As we all know, 2020 has been one disappointing year to say the least, especially when it comes to major dance music events. It’s been one very miserable year, overtaken by an unrelenting virus that continues to suck the soul out of the live music scene.
However, a variety of promoters and companies have been announcing the comeback of a selection of concerts and festivals for 2021. This brings a sense of positivity of what might be coming in the following months. While nothing is set in stone due to the uncertainty of the virus’ impact and the safety rules instated by global governments, fans can certainly start feeling hopeful to what awaits just a few months ahead.
Some of the major events to look forward to in 2021 are EDC Las Vegas, Ultra Music Festival, Electric Zoo, Movement Electronic Music Festival, Beyond Wonderland at The Gorge, EDC Portugal, Deadrocks VII, STS9 at Red Rocks, Shambala Music Festival, Electric Forest, Elements Festival, Exodus Festival and many others!
IMPORTANT UPDATE [May 2021]:
While a lot of us would really love that all of the below events happen at their originally scheduled dates, the latest situation of COVID and vaccinations around the world makes it impossible to fully predict when and if any of the below will happen.
We’ve recently compiled an extensive list of the confirmed events worldwide and dates for Spring/Summer 2021 festival season as well as which events are now officially moved into 2022. We highly recommend you check it out HERE.
Let’s go over these awesome 16 events festival goers will be looking forward to in 2021:
Photo Credit: Rukes.com for Ultra Music
Ultra Music Festival: March 26-28 2021, Miami
One of the most well known and highly anticipated events every year, Ultra Music Festival (UMF) is a massive electronic music festival in Miami, Florida. Started in 1999 and named after a Depeche Mode album, Ultra Music Festival is one of the biggest festivals in North America. Need all the insider info about the festival? Check out our comprehensive insider article here.
The festival is known for two things: a stacked lineup and an all-out party atmosphere. Each year 165,000 people pack into Bayfront Park to hear the biggest names in electronic music and hip hop.
Artists to expect: Carl Cox, Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Major Lazer, Amelie Lens & many more.
Learn more about the 2021 edition here
EDC Las Vegas: May 21-23 2021, Las Vegas
Another one of the biggest festivals on the global dance music map, also called the Tomorrowland of North America. Celebrating it’s 25th year in 2021, expect a curated lineup of the biggest and best artists from across the EDM music spectrum from house, techno, hip hop, hardstyles, and of course EDM, this festival features some of the most extensive dance music artist list anywhere in the world.
EDC Las Vegas features top level, incredible stage production, pyrotechnics, and everything else you can think of to make it the most immersive and memorial experience possible. Keep in mind, for the 25th edition Insomniac are about to put on one mind-blowing experience!
Artists to expect: Alesso, Camelphat, Deadmau5, Infected Mushroom, San Holo, Zeds Dead, Kaskade & many more.
Learn more about the 2021 edition here
Photo Credit: AJInsomniac (under CC BY-SA 4.0 license)
Elements Festival: May 28-30, Lakewood, Pennsylvania
As described by the organizers, “Elements Festival is a multi-day arts & music camping festival that takes place in Lakewood, PA at a picturesque outdoor private grounds that is over 150 acres. Approximately, two hours from NYC, we have an amazing venue that features a private lake, rolling hills, and a magical forest.”
The event features three days and nights of music, large-scale art installations, interactive performances, a pirate ship, 3D video projection mapping, games, activities, yoga, tribal markets, and more.
The event lineup reaches beyond the standard EDM all-stars to offer something a little more varied which helps you understand why it’s getting more popular every year.
Learn more about the 2021 edition here
Photo Credit: Elements Festival
Movement Electronic Music Festival: May 29-31, Detroit
An event known for its underground style dance extravaganza in Motor City. Movement Music Festival boasts an eclectic lineup featuring massive underground names like Richie Hawtin, Maceo Plex, TOKiMONSTA, LTJ Bukem, and Goldie, of course among many others. Add to that, an incredible location, and we’ll guarantee that the 2021 edition of this festival is sure to be nothing short of extraordinary.
Learn more about the 2021 edition here
Beyond Wonderland at The Gorge: June 18-19, Washington
One of the most stunning venues in the United States is The Gorge in Washington state. Known for their high quality events, Insomniac will be putting on one of the most anticipated events of the year, bringing the Beyond Wonderland brand to this incredible location.
What can you expect? Well, according to the Instagram post by Insomniac Events, you can expect “2 nights of Music, Art & Exploration + 3 magical nights of Camping”
The official lineup announcement is coming in a few weeks, so make sure you’re up following for all the information.
Learn more about the 2021 edition here
Photo Credits: Insomniac.com
EDC Portugal: June 18-20, Praia De Rocha Beach, Portimao
We stay with Insomniac events once again, they’re also bringing the EDC brand to Portugal for the first time. The picturesque beaches of Portugal will call EDC home in 2021, by combining the magic of the one-of-a-kind festival with the mystical beaches of the North Atlantic attendees should be ready to be blown away by yet another experience!
“EDC represents a distinct union of technology and nature, where elements mix to ignite the senses and inspire the imagination.” This concept will follow the EDC brand to Portugal where you can expect a huge lineup of superstar headliners like Artbat, Maceo Plex, Andy C, Sven Vath, Netsky, Loco Dice, Cirez D, Diplo & many more!
Learn more about the 2021 edition here
Photo Credits: portugal.electricdaisycarnival.com
Electric Forest: June 25-28, Rothbury, Michigan
Nestled in the stunning Sherwood Forest, the Electric Forest incorporates the natural beauty of the high woodland trees into the experience which is heading into its second decade this year. Fans can roam around the alluring scenery or gather among the hundreds of hammocks dangling between the trees and pop up installations. But once the sun sets, the forest lights up and the magic begins.
Artists to expect: Louis The Child, Diplo, Kygo, Flume, Bassnectar, Bonobo, Cut Copy and many more.
Photo Credit: Electric Forest
Deadrocks VII: July 2-3, Morrison Colorado
Zeds Dead will be touching down at the world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado next year as well. The duo, known for their heavy-hitting bass and slew of iconic dance tracks, will be back to reignite the flames of dance music hearts after a long and rough year without live music.
Learn more about the 2021 edition here
STS9 at Red Rocks: July 23-24, Morrison Colorado
Fans of lasers, psychedelic sounds and improvised instrumentation will be glad to hear about this one. STS9’s Red Rocks run will be colorful, groovy and energetic, all resonating event which is sure to take one of the states’ most iconic venues to the next level. In 2021, the show’s theme is “Sky World,” and will be dedicated to connecting with the stars and manifesting a more positive future for the world. How about that for the perfect post-2020 mindset?
Learn more about the 2021 edition here
Shambala Music Festival: July 23-26, British Columbia, Canada
This is one of the most unique festivals: The Shambhala Music Festival is celebrating its 23rd annual edition. It’s called the “Farmily” for a reason, and this is one of the top festivals to look forward to in the coming months.
“Throughout the evolution of the festival, one clear value has remained constant: to continue to be the backdrop for an unparalleled experience. Believing in the power of nature, synchronicity, and the moments in between, Shambhala can promise that what is felt on the Ranch is not within the realm of ordinary.”
So in a few months, the time will come to pause, take a deep breath, and let the magic of Shambhala Music Festival navigate you through the endless possibilities.
Learn more about the 2021 edition here
HARD Summer Music Festival: July 31, Los Angeles
From the name itself, you’ll know this one is for the fans of the harder styles of dance music. HARD have become synonymous with larger-than-life performances, educated party people, stunning productions, and the brightest rising stars. Founded in 2007 by Gary Richards (who also DJs under the name Destructo), the festival was created to help Gary return to his roots promoting live concert events.
Learn more about the 2021 edition here
Exodus Festival: TBA Summer 2021, Las Vegas
This not your typical festival, it is spread across four weekends throughout the summer, starting on Memorial Day and ending on Labor Day. On top of that, it doesn’t have a central location, instead the festival takes place in five of Vegas’ top clubs. The lineup is smaller than other entries on this list, but what it lacks in numbers it makes up for in sheer star power, hosting sets from the biggest DJs in the world.
For the 11th Season running, it is the most cost effective and hassle-free way to experience Las Vegas. Leave the party and DJ selection up to them, while your All Access Pass grants you free and express entry to the busiest parties in Sin City.
Learn more about the 2021 edition here
Electric Zoo: September 3-5, New York
Heading into its twelfth edition, Electric Zoo is an electronic music festival in New York City and it is known to be the city’s premier dance music gathering. It takes over Randall’s Island and showcases a lineup of not only the biggest names in EDM, dubstep, house and bass, but the some of the most creative as well.
“Just think about the metamorphosis that a caterpillar undergoes to become an exquisite butterfly. It’s pretty mind-blowing. Thus, we’ve taken such inspiration and tied it into this year’s theme, Electric Zoo: Evolved.”
Artists to expect: Alan Walker, Tiesto, I_O, Cosmic Gate, Chris Lorenzo, Duke Dumont & many more.
Learn more about the 2021 edition here
Photo Credits: Made Event, electriczoo.com
Dancefestopia: September 9-12, Kansas City
Dacefestopia is a music and camping festival featuring over 150 artists on 4 stages for 4 days and 5 nights. Escape to the magical Emerald City and find yourself in a world of enchantment, wonder, and bass.
Home of happiness, love, and celebration – an escape from life’s pain, stresses, and uncertainties. Dancefestopia helps you carve out your own beautiful place on earth and laugh, love, and dance with friends for four nights in the beautiful September air. Dancefestopia also offers a phenomenal bird’s eye view of the party going on below as you glide through the air on the Flying Monkey zip line or take your body to unimaginable heights on the rock climbing wall. If you’re interested in another mode of fun, float around the Emerald Pond in a canoe, or partake in the wicked pool parties.
Artists to expect: Rezz, 12th Planet, Boogie T, Borgore, Jai Wolf, Lane 8, Peekaboo, Riot Ten, Space Jesus, Subtronics, Troyboi & many more.
Learn more about the 2021 edition here
Escape Psycho Circus: October 29-30, San Bernadino, California
Held around Halloween, Escape Psycho Circus is one of Insomniac Events music festivals running since 2011. Attendees can experience halloween walk-through mazes, themed stages, and costumed performers. Genres playing at this festival include EDM, house, dance, electro house, drum and bass, techno, dance-punk, hardstyle, dubstep, trance, and more!
Each realm of the Psycho Circus offers up a unique musical treat, full of audiovisual trickery to captivate your soul. You’ll be able to enjoy art, performers, and people being their most creative selves! Prepare yourself for two nights of monstrous beats as we bring you a multi-genre musical experience that will slay you.
Artists to expect: Code Black, Valentino Khan, Nicole Moudaber, Riot Ten, Claptone & many more.
Dreamstate: November 19-20, San Bernadino, California
A world where ethereal beats and timeless melodies abduct you from the everyday and take you to a higher state, Dreamstate is Insomniac’s all-trance event. This music has the power to connect, the power to soothe, and the power to heal. This festival lets you experience that power together.
The stages of Dreamstate create the perfect audiovisual environments for exploring the sounds within the wide trance universe. Dreamstate unites fans bound by deep passion—not only for the music, but for the community that surrounds it. The community is why this festival exists. The fans are the heart of Dreamstate.
Artists to expect: John Askew, Ferry Corsten, Solarstone, Sean Tyas, Astrix, Chris Schweizer & many more.
Learn more about the 2021 edition here
Photo Credit: Juliana Bernstein for Insomniac Events