Tropical Festivals Around the World

The world is such an interconnected place these days that far flung places are no longer out of reach to party people. 

If you have a desire to get some winter sun, to lay back on a lunger while your friends and fam freeze back home, then look no further. 

In the coming months there are myriad chances to explore new places, cultures and musical scenes thanks to these essential tropical offerings. 

EPIZODE

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

https://epizode.com/

Dec 27, 2019 – Jan 7, 2020

EPIZODE is a unique coming together of music, art and culture in Vietnam’s most picturesque island getaway, Phu Quoc. The 11-day long festival kicks off after Christmas and ploughs through the hustle and bustle of the New Year with magical sunsets, gorgeous sunny days and endless chances to explore the culturally rich local island all with a world class soundtrack.

Over the last three editions, the festival has quickly attracted a friendly, culturally curious crowd looking for new experiences. In 2019, attendance rates doubled from previous years, with more than 10,000 people from 79 countries attending including ravers, industry folks and avid travellers who get lost in a dreamy environment that comes alive with next level production, gigantic sculptures, installations and light shows that make it an unreal artistic setting.

This year the festival will focus on green credentials with a new eco-initiative that will substitute plastic straws with organic ones made in Vietnam, introduce a cup-sharing system, reusable pocket ashtrays and a focus on educating the team, local partners and the audience about the responsibility that one can take to prevent the collapse of the ecosystem, through a series of advisory meetings, lectures, cleaning actions on the beach, in the forest, on the road and so on, all of which adds to the importance of Epizode Festival.

Artists include: ANJA SCHNEIDER, APOLLONIA, BEN UFO, CRAIG RICHARDS, GUTI, LEHAR, LILLY PALMER, LOCO DICE, LUCIANO, NICOLAS LUTZ, RARESH, RICARDO VILLALOBOS, wAFF, WILLIAM DJOKO & MANY MORE

Electric Gardens Festival

Sydney, Australia

www.electricgardens.com.au

Saturday 22nd February

In Summer 2020, Electric Gardens delivers its biggest and most diverse lineup yet for its 5th anniversary: Half a decade of cutting-edge producers and world-class DJs will be celebrated in Sydney’s shining Centennial Park on Saturday 22nd February 2020 including Armand Van Helden, DJ EZ, Craig David Presents T5, Nora En Pure, Gorgon City, Alan Fitzpatrick, My Nu Leng, Pan-Pot, Reinier Zonneveld live, Wilkinson and many more world class DJs and live shows. 

Since a game-changing debut  back in 2016, Electric Gardens has established itself as an essential boutique event for electronic music fans across the country. Electric Gardens 2020 continues the event’s tradition of presenting top-tier electronic artists and underground sensations; with dazzling stage production, generous set times and a pristine location. It’s careful curation that has seen the event become a staple for Australian fans over the past five years, and the milestone is a testament to Electric Gardens dedication to booking exciting electronic talent, while simultaneously steering clear of trend-dependent and novelty acts.

SXM Festival

Saint Martin, The Caribbean

https://sxmfestival.com/

March 11 – 15, 2020

Set on the paradise island of Saint-Martin / Sint-Maarten in the Caribbean, featuring a wealth of international DJs and electronic music talent, SXM Festival prides it itself upon drawing the most discerning crowd of music lovers. A reaction to large, faceless festivals around the world, SXM sees an influential group of dancefloor aficionados – who value and respect the scene’s history and culture – come together in beautiful surroundings to dance together and experience the joys of one of the Caribbean’s most fun and friendly locations.

Lineup includes: Bedouin, Blond:Ish, Britta Arnold, Cassy, Chaim, DJ Tennis, Enzo Siragusa, Holmar, Jade (CA), Jan Blomqvist (Live), Jenia Tarsol, Loco Dice, Luca Bacchetti, Maga, Maher Daniel, Marco Carola, Parallells (Live), Ricardo Villalobos, Rony Seikaly, Sabo, Sainte Vie (Live), Serge Devant, Sonja Moonear, Unders, wAFF, YokoO

Heart Festival

Miami, Florida

December 6th & 7th 2019

https://factory.electrostub.com/event.cfm?id=210868

On December 6th and 7th, 2019, attendees of Heart Festival at Wynwood Factory will have the unique opportunity to experience the return of a legendary concept. 

For Art Basel 2019, the team behind Heart Nightclub is reawakening the beloved brand as a 2-day, 63-act, genre-bending festival at the beautiful Wynwood Factory. Designed by the experienced team behind Heart Nightclub and Humans Alike, Heart Festival at Wynwood Factory features over 60 of the best electronic DJs and live performers utilizing three distinct rooms and one open-air lot, each featuring a top-of-the-line sound system and a distinct energy. The lineup features top-tier techno staples such as The Martinez Brothers, Sasha & John Digweed, Damian Lazarus, Cassy and Bedouin, but also brings live performers and creative up-and-comers, such as Rodriguez Jr.

Lineup Includes: The Martinez Brothers, Sasha & John Digweed, Damian Lazarus, Bedouin, Andrea Oliva, Artbat, Boris, Brina Knauss, Carlo Lio, Cassy, Chelina Manuhutu, Cocodrills, Culoe De Song, Davide Squillace, Denney, Fiin

Guy J, Hector, Hugo Bianco, Ilario Alicante, Popof, Rodriguez Jr. (live), Technasia & many more

Envision Festival

Uvita, Costa Rica

https://envisionfestival.com/

Feb 17 – 24, 2020

Envision is the world’s biggest eco friendly festival, a 7 day wellbeing and music experience held on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast where the jungle meets the ocean. There’s a big focus on yoga: classes run all day in two ‘yoga temples’, with top teachers from around the world. Expect workshops on anything from permaculture to natural remedies and astrology, while music – across four stages – will be provided by local and international live acts and DJs. 2020 will mark the 10th year anniversary of Envision, so expect bigger and longer celebrations for this special global landmark event.

In an effort to leave a positive footprint, Envision hosts a reforesting program which has planted more than 12,000 trees over the last 8 years. To protect the environment and cut down on waste, ALL single use plastics and outside alcohol are banned, while vendors serving foods onsite pledge to uphold Envision’s commitment to buy locally grown produce for an authentic dining experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

Lineup includes: Rufus Du Sol, Tipper, Clozee, Monolink, Yokoo, Be Svendsen, Random Rab & many more

LXM Festival

Lisbon, Portugal

https://lxmfestival.com/

December 13, 14, 15th 

So, it happens and we present something that we have definitely been settling since 2004, is the biggest event of LXMUSIC to date, an event only possible now, after 14 years of affirmation and sharing with Lisbon and the world the best of the universe of the world. electronic music. There were hundreds of artists above the thousand who shared with us and built the foundations, paths, new starting points for the present and the future.

The LXM Festival is based on an adult, concerned and responsible concept, which aims to affirm and believe electronic music as an expression and as an art form, no doubt. It is also a sample for the new generations; what is expected again; what is there to explore.

The LXM Festival also emerges based on the evolution of technologies and science. The venue for the event, the Parque das Nações International Fair of Lisbon, is located in Nova Lisboa, where the best means and accessibility are located, constituting as a reference of technological development, with road, rail and air communications. few minutes from each other.

FRIDAY – 13th December

Boris Brejcha [In Concert / Album Release Tour]

Ann Clue

Deniz Bul

Theydream

SATURDAY – 14th December

I Hate Models

Benjamin Damage (Live)

SUNDAY – 15th December

Ben Klock

Dax J

Paula Temple

Answer Code Request (Live)

Etapp Kyle

Les Dunes Electroniques

Nefta, Tunisia

http://www.dunes-electroniques.com/

Nov 16 – 17, 2019

Les Dunes Electroniques was founded in 2014 as a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts of the Republic of Tunisia. After three years away, the festival makes a welcome return in 2019 from September 21-22nd. The action goes down at Ong Jmel, near Nefta, at the gateway to Tunisia’s southern desert—globally recognised as the setting of Luke Skywalker’s hometown, Mos Espa, in the original Star Wars franchise. This unique musical adventure will serve up 30 hours of uninterrupted music from the Tunisian, French and international electronic scenes with more than 30 artists on the bill.

An unprecedented format, an exceptional natural scenery, a strong representation of the Tunisian youth … all the ingredients are gathered to make this third edition unforgettable, in the process providing a unique experience to the public of DUNES ELECTRONIQUES.

Artists include: Axel Boman, Apollonia, Nicolas Lutz, Luciano, Behrouz, Stimming and many more

Project Sound

Tulum, Mexico 

https://www.facebook.com/projectsoundmx/

January 5th / January 6th 

Cult and long established promoters Project Sound invite you to spend the New Year with them, deep in the mystic jungle of Tulum, Mexico at their specially built new club, Templo Xunanha. This organic structure will come alive with Mayan spirits and world class sounds from Solomon, Maceo Plex, Ame and Dixon.

Project Sound have been creating special, high quality events at the Riviera Maya for more than 12 years. They are always respectful of the magic of the Mayan land and put together tasteful line ups in unreal locations, always with a focus on world class sound and production. 

After that on January 5th is Solomun’s world renowned +1 concept makes the trip over from its home in Ibiza and will see the Diynamic label founder play with Maceo Plex, the space techno pioneer behind the Ellum Audio label, all amongst the incredible nature of the jungle. 

Then, on January 6th, masters of deep house emotions and Innervisions founders Âme and Dixon will play back to back for an extended all night set that will find them go into every corner of their record bags to serve up a truly enchanting set. 

These three parties are set to be historic night in the heart of the Mexican jungle that will be talked about for years to come.

 

NuraiFest
Abu Dhabi
Nov 22 – 24, 2019

 

 

Abu Dhabi’s luxury private resort Zaya Nurai Island is to give itself over to a high-class music festival that will take place on 22nd to 23rd November 2019. At NuraiFest there’s something for everyone, no matter what time of the day; from pool parties in different corners of the island to sunset beach parties, all culminating with the famous VIP Estate party and world-renowned DJs such as Audiofly, Steve Lawler, Tiga, wAFF, M.A.N.D.Y., Satori live and Serge Devant performing on both days. 
This will be an immersive and dream-like island experience like no other. It is where reinvigoration, music culture and relaxation seamlessly intersect as you dance on flawless white sand beaches and soak in translucent azure waters under a golden island sun. Ignite your sense of adventure, this is not déjà vu; this is something you’ve never seen or felt before.


Artists include: Audiofly, Steve Lawler, Tiga, wAFF, M.A.N.D.Y., Satori live, Serge Devan & more

Groove Cruise Launches Global Aspiring DJ Contest

re you or someone you know the next superstar DJ? Got mad skills that need an audience? Then the sold-out Groove Cruise wants to hear from aspiring DJs as they launch their annual Undiscovered DJ competition.
Headlining the world’s premier electronic music cruise are internationally acclaimed artists Above & Beyond, KSHMR, Loco Dice, Markus Schulz, Nora en Pure, Roger Sanchez, Solarstone, Cocodrills, and 40 other artists who the winner of this new DJ competition will appear alongside.
If you have the skills to pay the bills, then you could earn a slot playing on the 16th-annual Groove Cruise sailing from Miami to Costa Maya from January 9-13, 2020 as well as a free stateroom for the winner and a guest aboard the Celebrity Infinity, as well as airfare for two (a prize worth more than $3,500!). What’s more, the winning mix will also be featured on Groove Cruise Radio with an audience of more than 100,000 subscribers. The second-place mix picks up a fantastic prize in the form of Two Adam Audio A8X Studio Monitors (valued at $2,000) courtesy of contest platform partner SoonVibes.
Mixes of 30-60 minutes focusing on electronic music must be uploaded by November 15.  Voting opens to the public from November 15 to 22, and the top 10 most popular mixes will go on to the second round November 23 to 26. The five final mixes will then be judged by a panel including industry experts, our partners at EDM.com, and Groove Cruise headliners, plus resident DJs and previous contest winners who have become Groove Cruise regulars!
The final winner will be announced on December 3. Complete rules and details are at GrooveCruise.com/DJcontest/

Solomun & Maceo Plex, Âme & Dixon Play Mexican Jungle in Tulum for New Year

Project Sound have been creating special, high quality events at the Riviera Maya for more than 12 years. Now they do so again with a trio of events and world class sounds from Solomon, Maceo Plex, Ame, Dixon and a New Year’s Eve line-up to be announced.
They are always respectful of the magic of the Mayan land and put together tasteful line ups in unreal locations, always with a focus on world class sound and production. This year, they once again invite more of the world’s best artists to a truly special location… deep in the mystic jungle of Tulum, Mexico at their specially built new club, Templo Xunanha.
On January 5th, it’s the turn of Solomun and his world-renowned +1 concept, which makes the trip over from its home in Ibiza and will see the Diynamic label founder play with Maceo Plex, the space techno pioneer behind the Ellum Audio label, all amongst the incredible nature of the jungle. 
Then, on January 6th, masters of deep house emotions and Innervisions founders Âme and Dixon will play back-to-back for an extended all night set that will find them go into every corner of their record bags to serve up a truly enchanting set. 
These parties are set to be historic nights in the heart of the Mexican jungle that will be talked about for years to come.

NuriaFest Announces Tiga, wAFF, M.A.N.D.Y., Satori live and Serge Devant For Festival on Island Paradise

NuriaFest invites Audiofly, Steve Lawler, Tiga, wAFF, M.A.N.D.Y., Satori live and Serge Devant play on November 22-23 in Abu Dhabi

This will be an immersive and dream-like island experience like no other. It is where reinvigoration, music culture and relaxation seamlessly intersect as you dance on flawless white sand beaches and soak in translucent azure waters under a golden island sun. Ignite your sense of adventure, this is not déjà vu; this is something you’ve never seen or felt before.

A short 15-minute boat ride off the shores of Abu Dhabi, you will discover Zaya Nurai Island. A piece of paradise like nowhere else, it offers 52 private villas, a world-class oceanside spa, five fine and casual food and beverage experiences, one-of-a-kind beach club, and a calendar of exceptional activities on land and sea. There are three ways to get to this magical island – by boat, helicopter or seaplane. Shuttle boats will be departing from the welcome center to the island and back throughout the entire festival time – inclusive of the pass.

Says Zaya Nurai Island General Manager, Adib Moukheiber, “Our goal is to create memorable island experiences like no other in the UAE. Zaya Nurai Island will play host to one of the most unique music festivals to ever take place in the region and beyond.”

The soundtrack comes from some of house and tech’s most celebrated names, with Warriors legend Steve Lawler fresh from another huge summer season on the White Isle, fellow Ibiza kingpins and Flying Circus duo Audiofly and Get Physical’s titanic M.A.N.D.Y. all bringing multiple house styles. Turbo Recordings head honcho and Canadian underground star Tiga always cooks up thrilling soundtracks, and a live show from Santori is one of dance music’s most essential experiences right now.  Add in wAFF, one of Desolat and Cocoon’s biggest techno talents, plus a set from Serge Devant and you have an on-point selection of globally-renowned names.

VIP packages including a weekend stay in your own private villa with an infinity pool are also available. For those who would like to stay on Saadiyat / Abu Dhabi mainland, NuraiFest is offering a number of special deals with other hotels. Offers are available on www.nuraifest.com

NuraiFest is capping ticket sales to ensure exclusivity. If you want to guarantee a spot, we recommend you to buy your tickets as early as possible to avail the early bird price advantage.

SXM Festival Returns in 2020 With DJ Tennis, Ricardo Villalobos, Enzo Siragusa, Blond:Ish, Loco Dice, Cassy, Sonja Moonear and More

SXM Festival has revealed who will headline from March 11-15 2020 on the Caribbean Island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten.

In line with SXM Festival’s wide reaching curation, the deeper side of the Burning Man influenced house and techno scene will find its place once again on the beaches of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. Bedouin will bring their mystic sonics to the event following a massive season for their Saga party in Ibiza. Blond:ish will return to the event following a Happy Bay triumph in 2019. Phase one also includes Israeli export and SXM favorite Chaim alongside YokoO, Luca Bachetti, Holmar, Sabo, Jan Blomqvist, Parallells, Sainte Vie and more.

The heights of the European underground will be on full display at SXM Festival, represented by the likes of the inimitable Ricardo Villalobos, Music On! boss Marco Carola, Panorama Bar resident Cassy and the eclectic sounds of Sonja Moonear. New SXM favorite Enzo Siragusa will make his return to the festival while fashion-forward tech house master Loco Dice is welcomed for his first session on the island. 
The international showcase continues with the likes of Crosstown Rebels mainstay Serge Devant, Lebanon’s Rony Seikaly, UK shapeshifter wAFF, and ambitious Berliner, Britta Arnold. 

The means by which these performances are spread across five days of peaks and valleys remains the true magic of the SXM Festival experience. Each set is thought of as part of an emotional odyssey taking travelers on a rhythmic journey through the natural beauty of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. Attendees may find themselves dancing on the idyllic shores of Happy Bay at sunset, partying at a premiere nightclub until dawn, then being swept away for a Boat Party at or a popup sunrise soirée looking over the Caribbean. The ebb and flow of the event is what retains its uniqueness, with each bespoke performance just a quick trip away from luxury villas and world-class hotels in which to rest for the day ahead. Each aspect of the programming aims to build towards its infamous emotional crescendos like the exclusive clifftop Villa Party and peak time at Happy Bay. 

Since the devastating impact on the island by a series of 2017 hurricanes, SXM Festival has furthered its connection with the island and its dedication to the needs of the local community. In 2018, the festival created the Two Bunch Palms and Les Amis du SXM Festival Foundations with the immediate mission to raise funds to help those affected by Hurricane IRMA and as a future vessel to give back to causes important to the development and health of the island. The 2019 festival saw fans and artists join forces with both local governments to rebuild recreation areas, cleanup the island’s renowned beaches, and raise money for the year-round betterment of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. 

Tickets On Sale Now:

Debut Lisbon Festival LXM Announces Full Line-up

Lisbon’s game-changing techno crew LX Music have announced the final line-up for their biggest ever event, LXM Festival, at Parque das Nações from December 13-15th, 2019.

Day 1 will be headlined by a show from the previously announced headliner Boris Brejcha as part of his latest album tour, with Ann Clue, Deniz Bul, Theydream, Der Dritte Raum (live), Wehbba, Alex Stein and Midinoize also playing.

Day 2, Saturday 14th, is when techno legend Paul Kalkbrenner, moody acid man Recondite and 50 Weapons star Benjamin Damage all play live, while house innovator Art Department DJs with the likes of I Hate Models and more.

Day 3 is when Berghain residents Ben Klock, RØDHÅD and Marcel Dettmann headline with a special closing show from Dax J plus Paula Temple, a live show from Answer Code Request and more.

The venue is a vast space on the Tagus River with striking design and stunning views.

LXM Festival
December 13-15th, 2019
Parque das Nações, Lisbon
https://lxmfestival.com/pt_PT/

Photo Gallery: Moga Festival 2019

Moga Festival is a stunning event in many ways – the food, the music, the local customs and traditions and talented artists, as well as the beautiful setting. 
Essaouira in Morocco is crazy-historic and has been used as The Red City in Game of Thrones. Palm trees and lush sunsets, beautiful sand beaches and old stone buildings ooze real atmosphere and the hot sun makes it a real desert escape. 
Music plays out on four different stages, there are 6500 people in all from many different countries and top sets from the likes of Behrouz, and Praslea, and many more all make it hugely memorable. 
The crowd is friendly and in the know and help make this a truly absorbing experience. 
We were there and here are some of the best photos. 
Photos by Oli Riley Photography, Juliet Airs and Momo Filali

10 of the Best Photos from Dockyard Festival

Dockyard x Mystic Garden is one of the most exciting and invigorating parties of the ADE meet up each year.

It pairs off industrial vibes with fairytale and dream like production, a world class crowd who know their music and love to dance and also this year showcased some cool new names that had been talent picked all year long.

Surgeon and Lady Starlight live was a real highlight, while Radio Salve laid down some heavy techno, Maxtrixxmann and Ellen Allien went back to back with a dark and twisted set of techno and disco, Eats everything layered up the bumping bass, Latumn and Joey Daniel were some new school talents who impressed, techno from Oscar Mulero and Paco Osuna and many more also made this a standout year.

These are 10 photos that really show you what an essential event this is.

Kaos Garden is the First Immersive Experience of Elrow Art

Following its US debut in Miami at Art Basel on December 6, elrow’art’s Kaos Garden will make its New York debut on three stages at Avant Gardner on December 14.

Famed Multidisciplinary artist Okuda San Miguel and Renowned Producer/ DJ Paco Osuna will represent, through avant-garde art and electronic music, their particular vision of ‘The Garden of Earthly Delights’ in an experience where the audience will be part of a great piece of interactive art.

elrow and Paco Osuna have curated a very special musical lineup featuring the trendiest DJS from around the globe: Lee Foss, Eats Everything, Latmun, and Jacky plus B2B sets from Jean Pierre and Jesse Collaso, and Charles Meyer and Joe Pompeo, as well as elrow residents Bastian Bux and De La Swing. Lee Foss’s Repopulate Mars crew will take over King’s Hall with its out-of-this-world vibe. The event continues elrow’s celebrated New York residency and provides New Yorkers a one of a kind experience unlike any they’ve had before.

For the first time, elrow’art takes over three stages at Avant Gardner, The Great Hall, Lost Circus, and elrow partners with Repopulate Mars for Kings Hall takeover

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elrow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elrowofficial/

Matthias Tanzmann Returns with New Album Round and Round

Round and Round comes three years after Momentum, Tanzmann’s last album and one that provided a snapshot of the deeper sounds he was enjoying at the time. This third full length is a more widescreen overview of his entire career and will be released one track at a time over the course of a few weeks and months.

The album was all written in the last year, but reflects every facet of the artist’s sound, so unfolds something like a career-long musical diary: from the collaboration with long-time friend and Poker Flat chief Steve Bug, which harks back to the early days of deep house, via newer connections and modern techno with Rebuke, tracks with old companions like Mathias Kaden, and on to new creative links with contemporary stars like Mihalis Safras and Black Circle.

This is an autobiographical album informed by another busy year of gigs at major festivals around the world, his famous Circoloco residency at DC10 and further Ibiza gigs everywhere from ANTS to Elrow to Music On. September also saw the release of the Better Lost Than Stupid album Wild Slide, a collaborative work with pals Davide Squillace and Martin Buttrich that shows that decades after first starting out, Tanzmann is still very much at the forefront of the global underground scene.

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