By Eddie Zar | @eddiezar
Let’s get one thing straight: if you weren’t at Ultra Miami this year, I don’t know what to tell you—except maybe start saving for 2026, because the 25th anniversary of this beast of a festival *delivered*. I mean, Ultra didn’t just raise the bar—it launched it into the stratosphere, lit it on fire, and then dropped the bass hard enough to shake the entire coast of Florida.
From the second I stepped onto Bayfront Park, the energy was *electric*. You could *feel* that this was something special. 25 years of Ultra, and this one felt like the culmination of every beat, every drop, every unforgettable moment that’s ever defined electronic music.
And yes—it *did* rain. But we kept partying. Ponchos, soaked sneakers, and all. The rain only made it feel more primal. We weren’t leaving. Not when the beats were that good.
Let’s Talk Highlights (aka the “did-that-really-just-happen?” moments):
🎧 Calvin Harris’ Surprise Set – Yeah. Out of nowhere. Like the EDM Santa Claus we didn’t know we needed. Rumors were flying all weekend, and then boom—he’s there, dropping classics like “Feel So Close” and “This Is What You Came For” like it was 2014 all over again… but somehow even better.
🔥 Hardwell’s Return – He *torched* the main stage. His new set was a wild fusion of future rave and throwback energy. Dude’s reinvented himself, again, and I’m here for it.
🚁 David Guetta x MORTEN Future Rave Set – This was the sonic equivalent of standing on a mountain with lightning all around. Dark, pulsing, relentless. You could *feel* your soul vibrating with every kick.
👽 Eric Prydz HOLO – Just when you thought you’d seen everything at a festival… this man brings a whole other dimension. Holograms. 3D visuals that made you question reality. I had to remind myself I wasn’t on another planet (or maybe I *was*?).
🔥 Amelie Lens and Charlotte de Witte – These two queens *owned* the RESISTANCE Megastructure. Pure techno energy, industrial grit, and zero fluff. You came to dance, you *danced*.
🏝️ Stage Design & Visuals – It wasn’t just music—it was a *visual assault* in the best way. Lasers slicing through the Miami skyline, 360-degree LED setups, pyro everywhere. Ultra doesn’t just book DJs—they build *worlds*.
💣 Closing with Martin Garrix – It’s not Ultra without Garrix, and man did he shut it down with authority. “Animals” hit like it was brand new, and the fireworks finale? Absolutely ridiculous. Like, Disney wishes.
Quick Thoughts From the Trenches:
- Ultra security was *tight*, but vibes were chill. Everyone was there for the love of music.
- The crowd? Global as always—felt like a U.N. rave summit.
- Weather gave us a surprise rain blessing. A little humid, a little soaked—but nobody cared.
- And if you didn’t lose your voice by Sunday night, did you even Ultra?
Final Verdict?
Ultra Miami 2025 wasn’t just a festival—it was a celebration of 25 years of culture, connection, and dance floor unity. Whether you were there for the underground techno, the main stage madness, or just to feel alive with 150,000 other ravers—this year was one for the books.
If you caught me vibing at the Live Stage or grooving at RESISTANCE, shoutout to you. If not, you can catch the replays, but I promise—it’s *nothing* like being there. I’m still buzzing.
Catch you in the crowd next year. And until then, keep the beat alive.
Follow me @eddiezar for more behind-the-scenes, music drops, and everything EDM.
Peace, love, and bass drops—
Eddie 🎶