine to circuitGROUNDS, a surprise that was announced that same morning. The day climaxed with epic closing sets from Australian superstar Fisher leaving kineticFIELD losing it, to Zeds Dead capitulating the heavy-hitting Bassrush takeover at circuitGROUNDS, and a masterclass of deep grooves and hypnotic techno by Carl Cox B2B Vintage Culture ending the Factory 93 Experience takeover at neonGARDEN. We closed our night at stereoBLOOM, hosted by Insomniac Records, where Waxtroda (Wax Motif B2B Matroda) set the dance floor ablaze with an infectious mix of house bangers. After all this, our time at EDC had only just begun.
stereoBLOOM // Photo by Skyler Greene skygreene.com
Saturday: A Spellbinding Midway
The magic continued on Saturday with stellar performances across every stage. This day definitely brought the largest crowd and the most schedule conflicts. It featured highlights like a wildly fun Dillon Francis B2B Disco Lines set on kineticFIELD, the soulful afro energy of Amémé B2B Honeyluv on stereoBLOOM, and a wonk-heavy bass performance by Boogie T on circuitGROUNDS. To close the festival, the iconic Tiesto left kineticFIELD in a state of euphoria, The Martinez Brothers brought neonGarden to a groove the way only they know to do, while the talented Cloone closed stereoBLOOM. We made our way to circuitGROUNDS where Bassrush brought the bass once more, with Ganja White Knight closing the stage in a set filled with intricate visuals and bone-rattling drops.
Photo by Jamal Eid
Sunday: A Magical Finale
Sunday delivered a climactic end to the weekend, with performances that kept the energy soaring until the final beat. We were especially thrilled with the epic Worship (Sub Focus B2B Dimension B2B Culture Shock B2B 1991) set at kineticFIELD which marked the first DnB performance on that stage, an exhilarating Fly With Us (AC Slater B2B Chris Lorenzo) session that led perfectly into Worship, and a rip-roaring performance from SIDEPIECE on circuitGROUNDS that kept fans on their toes. The last day had a variety of top-notch closing acts that made it difficult to choose. The most popular choice, John Summit did not disappoint with his masterclass at circuitGROUNDS, while Amelie Lens brought her dark, pulsing techno to neonGarden, and ATB took stereoBLOOM attendees on a nostalgic trance journey. We decided to close the night at kineticFIELD where Illenium took the crowd on an emotional rollercoaster of melodic bass as the fireworks and drones lit up the night sky.
circuitGROUNDS // Photo by Skyler Greene skygreene.com
A Weekend to Remember
EDC Orlando 2024 was the pinnacle in electronic music festival magic, seamlessly blending stunning visuals, diverse music, and an inclusive, high-energy atmosphere. From the grandeur of kineticFIELD and circuitGROUNDS to the intimate vibes of neonGarden and stereoBLOOM, every moment was crafted to leave a lasting impression. For fans who missed this year’s dazzling display, the promise of EDC Orlando 2025 beckons. Keep an eye on EDC’s official channels below, and get ready to join the celebration next year. Until then, THANK YOU HEADLINERS!
Happy Trancegiving! Dreamstate is just around the corner, so here’s everything to know about the festival. From the schedule, to the map, and even the weather, we’ve got you covered.
Location and Arrival: Dreamstate SoCal will be at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. While there is no parking at the venue, festivalgoers have a few options for how they arrive. For those who choose to walk, the Queensway Bridge will be open and can be accessed just off Golden Shore and Aquarium Way. It is about a 20-30 minute walk over the bridge from the convention center, so make sure to factor that into your arrival time. Free shuttles will also be available to and from the venue at the convention center. There are suggested rideshare drop-off areas near the shuttles, as well as nearby parking for those who opt to drive then shuttle. Shuttles will run from 12pm to 7am to accommodate attendees.
Schedule: The festival starts at 1pm both Friday and Saturday, and wraps up at 1am each day. The official afterparty aboard the Queen Mary begins at 12am, and concludes at 6am. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint!
Weather: Temperatures are expected to be in the low 70s during the day, and drop down into the high 40s by the end of the fest. Wear layers, pack some hand warmers, and hydrate throughout the course of the day/night. If you don’t want to carry your extra layers, lockers will be available at the festival for rent.
Lockers: Lockers with universal phone chargers included are available for rent in both GA and VIP. One and two-day rentals are available, and can even be reserved in advance here. Keep your hands free on the dance floor by securing your belongings in one!
Stages and Set Times: Dreamstate will feature four stages: The Dream, The Sequence, The Vision, and The Void. Set times for your custom schedule can be saved on the Insomniac app, so you can keep track of your must-see sets!
Map: Dreamstate 2024 has expanded its geographic footprint from last year. Check out the layout below and familiarize yourself with need to know locations such as water stations, bathrooms, and medical.
Bag Policy: Insomniac recently shifted their bag policy requiring bags be clear or fit into a select size guideline. Make sure your bag fits within the regulations.
Afterparties: The official afterparties will run each night from 12am-6am aboard the Queen Mary. Tickets for the afters are available here. You MUST have a valid festival pass to be admitted to the afters. Prepare to dance all night long!
SPECIAL ADDITION: FOOD DRIVE: Dreamstate and Insomniac have partnered with Food Finders Bank, Inc. to help families in need this holiday season. Donation boxes will be near the festival entrance. Consider bringing some non-perishable goods with you to get in the spirit of giving!
Don’t miss out, last minute tickets are available here. Keep up with all things Dreamstate using the links below. See you on the dance floor!
From October 31 to November 2, 2024, Miami’s Hocus Pocus festival summoned revelers to the enchanted grounds of Factory Town for a Halloween celebration like no other. With a spellbinding lineup of 75+ DJs, including techno sorceress Charlotte De Witte, electrifying genre-blender Odd Mob, and melodic maestros Artbat, this three-night dance marathon bewitched attendees with non-stop beats, eerie attractions, and an atmosphere dripping with supernatural charm. From sunset to sunrise, dance music lovers enjoyed a spooktacular arrangement of the best in music.
The Park Stage
A Bewitching First Impression
The festival’s magic was palpable from the very start. Entry was as smooth as a broomstick ride under the full moon, with both GA and VIP attendees breezing through the gates. Inside, Factory Town was transformed into a haunted playground, with giant multicolored floating eyeballs, skeletal figures, severed mannequins, and more frights casting spooky shadows across the venue. Vendors lined the corridors like merchants at a supernatural bazaar, offering everything from enchanting costumes and crafts to delectable potions (aka food and drinks). The clever layout of the stages allowed for seamless exploration while the warehouse walls and shipping containers created mystical barriers that kept the soundscapes distinct and immersive at each stage.
The Infinity Room Stage
Spellbinding Stages
Each stage had its own personality, enchanting the crowd in its unique way. The Infinity Room, the festival’s main stage, was a witchy masterpiece designed to look like an abandoned mansion, its ghostly grandeur illuminated by mesmerizing lights and lasers. This vast, open-air dance floor became the epicenter of energy as acts like Artbat, Ben Sterling, and the magical duo of Cassian B2B Kevin De Vries conjured unforgettable performances. Meanwhile, the Park Stage exuded dark, thumping energy with its curved screen of filtered live visuals of the performer and a steel and mesh canopy that felt like dancing under a witch’s spell. It was the perfect cauldron for techno wizards like Charlotte De Witte, Eli Brown B2B Lilly Palmer, and Indira Paganotto to unleash their sonic sorcery.
The Espacio Proximo Stage
Intimate Enchantments
The smaller stages, Espacio Proximo and Cypress End, cast their own intimate charms. Espacio Proximo, a glowing pergola tucked beneath a tree canopy, became an oasis of rhythm. With Funktion-One sound and a sprinkling of lasers, it hosted entrancing sets from artists like Francis Mercier B2B NiteFreak, LF System, and Amémé, blending Latin, Afro, and disco magic into the mix. At the edge of the venue, Cypress End lured wanderers in with its triangular LED tube stage nestled amid tropical palms. Underneath the creepy floating chandeliers and twinkling lasers, dancers moved to a mystical blend of minimal, Latin, and tech house grooves from artists like Ky William, Josh Baker, and Wheats.
The Cypress End Stage
VIP Tattoo Parlor
A VIP Experience Fit for a Coven
For those seeking a touch of luxury, the VIP areas conjured up special delights. The VIP lounges were creatively designed with photobooths and unique amenities like a tattoo parlor. Infinity Room VIP offered an obstructed view from behind the performers that hit the cool factor of the backstage feeling but left some VIP patrons longing for more magic. For a more scenic view, VIP pass holders could climb the spiral stairs adjacent to a shipping container bar to find a spacious balcony platform with an overhead, albeit far away view of the stage. The Park VIP area was our favorite with its raised platform located to the side of the stage, providing spellbinding views of the performers, the crowd, and the hypnotic visuals. Adding to the festival’s mystique was the Nightmare-themed Haunted Warehouse, a chilling detour where costumed characters lurked around every corner, daring attendees to confront their darkest fears in an immersive, spine-tingling adventure.
The Park Stage VIP
Perfectly Timed Enchantments
The festival organizers truly worked their magic with the scheduling and spacing of acts. Sets were longer than conventional at 1.5 to 2 hours and staggered, allowing attendees to catch multiple performances without the frantic rush often seen at other events. With only 5 to 10 minutes between stages, it was easy to float from one spellbinding act to the next. This thoughtful planning ensured that crowd energy remained high, with fans fully immersed in the beats and atmosphere all weekend long.
Blackchild B2B Chasewest on the Infinity Room Stage
A Halloween to Remember
Hocus Pocus Miami 2024 wove together a tapestry of unforgettable music, hauntingly beautiful decor, and festive attractions to create a festival experience that was nothing short of a magical marathon. From the ghostly grandeur of the Infinity Room to the eerie delights of the Nightmare Warehouse, this year’s edition solidified its reputation as one of Miami’s most enchanting Halloween traditions.
If you missed this year’s supernatural celebration, don’t fret! Follow Hocus Pocus Miami using the links below to stay under their spell and prepare for another hauntingly good time in 2025. Until then, may the magic of this year’s festival haunt your dreams in the best way possible!
Dreamstate SoCal, the ultimate U.S. trance destination, is locked and loaded with several special sets for its 10th edition. Trance legends from around the world are set to debut new performances at the Long Beach, CA festival this coming weekend.
Kicking things off, Craig Connelly is set to break new ground with Collider LIVE. The UK producer will showcase his musical prowess in a fully live performance using Ableton Live and unique controllers. With a career spanning over a decade, Connelly’s talents will culminate in this immersive set, promising to leave fans awe-inspired.
Giuseppe Ottaviani will premiere his one-of-a-kind OTTAGON project. OTTAGON is an homage to the word octagon and features Ottaviani in the center of eight keyboards. Renowned for pushing boundaries with innovative performances like Live 3.0, Ottaviani’s OTTAGON is poised to redefine live trance production yet again.
Photo Credit: Insomniac
A true icon of the genre, Alex M.O.R.P.H. will be performing his Cassiopeia set in Long Beach. With a career dating back to the ’90s and recognition as one of “The 101 Producers Award 2024,” Alex M.O.R.P.H. brings his signature style to Dreamstate in what promises to be a masterclass in trance.
In addition to these solo sets, Dreamstate SoCal will be the debut of two very special b2bs. After years of collaborating on tracks, Mark Sherry and David Forbes will finally take the stage together, debuting their project Thick As Thieves. In addition, legends Bryan Kearney and Mauro Picotto will be going back-to-back for the first time in history. With b2bs as legendary as these, you should pause and add them to your lineup in the Insomniac app.
There are just a few days to go until trance fans descend upon the Queen Mary, so be sure to keep up with the latest updates using the links below!
This Saturday, November 16, Pulse Events returns to Brooklyn, NY with a stacked lineup for its second edition of Winter Festival. From 10pm to 4am, Pulse Events will take over The Great Hall for its third festival of 2024 at the Avant Gardner complex. After great success with its Spring Festival Lunar New Year Celebration in February and the S2O Water Festival on Labor Day Weekend, Moon Lvnding looks forward to another opportunity to dance the night away at a Pulse Event.
The lineup for Winter Festival boasts two exciting b2b sets. Expect a trap-fueled set as New Jersey native 4B teams up with SAYMYNAME. Then Dillon Francis goes b2b with Valentino Khan for what promises to be an energetic combination of moombahton and bass house. Sandwiched between these two marquee b2bs is a set from one of my all-time favorite EDM producers, Adventure Club, who will be making their Pulse Events debut. Of course, Pulse Events will pull from its talented roster of local Asian American artists to fill out the lineup for a full night of entertainment.
In addition to the fabulous lineup, Pulse Events does amazing work providing engaging cultural elements for its festivals. The Winter Festival is based around Dongzhi Festival, the Chinese celebration of the winter solstice. This celebration originates from yin and yang, which symbolize harmony and balance. Winter Festival marks the start of the cooler winter season and a time for loved ones to get together. What better way to celebrate than getting together with your EDM besties for a full night of music and dancing?
Tickets are still available for Winter Festival this Saturday, November 16, but you’ll want to act fast before the current tier runs out. To keep up with all the latest news and announcements from Pulse Events, be sure to follow its social media channels below.
This weekend, Florida’s biggest electronic music festival EDC Orlando is revving up to blow everyone away with its unmatched production and stacked lineup. We know that heavy-hitting names like John Summit, Carl Cox, and Ganja White Night will draw crowds and deliver, but this carnival of sound begins at 1 PM daily and there is much more to explore. Attendees arriving to the grounds early have a chance to get a lay of the land, check out the breathtaking installations, and experience more intimate performances before the crowd grows too large. You never know which emerging talent will become the next gem. Don’t forget to set your alarms because you won’t want to miss these three earthshaking artists.
YDG – Friday, November 8
Underground bass powerhouse YDG is on a tear, captivating audiences with a sound that combines dubstep with experimental bass. This year, he’s appeared at major festivals like Beyond Wonderland, Goldrush, and Apocalypse where his energy-driven performances got crowds jumping with standout tracks like his recent single “Diamond.” YDG’s career has been propelled by his enormously popular remixes of It’s Murph’s “Down Low” and John Summit’s “Go Back”, bass-heavy renditions of house anthems that resonated throughout the summer at multiple festivals. EDC Orlando attendees should definitely catch his 2:10 PM set at CircuitGROUNDS to experience this superstar in the making before the day’s crowds pour in.
DRINKURWATER – November 9
Known for his “wet” bass-heavy beats, DRINKURWATER has been carving a unique space in the electronic scene this year, earning buzz with festival sets at the largest bass festivals across the US including Lost Lands, Wakaan and Bass Canyon. The Atlanta-based producer broke onto the scene in 2019 with “OH F*CK,” a collaboration with Rated R, and has been rising ever since. His latest standout single, “BODIES,” blends bass house with psychedelic influences, taking listeners on a wild, energetic ride. With a debut headlining tour underway and explosive performances, it is the perfect opportunity to get hydrated and experience DRINKURWATER’s boundary-pushing style at CircuitGROUNDS stage at 2:55 PM.
Mary Droppinz – November 10
A fresh and exciting name in bass music, Mary Droppinz has been making waves with her dark, heavy beats and signature vocals. She is currently touring the country, playing on enormous stages like Escape Halloween and EDSea. Her sounds of the underground span everything from UKG to acid bass lines to deep wubs. Tracks like “Yummy Gummy” and “La Discoteca,” her collab with BIIANCO and My Name Is Alex, have solidified her as one to watch, with her high-energy sets sure to light up the crowd. Get there early to experience her hypnotic basslines and powerful performance on the CircuitGROUNDS stage at 2:55!
Arriving early at EDC Orlando gives you the chance to discover rising stars like YDG, DRINKURWATER, and Mary Droppinz before the crowds pour in. These talented artists bring fresh sounds to the festival, offering intimate performances that promise to leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss the chance to experience their sets up close and be part of their journey as they rise to the top of the electronic music scene. The early bird does indeed get the wubs!
It’s mid-November, and you know what that means—headliners are heading to Florida for EDC Orlando! This festival draws the biggest names in dance music, but those aren’t the only headliners headed to town. The team behind it all, Insomniac affectionately calls its attendees headliners as they are considered the stars of the show. Although the official party kicks off on Friday afternoon, headliners can start dancing the night away and making memories under the Electric Sky beginning November 7 with the official EDC Orlando pre-parties. These pre-parties will take place at various locations throughout Orlando with some of the most exciting names in music!
The celebration doesn’t have to end Friday night! You and your friends can keep the excitement alive by attending the official EDC Orlando after-parties. These exclusive events promise to deliver more unforgettable music, vibrant atmospheres, and the chance to dance all night.
After unveiling Hulaween’s 2024 “Weir’d Science” theme, it was clear this year’s festival would be out of this world. With performances from electronic music favorites like Bou, Chase and Status, Zingara, Of The Trees, AK Renny, and Phyphr, alongside classic Hulaween acts like Sublime, The String Cheese Incident, and The Bobby Weir Incident, this year’s festival was truly one for the books. Aside from the electrifying music performances, Hulaween is filled with mesmerizing art installations, enlightening workshops, and countless opportunities for attendees to embark on the ultimate side quest.
OFF LIMITS Stage // Photo Courtesy of Tara Gracer
Spirit Lake Wonders and Workshops
Walking into Spirit Lake on the first day is a magical experience, with the entire area brimming with art, music, and nature. It’s one of the best—and most shaded—spots at the festival, perfect for enjoying the incredible workshops and art installations scattered throughout or simply relaxing by the lake. For those seeking a fulfilling morning before going into full wook mode, The Oasis and The Deliberate Creation Station offered vibrant workshops throughout the festival.
Friday Workshops
Friday morning kicked off with Liquid Space Disco Yoga at the Oasis, led by Alic Higgins and Damen Sarceno, where attendees could start their day with a relaxing yoga session to stretch and prepare for the weekend, followed by funky beats to dance to. Next up was Art for Your Heart, an emotional painting workshop led by Calypso at The Deliberate Creation Station. This session began with guided meditation to help attendees enter a safe space and reflect inward. Participants were then provided with painting supplies and encouraged to express what they felt in their hearts on a piece of wood, creating a hanging ornament to take home.
The day continued at The Deliberate Creation Station with Crystal Jewelry Wrapping for Beginners, led by Sara Carreau of Soul Sunshine Goods. A talented artist and holistic healer, Sara creates her own crystal-wrapped jewelry and other forms of art. She provided each participant with a crystal and demonstrated how to effectively wrap it into a beautiful piece of jewelry. Following this creative session, Slinky Josh led an exciting Slinky Manipulation 101 workshop at the Oasis, where participants each received a slinky and learned crowd-pleasing tricks. To close out the day before the evening’s music, Sara and Skye guided attendees through an enlightening Chakra Yoga and Reiki Circle, helping set positive intentions for the weekend.
Photo Courtesy of Sara Carreau
Saturday Workshops
Saturday morning began with a peaceful Psychedelic Sound Bath led by Mady Jane, offering a soothing start to ease the chaos from the night before. This was followed by a Good Morning Stretch into Nidra Nirvana with Barbara Alfonzo, both experiences designed to clear out any lingering negativity and foster a sense of belonging and relaxation among festival-goers. To spark creativity, The Deliberate Creation Station hosted a black-and-white forest painting class led by Ania Amador. Set in the heart of Spirit Lake, the natural landscape provided the perfect inspiration and backdrop for the workshop.
To round out the day, attendees joined the Women in Production Panel with Art in Session, where industry professionals shared insights and tips on navigating creative careers. These inspiring women discussed their journeys, sharing both the challenges and triumphs of pursuing their passions, and offered advice on finding success and fulfillment in creative work.
Spirit Lake Show // Photo Courtesy of Steph Port
Sunday Workshops
The final day of Hulaween was as thrilling as the first. The day began with an opening Cacao Circle and Higher Self Activation led by Ursa Collective. This activation included a guided meditation to help participants achieve clarity, followed by a cacao ceremony honoring the environment and the world around us. Participants savored their cacao while setting intentions for the final festival day ahead.
This was followed by Yoga: Everything All at Once with Kendall Barker, an energizing yoga session that stretched every part of the body—much needed after a long weekend of walking and dancing. Participants left feeling rejuvenated and ready for the day. Immediately afterward, Spirit Lake’s creative director Justin Bolognino led a session at The Deliberate Creation Station, sharing insights into the planning and implementation of Spirit Lake’s elaborate art installations. He discussed what he looks for in artists, the creative vision, and the late-night projection shows that have become Spirit Lake’s signature.
Photo Courtesy of Josh Skolnik
Later, Sara Carreau returned with Soul Painting DIY, a workshop that guided participants through a meditation connecting them to their inner selves. Using colors and words, they painted pieces that represented who they are and who they aspire to be. To conclude the weekend’s festivities, Art in Session hosted a closing Cacao Ceremony at The Deliberate Creation Station. This reflective session allowed participants to look back on their experiences and the connections they made throughout the festival. With a final cup of cacao, attendees left Spirit Lake feeling fulfilled and proud of their time spent at Hulaween.
Artistic Wonder
Aside from the incredible workshops and activations, Spirit Lake offered even more to explore. One of the most captivating attractions was a live painting mural maze, located in the heart of Spirit Lake between the Oasis and the Deliberate Creation Station. Throughout the weekend, various artists painted murals in real-time, allowing attendees to witness the creative process up close. Many of these artists also showcased other creative pieces for sale in an artist collective near the Oasis stage, displaying a wide range of unique artwork.
Photo Courtesy of Steph Port
This area of the venue also featured three main stages: House of Lost, OFF LIMITS, and Spirit Lake. While all were visually stunning, those who caught a set at the House of Lost experienced not only incredible music but also a meticulously designed art installation that left attendees in awe. The stage area included cozy church-style seating and breathtaking stage design, with both indoor and outdoor areas furnished with couches and tables—perfect for relaxing or capturing the ultimate festival photo. Toward the back of the seating area stood a small wooden shack where attendees could overlook the stage. At its entrance, Poet Juan Lli offered emotional, heartfelt poems on any topic or for any person attendees wished, adding a unique touch to the experience.
Check out some of the amazing artists and creators who contributed to this year’s workshops below!
The Hulaween team outdid themselves in 2024, conjuring a layout that perfectly married the familiar with the fantastically new. Outside of Spirit Lake, the festival’s larger stages—including the Meadows, Hallows, and Amphitheatre—were laid out in their usual prime locations. These all brought incredible sound and performances but Spirit Lake stole the show, revamped with an imaginative reconfiguration of over 40 mesmerizing art installations and interactive spaces. There, the eerie yet entrancing House of Lost transformed into a soulful live performance venue at dusk, while the Oasis doubled as a comfy late-night house music lounge. The Incendia stage was not its former self as it was downsized to a performance stage for fire dancing. This is because Incendia teamed up with Atlanta’s women-led collective DEF (Define Everything Future) to introduce OFF LIMITS—a 360-degree stage experience powered by extensive pyrotechnics, making a fiery impact that took the place of the previous Campground Stage. This electrifying addition was a central highlight, merging sound and spectacle in a truly unforgettable way.
Meadow Stage // Photo Courtesy of Aaron Bradley
Meadows & Hallows Stages
The Meadow and Hallows stages anchored the weekend’s jam-band and rock lineup, featuring legendary acts like Sublime, The Bobby Weir Incident, and The String Cheese Incident. Unfortunately, Tash Sultana, one of the most anticipated performers, had to cancel due to health issues but recently posted an update on Instagram, “I’ve been a bit quiet on here lately intentionally. I’ve been navigating a little bit of health stuff and realigning my priorities as a human being and as an artist. I’m getting fit, I dyed my hair, I’ve spent time with my favorite people and I just am not allowing the time to feel like shit.” Fans of bass were well rewarded on the Hallows stage the first two days, with exhilarating sets from Levity, Of The Trees, CloZee, and Tipper, who delivered one of his final festival performances—a bittersweet but powerful send-off for fans of his transcendent soundscapes.
Amphitheatre Stage // Photo Courtesy of Tara Gracer
Amphitheatre Stage
Set cozily among the trees, the Amphitheatre stage provided an intimate yet expansive space that bridged Spirit Lake’s mystical energy with the larger open-air zones. With its bowl shape, this stage offered fantastic views from almost every angle—though this year, the slight left turn of the setup meant a side view for much of the right section of the crowd. Any minor inconvenience was quickly forgotten, thanks to stunning sets by the highly anticipated Chase & Status, who unleashed relentless energy, Liquid Stranger’s sonic odyssey, and Maddy O’Neal’s funky bass grooves. Phyphr brought his blend of electro-soul and live guitar, while The Sponges soaked the early birds in their signature disco-infused beats, turning the Amphitheatre into an all-out dance party.
Spirit Lake Stage // Photo Courtesy of Tara Gracer
Spirit Lake Stage
At the heart of Spirit Lake, the projection-mapped Spirit Lake stage delivered an eclectic mix of genres and visual artistry. Performances by LP Giobbi, Walker & Royce, and Kyle Walker pumped energy into the crowd with groovy, house-driven beats, while Township Rebellion, &Friends, and Cassian explored deeper, melodic soundscapes. Kyle Walker’s driving tech house basslines and G Jones’ trappy experimental sunset were major highlights, pulling crowds into a kaleidoscopic experience that was both visual and auditory bliss.
OFF LIMITS Stage // Photo Courtesy of Tara Gracer
OFF LIMITS Stage
Finally, the DEF OFF LIMITS stage stood as the weekend’s crowning jewel, bringing the most cutting-edge sound and high-energy vibes to Hulaween. Designed as an immersive 360-degree experience with Funktion One sound and Incendia pyro, OFF LIMITS featured some of the weekend’s top moments. Across this stage, house, techno, UKG, and bass came alive, with Azzecca’s dark yet lively house and techno enchanting a massive audience to dance their tails off, and Will Clarke’s gritty, industrial techno driving the crowd into an absolute frenzy. Riordan brought that UK underground energy with his fast-paced basslines, while Taiki Nulight’s trademark blend of bass house and UKG grooves kept the beats pumping relentlessly. Bou hit hard with his heavy drum and bass, while Ayybo infused the stage with funky, bouncy tech-house beats that had the crowd swinging. Know Good’s high-energy bass drops added to the stage’s pulse. Also a hub for the secret sensations, OFF LIMITS hosted surprise performances including Chris Lake, who switched the vibe after his Amphitheatre set and ignited the dance floor with his darker tech house mastery, and a thrilling Levity B2B Eater set that turned up the excitement on night one. With appearances from Ravenscoon and a rare Of The Trees B2B Eazybaked set, OFF LIMITS became an unmissable celebration of genre-crossing talent and high-octane performances.
OFF LIMITS Stage // Photo Courtesy of Tara Gracer
Hulaween 2024 was a masterclass in festival magic, combining world-class music with a truly immersive environment. From the reimagined Spirit Lake art installations to the interactive workshops and multi-purpose spaces like the House of Lost and Oasis, every corner offered something to captivate the senses. The DEF OFF LIMITS stage delivered an unforgettable fusion of high-energy beats, while the projection-mapped Spirit Lake stage and the tree-lined Amphitheatre showcased stellar performances that kept the vibe spooky all weekend. With a crowd that was as vibrant and enthusiastic as the music itself, Hulaween proved once again that it’s more than just a festival—it’s a full-blown, one-of-a-kind experience where art, sound, and community come together in perfect harmony.
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