Houston Edm Festival
EDM has become a hugely popular genre in Texas, thanks to festivals such as Sun City Music Festival, Ultimate Music Experience and Day for Night that have transformed the state into an electronic music mecca.
Houston’s major festivals are usually scheduled around holidays, providing music lovers with a chance to escape the city for an immersive weekend of soundscapes. This year, Houston is sure to welcome some big-name acts!
Day For Night
Day for Night strives to be a music festival that goes beyond the typical acts found at most festivals. Instead, Day for Night embraces avant-garde art, paying homage to French director Francois Truffaut’s 1973 film “Day for Night”.
Houston’s inaugural day for night festival took place this past weekend at a 1.5 million square foot warehouse that once housed the Barbara Jordan Post Office. It was an appropriate choice, as Omar Afra founded Free Press Houston to protest against the Iraq War.
Day for Night managed to pull off an incredible inaugural event despite the unfortunate circumstances that put this year’s festival in jeopardy. The lineup included homegrown talent Solange, Thom Yorke, Nine Inch Nails as well as more established names like Cardi B.
The event’s artistic vibes complemented the venue, which featured four stages, two warehouse-encased installations and a gallery showcasing renowned digital artists. Each stage had an individual aesthetic reminiscent of a psychedelic music festival or art installation.
On the Green Stage, Los Angeles-based band Ariel Pink’s more accessible poppy sounds were welcomed by an early crowd sporting Santa Claus hats. Ariel Pink’s performance offered a welcome change from other acts’ more electronic and experimental sounds.
Liars, art students who have gained notoriety at Austin’s Psych Fest, also attracted a large audience with their unique blend of drum machine beats and layered synths. Their performance provided an enjoyable contrast from other bands on the main stages that focused more heavily on electro dance music.
New Order is another artist who breaks away from the norm, drawing a large audience to the Red Stage with their electronic music and geometric light shows. Frontman Bernard Sumner donned a cowboy hat for the set which perfectly complemented the venue’s aesthetic.
Buzzfest
For one of Houston’s premier electronic dance music festivals, Buzzfest is your best bet. This event has been running for two decades and consistently draws some of the biggest acts in the business.
Tickets to the festival can be purchased in two primary areas, with additional VIP options such as premium seating and priority access to the stage available for an additional cost of between $188-$235 depending on when you purchase them.
Buzzfest is an annual music festival held in Nashville and Houston, Texas that’s been running since 1995. Hosted by 94.5 The Buzz radio station, this year’s lineup includes many rock acts.
It’s an annual show (usually in spring) dedicated to alternative rock and grunge bands. This year’s lineup includes Foo Fighters, Staind, 3 Doors Down, and more.
If you’re planning on attending the Buzzfest festival, make sure you check the website for tickets. Seats often sell out quickly, so it’s best to purchase yours as soon as possible.
In addition to the main stage, there are various side stages where various bands perform. Generally, these have larger crowds and a better atmosphere than the main stage, so be sure to check them out!
At Buzzfest this year, two local bands that performed were Cage the Elephant and Blue October. Both are excellent rock acts that should not be missed if you’re a fan of these artists.
Their fans always sing along to Justin Furstenfeld’s show, which boasts plenty of energy and power. He excels at performing this role with ease and precision.
He’s even managed to get the crowd jumping up and down for his hits. While he may not be the newest face in town, he’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for an entertaining performance.
Buzzfest offers more than just music at its peak; it’s also an opportunity to check out some of Houston’s hottest bands and musicians. In addition to concerts, you can explore some of Houston’s hottest restaurants and bars as well. Make sure you arrive early so you don’t miss any of the action!
Something Wicked
Since 2012, Something Wicked has been the go-to venue for Houston dance music fans to enjoy spooky electronic artist performances on Halloween night. Now in its sixth year, this two-night event has become one of the premier EDM festivals in Texas and takes place at Sam Houston Race Park.
On October 24 and 25, Disco Donnie Presents and NightCulture present Something Wicked festival, produced by Disco Donnie Presents and NightCulture. The lineup boasts some of the biggest names in electronic dance music such as Above & Beyond, DJ Snake, Jack U, and Steve Aoki.
This event also showcases some local Texas artists. Dirtybird label head Claude Vonstroke will be performing on the Mystic Meadows stage, followed by Trance EDM sensation REZZ.
Something Wicked offers an unforgettable lineup, plus extras that make the experience even more special. Additionally, they are dedicated to giving back to the community – a portion of proceeds from ticket sales go directly to local organizations.
Something Wicked, the electronic music festival with a Halloween theme and stunning production, is a must-see for any electronic music fan. Hosted at Sam Houston Race Park each year, the two-day lineup boasts some of the top names in the industry in an elegant setting perfect for dancing.
This Halloween-themed festival will showcase three distinct stages: Shadowlands stage, Mystic Meadows stage and Bass Crypt stage. Each will have its own distinct vibe and showcase some of electronic music’s top names.
If you’re planning to attend the Houston electronic dance music festival this weekend, here are a few things to know:
In Houston, the weather can be unpredictable in the fall; so be sure to bring a jacket just in case. Camping is not allowed at this festival so you’ll need to find accommodations nearby; fortunately, Houston boasts plenty of hotels close by the festival grounds.
For the best prices and to avoid downtown traffic, try staying at a hotel in northwest Houston. Not only will this save you money on hotel rates, but also parking and transportation fees to and from the festival.
Fallcore
Houston may not have the largest dance music scene in America, but we do have some excellent EDM festivals to enjoy. If you’re into big beats, neon and dancing, Something Wicked should definitely be on your must-attend list.
Trae, the mastermind behind this three-day extravaganza, brings one of the premier rap festival shows in town. With an incredible lineup including some of the industry’s top acts and an electrifying hip-hop lineup, Trae’s event promises nothing short of breathtaking beauty.
The main stage at the festival features stunning LED lighting effects, which might be its most impressive feature. Set amidst lush trees and breathtaking stages, the venue truly feels like an oasis.
As an added bonus, this event is free and open to the public. No wonder why it has become one of the most sought-after concerts during the summer season!
One shining example of musically-minded fervor is For The Community, which has been hitting local venues since 2013. It’s a free, family-friendly multi-genre music fest that has become an annual part of the city’s festival lineup.
Live music is an ideal way to introduce those less familiar to live performance, and the best acts from around the world often perform at this annual celebration of arts. Not only that, but this annual showcase boasts an exciting lineup featuring both established favorites as well as some thrilling surprise acts that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
The best part is that all music and art is free, making it the ideal venue for newcomers to try their luck. Furthermore, this event has grown into a major fundraiser for both Houston Food Bank and Texas Association of First Responders.
Sam Houston Race Park hosts one of Houston’s lesser-known eDM festivals, but it sure is one of the most enjoyable. Spend your Halloween weekend here with friends and celebrate this festive season at various stages throughout Sam Houston Race Park! With plenty of EDM talent on tap and delicious food options aplenty, there’s sure to be something for everyone at this year’s festival!
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